Gone are the days when aspiring musicians had to rely on record labels to distribute their music to the masses. With the rise of the internet and streaming platforms, there are now plenty of ways for artists to get their music out into the world on their own terms. The world of music distribution will never be the same. Here are six ways to distribute your songs today, from music blogs to Spotify.
1. Music Blogs
Music blogs have been around for decades and remain a popular way for new artists to get exposure. Thousands of music blogs are out there covering every genre, from indie rock to hip hop to electronic. While some blogs require submissions, others are more curated and may only feature music that the blogger personally enjoys.
Getting featured on a music blog can help you gain new fans and boost your visibility. However, it’s important to research and ensure the blog is a good fit for your music. Sending a generic email blast to every music blog you find is unlikely to yield results. Instead, take the time to read the blog and understand its audience before reaching out.
2. SoundCloud
SoundCloud is a platform that allows artists to upload and share their music with fans. It’s particularly popular with independent artists and producers, and many big-name artists got their start on SoundCloud before signing with a record label.
One of SoundCloud’s benefits is that it’s free to use, but there are paid plans, too, that offer a multitude of other features. SoundCloud has a robust community of music fans and creators, which can help you connect with like-minded individuals and build a serious following to start a thriving career.
3. Bandcamp
Bandcamp is a platform that enables artists to sell their music to their fans directly. Unlike other platforms that take a percentage of sales, Bandcamp allows artists to retain 85-90% of their revenue. This makes it an excellent choice for artists who wish to maintain control over their music and finances.
In addition to music sales, Bandcamp also provides the option for artists to sell merchandise like t-shirts and vinyl records. This offers another fantastic opportunity to generate additional income and cultivate a dedicated fan base.
4. YouTube
YouTube, the world’s largest video-sharing platform, is a popular hub for music enthusiasts. Many artists utilize YouTube to upload music videos, lyric videos, and various visual content.
One advantage of YouTube is its free accessibility and ease of sharing videos on social media and other platforms. Moreover, YouTube’s robust algorithm can aid in the discovery of your videos by new fans.
5. Spotify
As one of the largest streaming platforms globally, Spotify boasts hundreds of millions of active users. While getting your music on Spotify requires working through a distributor like TuneCore or DistroKid, it presents an excellent opportunity to reach a vast audience.
A notable benefit of Spotify is its playlist creation feature, which can enhance the discoverability of your music among new listeners. Additionally, Spotify offers several tools to assist artists in promoting their music, such as Spotify for Artists and Spotify Ads.
6. TikTok
TikTok, a social media platform focused on short-form videos, might not immediately come to mind for musicians. However, it has become a significant force in the music industry. Numerous songs have gone viral on TikTok, resulting in substantial success on other platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
To have your music featured on TikTok, you’ll need to collaborate with a distributor like TuneCore or DistroKid. Once your music is available on the platform, you can encourage fans to incorporate it into their videos, participate in TikTok challenges, or even create their own dance routines
A Variety of Methods
There are many different ways for musicians to distribute their music today. From traditional methods like music blogs to newer platforms like TikTok, the internet has opened up a world of opportunities for independent artists. Whether you want to sell your music directly to fans on Bandcamp or reach a massive audience on Spotify, you have a distribution option.
It’s important to research and understand each platform’s pros and cons before deciding where to distribute your music. Some platforms may be better suited to certain genres or types of content, while others may offer more opportunities for monetization or promotion.
Ultimately, the key to success in the music industry is creating great music and building a loyal fanbase. While distribution is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. By focusing on your craft and connecting with fans, you can build a sustainable career in music and share your art with the world.
