If you're looking to get your music on to platforms like Spotify and Apple Music but aren't sure how, there's a number of things you can do to ensure your release's success. In this checklist, we’ve listed action items you can take after signing up for a music distribution platform, along with insider tips on how to make sure you’re fully prepared for your release. We’ll also introduce you to how Venice, with our Pro Membership, can help take your music even further.

‍

<"BODY-CTA">

‍

The process of digital music distribution has transformed how independent artists release and share their music. Gone are the days when a record label had a monopoly on distributing sound recordings and albums—now, any artist can get their music onto major streaming platforms. To truly maximize this opportunity, there are crucial steps that need to be taken before your music becomes available on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more. This article offers a roadmap for independent artists looking to release their music independently, focusing on preparation, marketing strategies, and tips to help you thrive in the digital music industry.

Who It's For:

• Artists that have signed up for music distribution and are ready for the next steps.
• Artists that are interested in learning more about music distribution best practices.
• Independent artists looking to learn more about the behind-the-scenes of music distribution.

What You'll Learn:

• What you should do after signing up for a music distribution service and before distributing your music.
• How to distribute your music and Best practices when releasing your music online.
• How to prepare your music for a successful release.

Maximize Your Release with Our Essential Pre-Distribution Checklist

Our comprehensive pre-distribution checklist is designed to help independent artists prepare every aspect of their release for maximum impact. From selecting the best music distribution service to crafting a compelling artist bio, this checklist covers all the essential steps to take before distributing your music. By following these action items, artists can ensure that their music is presented professionally, reaches the right audience across major streaming platforms, and is supported by a strong promotional strategy. This preparation not only enhances your music’s discoverability but also sets a strong foundation for long-term success in the music industry. Whether you’re new to digital distribution or seeking to refine your process, these checklist items will guide you toward a seamless and effective release.

The Ultimate Checklist: Roadmap to Streaming Stardom

Pick Your Distribution Service

Before you distribute your music, you’ve got to choose the best music distribution service for your needs. The service you choose will dictate how your music reaches the ears of your listeners. It’s essential to evaluate your options and figure out which music distributor aligns best with your goals. When you distribute your music through Venice, you're not just distributing your music; you're also unlocking a vast community of future collaborators, resources, and exclusive artist services.

The best music distribution services offer distinct benefits, such as easy upload capabilities, unlimited releases, and additional perks like behind-the-scenes content and promotion support. Whether you're looking for free music distribution or a service with additional features such as analytics and marketing tools, it's important to find a distributor that fits your needs. Some independent artists may prefer a free music distribution service, while others may be interested in a premium distribution package to reach major streaming platforms effectively.

Register Your Trademark

Register your band name and logo before somebody else does. The music distribution industry is saturated with artists vying for attention, and your name is a key part of your brand identity. Visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office online to do a trademark search and ensure no one has already trademarked your band name before you trademark the name yourself. This step helps protect your identity, ensuring you’re easily searchable on streaming platforms and digital platforms without the fear of confusion.

Write Your Artist Bio

An artist bio is a fundamental part of your digital presence. Having an artist bio on hand is critical for promotional and press purposes, and many digital streaming platforms (DSPs) require it when setting up your artist profile. Write a compelling bio that reflects your personality, story, and music career authentically. It should outline your influences, achievements, and what makes you stand out from other independent artists in the industry. This bio will likely be featured across your music blogs, social media platforms, and music distributor profiles, allowing potential fans, press, and industry professionals to quickly understand who you are and what your music is about.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Careful research is key when preparing for your release. Ask yourself:

• When is the best time for you to release your music?
• Which major streaming platforms align with your audience?
• Which distribution service is right for your needs?

Answering these questions will help you distribute your music effectively. Some independent artists find more success releasing music at strategic times, such as aligning their drops with notable industry events or holidays. Additionally, research the best digital music distribution services that offer optimal features such as unlimited releases, analytics, or promotional tools. Understanding these factors will set you up for a successful music distribution experience.

Store Your Music in iCloud Storage

Distributing an album requires handling multiple digital assets, from your sound recordings to digital album art, promotional materials, and more. Get into the habit of using cloud storage platforms like Dropbox to keep all your files secure. The last thing you want is to lose an essential file right before your release date. Storing your music in the cloud allows you to easily share links with your music distributor and collaborators as needed. This way, all your assets are release-ready and protected, and you can access them from anywhere, ensuring seamless collaboration throughout the entire distribution process.

Create, Clean, or Rebrand Your Social Media Sites

Social media platforms are powerful tools for marketing your music independently. There are countless stories of artists going viral before releasing their first LP. Amidst keeping your fingers crossed that the same will happen to you, make sure you carefully audit and clean up your social accounts before distributing. Make sure that all social profiles are branded cohesively—your profile photos, bios, and links should be up-to-date and consistent. This consistency helps build your brand across various digital platforms, ensuring fans can easily recognize you no matter which platform they encounter.

Create, Clean, or Rebrand Your Website

Having a professional artist website serves as a central hub for your music career. As you prepare to distribute your music, it’s crucial to ensure your website is current and looking professional. If you don’t yet have a professional artist website, consider using a service like SquareSpace to kickstart your portfolio. A good website includes elements like an artist bio, links to your music on major streaming services, tour dates, contact info, and a blog for updates. It’s also a great place to host exclusive behind-the-scenes content, offering your fans a deeper look into your music and personality.

