The written guide
Free ebook (PDF)Empowering Artists for Business Success
Course Description
This course will help independent artists understand the process of distributing music through Digital Service Providers (DSPs), such as TuneCore, CD Baby, DistroKid, and others. You'll learn how these platforms work, what services they provide, and how to choose the best one for your music. By the end of this course, you will know how to get your music on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
What You Will Learn
- Explain the fundamentals of Music Distribution
- Understand and apply Comparing Popular Distribution Platforms
- Apply the process for Distribute Your Music
- Understand and apply Maximizing Revenue from DSPs
- Evaluate options related to the Best DSP for Your Needs
- Resolve common questions and identify where expert guidance may be needed
Chapter 1: Introduction to Music Distribution
This chapter focuses on What is a DSP (Digital Service Provider)?, Why You Need a Distribution Service, and Overview of Major DSP Platforms. Use it to connect the lesson to the decisions, systems, and opportunities in your own creative business.
What is a DSP (Digital Service Provider)?
A Digital Service Provider (DSP) is an online platform that distributes music to streaming services, allowing your songs to be available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other platforms.
Key Points
- DSPs handle the logistics of getting your music on multiple streaming services.
- You retain ownership of your music while DSPs distribute it for public consumption.
Why You Need a Distribution Service
Using a DSP ensures your music reaches a wide audience:
- Exposure: DSPs allow you to distribute your music globally.
- Revenue: You earn royalties every time your music is streamed or downloaded.
- Convenience: DSPs handle the backend work, freeing you to focus on creating.
Overview of Major DSP Platforms
We'll cover several popular platforms, including:
- TuneCore: Offers music distribution and publishing admin services.
- CD Baby: Known for its comprehensive services, including physical distribution.
- DistroKid: Affordable, fast uploads with unlimited releases.
- Amuse: Free music distribution with an option to upgrade for additional services.
- UnitedMasters: Focuses on artist independence and offers brand deals.
Put It Into Practice
- Review your current approach to what is a dsp (digital service provider)?.
- Gather the information or documents you need for why you need a distribution service.
- Choose one action from this chapter and assign it a deadline this week.
Reflection
- Where does your current approach already align with this chapter?
- What is the single highest-impact improvement you can make next?
Chapter 2: Comparing Popular Distribution Platforms
This chapter focuses on TuneCore, CD Baby, and DistroKid. Use it to connect the lesson to the decisions, systems, and opportunities in your own creative business.
TuneCore
TuneCore charges per release but offers:
- Distribution to over 150 stores.
- Publishing administration to collect royalties from global platforms.
- Sync licensing opportunities.
CD Baby
CD Baby is a one-time fee service that includes:
- Global distribution to all major DSPs.
- Physical distribution services for CDs and vinyl.
- YouTube and Facebook monetization tools.
DistroKid
DistroKid is known for:
- Unlimited releases for a flat annual fee.
- Fast distribution to major platforms.
- Customizable splits for collaborators and automated royalty payments.
Amuse and UnitedMasters
Amuse offers free and premium tiers, with free distribution and an option to get additional promotion tools. UnitedMasters emphasizes artist independence and connects musicians with brand opportunities, along with sync licensing deals.
Put It Into Practice
- Review your current approach to tunecore.
- Gather the information or documents you need for cd baby.
- Choose one action from this chapter and assign it a deadline this week.
Reflection
- Where does your current approach already align with this chapter?
- What is the single highest-impact improvement you can make next?
Chapter 3: How to Distribute Your Music
This chapter focuses on Step-by-Step Guide to Uploading Your Music, Preparing Your Music for Distribution, and Understanding Metadata and ISRC Codes. Use it to connect the lesson to the decisions, systems, and opportunities in your own creative business.
Step-by-Step Guide to Uploading Your Music
Sign Up: Create an account with your preferred DSP.
- Upload Your Music: Ensure your tracks are properly mixed, mastered, and in the correct format (usually WAV or FLAC).
- Fill in Metadata: Input all relevant information, including track names, artist names, and genres.
- Choose Release Date: Schedule your release for maximum impact.
Preparing Your Music for Distribution
Make sure your music is ready for distribution by:
- Ensuring high-quality audio (WAV or FLAC files).
- Finalizing album artwork (at least 3000x3000 pixels).
- Collecting ISRC and UPC codes (some DSPs generate these for you).
Understanding Metadata and ISRC Codes
Metadata is crucial for categorizing your music on streaming platforms. An ISRC code is a unique identifier for each track, ensuring proper royalty collection.
Put It Into Practice
- Review your current approach to step-by-step guide to uploading your music.
- Gather the information or documents you need for preparing your music for distribution.
- Choose one action from this chapter and assign it a deadline this week.