Set Up a Mailing List

Email is one of the most direct ways to engage with your audience. As you prep your release, make sure you set up a mailing list through services like MailChimp. Whether you’re announcing a new single, sharing behind-the-scenes content, or promoting a future tour, having a mailing list ensures that you maintain direct contact with your most dedicated fans. Use your mailing list to give them exclusive updates and let them know exactly when your music will drop on major streaming platforms, while also providing early access to merchandise or event tickets.

Prepare Your Album or Single Artwork

Your album title and artwork are often the first things that potential listeners will see. When you’re ready to distribute your music through Venice or another platform, you'll be asked to upload your album artwork. This is standard for all music distribution services, as artwork plays a vital role in making your release stand out across streaming platforms. Make sure that your art file meets the required specifications (usually a minimum of 3000 x 3000 pixels) and is an accurate visual representation of your music, effectively conveying the mood and theme of your project.

Ask for Feedback

Don’t underestimate the value of a fresh perspective. Receiving feedback from trusted collaborators or even potential fans can make or break a song. Venice offers artists access to weekly Music Listening Sessions hosted by our Artist Services team, giving independent artists the chance to receive constructive feedback from experienced industry professionals. Our Venice Community Forum is also a great resource for music feedback, allowing you to tap into a community of artists, producers, and musicians anytime you need a second opinion on your music, album art, or release strategy.

Register With a Performing Rights Organization (PRO)

As an independent artist, you need to secure your performance royalties. In the U.S., sign up with a performing rights organization like ASCAP or BMI. This step is crucial for ensuring that you are compensated every time your music is played in a public setting—whether it’s a radio station, a live performance, or even streamed on digital platforms. Registering with a PRO is a major part of ensuring you make the most of your digital music distribution efforts.

How to distribute your music

Signing up for a Venice membership allows you to distribute and schedule unlimited releases, maintain 100% ownership of your streaming royalties, and access insightful analytics to track your performance. For artists planning to release music consistently, having the ability to upload unlimited albums and receive detailed performance data can make a substantial difference in your long-term music career. Moreover, Venice provides access to marketing support, promotional opportunities, and sync services that can help elevate your release strategy beyond just uploading your music online.

Step 1: Sign Up for a Venice Membership

Start by creating an account on Venice’s platform. With a Venice membership, you gain access to unlimited music distribution and retain 100% ownership of your streaming royalties. This ensures that, as your audience grows, you benefit entirely from the revenue generated by your streams. Signing up is quick, and once you're a member, you unlock exclusive artist services, including marketing support and insightful analytics.

Step 2: Upload Your Music

Once you’re signed up, the next step is to upload your tracks. Venice’s platform makes it easy to submit your music, and there’s no limit on the number of releases you can distribute. Ensure your tracks are properly mixed and mastered before uploading, and that you meet the platform’s technical requirements. For instance, make sure your file format and artwork meet the specifications outlined in Venice’s guidelines, which typically require high-quality audio files and album art that’s at least 3000 x 3000 pixels.

Step 3: Set Your Release Date

When uploading your music, you have the option to schedule a release date. This is an important feature if you're planning a marketing strategy around your release. Venice allows you to coordinate your release with industry events, holidays, or specific promotional windows to maximize exposure.

Optimizing Your Release on Major Streaming Services

Whether you’re an independent artist releasing a single or a full album, distributing to major streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and others is non-negotiable. Each platform has its specific ways of curating and promoting music, and it's beneficial to be familiar with these processes. To maximize your chances, consider utilizing playlists, pitching your music to editors, and even creating pre-save campaigns to generate early buzz before your release date.

Utilizing multiple social media platforms and actively promoting your music before and after the release are also crucial parts of the strategy. The rise of streaming platforms has changed the music industry, putting power directly into the hands of artists—but it requires strategic planning to fully capitalize on the opportunities.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Digital Music Distribution

Digital distribution has democratized the music industry, allowing artists to release their music independently without the backing of a record label. By carefully preparing before distributing your music—choosing the best music distribution service, refining your online presence, registering with a PRO, and creating a robust marketing plan—you can significantly increase your chances of success.

Learning how to distribute music effectively involves more than simply uploading tracks; it’s about understanding how each component works together to create a coherent release strategy. The right music distribution service can make all the difference, not only by helping you access major streaming platforms but also by providing you with tools and resources that contribute to the growth of your music career. Artists must also remember that digital music distribution is an ongoing process. Constantly engaging with your audience through social media platforms, releasing new music regularly, and offering behind-the-scenes content keeps listeners connected to your journey.

Moreover, independent artists should look beyond the initial release. By utilizing data and insights from streaming platforms, you can identify where your fanbase is growing and tailor future releases accordingly. Digital platforms provide access to this data, making it easier to understand your audience and refine your approach. As you navigate how to distribute music, remember that flexibility, adaptability, and a strong understanding of your audience are essential in building a successful and sustainable career in today’s ever-evolving music industry.

‍