Reflection
- Where does your current approach already align with this chapter?
- What is the single highest-impact improvement you can make next?
Chapter 4: Maximizing Revenue from DSPs
This chapter focuses on Collecting Royalties from Streaming Platforms, Managing Splits with Co-Creators, and How to Use Analytics to Grow Your Audience. Use it to connect the lesson to the decisions, systems, and opportunities in your own creative business.
Collecting Royalties from Streaming Platforms
Royalties from DSPs include:
- Mechanical Royalties: Earned from streams and downloads.
- Public Performance Royalties: Paid when your music is played on the radio or in public spaces.
- Publishing Royalties: Ensure you're collecting these if you write your own music.
Managing Splits with Co-Creators
DSPs like DistroKid allow you to automatically split royalties with collaborators:
- Set up individual royalty percentages.
- Ensure everyone gets paid fairly.
How to Use Analytics to Grow Your Audience
Use the data from DSP platforms to:
- Track listener locations and demographics.
- Identify which platforms and playlists are driving the most streams.
Put It Into Practice
- Review your current approach to collecting royalties from streaming platforms.
- Gather the information or documents you need for managing splits with co-creators.
- Choose one action from this chapter and assign it a deadline this week.
Reflection
- Where does your current approach already align with this chapter?
- What is the single highest-impact improvement you can make next?
Chapter 5: Choosing the Best DSP for Your Needs
This chapter focuses on Pricing Models (Subscription vs. Per Release), Additional Services (Sync Licensing, Publishing Admin), and Ease of Use and Customer Support. Use it to connect the lesson to the decisions, systems, and opportunities in your own creative business.
Pricing Models (Subscription vs. Per Release)
Compare the pricing structures of DSPs:
- TuneCore: Pay per release, no annual subscription.
- DistroKid: Annual fee for unlimited releases.
- Amuse: Free option with an upgraded premium service.
Additional Services (Sync Licensing, Publishing Admin)
Some DSPs offer additional services like:
- Sync Licensing: Opportunities to get your music featured in TV shows, movies, or commercials.
- Publishing Administration: DSPs like TuneCore can collect publishing royalties on your behalf.
Ease of Use and Customer Support
When choosing a DSP, consider:
- The user interface and how easy it is to navigate.
- Availability of customer support to help you troubleshoot issues.
Put It Into Practice
- Review your current approach to pricing models (subscription vs. per release).
- Gather the information or documents you need for additional services (sync licensing, publishing admin).
- Choose one action from this chapter and assign it a deadline this week.
Reflection
- Where does your current approach already align with this chapter?
- What is the single highest-impact improvement you can make next?
Chapter 6: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This chapter focuses on Can I Switch DSPs After I Release a Song?, How Much Do DSPs Take in Fees?, and How Do I Get My Music on Playlists?. Use it to connect the lesson to the decisions, systems, and opportunities in your own creative business.
Can I Switch DSPs After I Release a Song?
Yes, but it requires removing your music from one DSP and re-uploading it to another, which can disrupt streams and playlist placements.
How Much Do DSPs Take in Fees?
Each DSP takes a small percentage of royalties as a fee for distributing your music. Some take no additional fee, but charge per release or through subscriptions.
How Do I Get My Music on Playlists?
Getting your music on editorial playlists often requires:
- Using the playlist submission tools provided by streaming platforms (e.g., Spotify for Artists).
- Networking with playlist curators or using DSP features that promote playlist placement.
Put It Into Practice
- Review your current approach to can i switch dsps after i release a song?.
- Gather the information or documents you need for how much do dsps take in fees?.
- Choose one action from this chapter and assign it a deadline this week.
Reflection
- Where does your current approach already align with this chapter?
- What is the single highest-impact improvement you can make next?
Chapter 7: Course Conclusion and Next Steps
This chapter focuses on Recap of Key Points and How to Start Distributing Your Music Today. Use it to connect the lesson to the decisions, systems, and opportunities in your own creative business.
Recap of Key Points
DSPs: Digital Service Providers help distribute your music to streaming platforms, allowing you to reach a global audience.
- Choosing the Right Platform: Consider pricing, services, and ease of use when selecting the best DSP for your needs.
How to Start Distributing Your Music Today
Sign up for a DSP, prepare your tracks, and start uploading to make your music available worldwide.
Put It Into Practice
- Review your current approach to recap of key points.
- Gather the information or documents you need for how to start distributing your music today.
- Choose one action from this chapter and assign it a deadline this week.
Reflection
- Where does your current approach already align with this chapter?
- What is the single highest-impact improvement you can make next?
Recommended Next Steps
- Put this course into practice today
- Explore more courses in the Academy
- Keep building your music business
