Uploading music to all major streaming platforms for free can be done with the help of certain digital distribution services. These platforms act as intermediaries to distribute your music across various online stores and streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music, and more. While some services offer free distribution, others may charge a fee for additional features or better promotional tools.
Here are some of the most popular platforms that allow you to upload music for free:
1. Amuse:
– Free Distribution: Amuse allows artists to upload music to a wide range of streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal, without charging a fee.
– Additional Features: They offer premium plans for additional features like faster payouts and more analytics.
2. DistroKid (Free Trial):
– Free Trial: While DistroKid generally operates on a paid subscription model, they offer a free trial for new users, which can be useful if you only need to upload a small number of tracks initially.
– Paid Plans: Their paid plans are competitive and offer unlimited uploads and faster distribution.
3. Soundrop:
– Free Distribution: Soundrop allows free music distribution but charges a fee for each release once you exceed a certain number of tracks.
– Focus: Soundrop is especially good for independent artists and groups who need to upload cover songs to platforms like YouTube and Spotify.
4. RouteNote:
– Free Option: RouteNote offers a free tier that lets you upload music to many platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. They take a percentage of earnings in exchange for this free service.
– Paid Option: They also offer a “Premium” option that charges a flat fee and lets you keep 100% of your royalties.
5. Routenote:
– Similar to Amuse, RouteNote allows free distribution of music to a wide array of platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and more. They charge a 15% commission on earnings from music you upload via their free plan, or you can pay a flat fee to retain 100% of your earnings.
6. Level Music:
– Free Distribution: Level Music offers free music distribution, focusing on providing a simple process for artists to get their music out on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
– Additional Features: The platform also offers helpful features for emerging artists, including royalty collection and analytics.
How to Get Started:
1. Choose a Service: Pick a distribution platform that best suits your needs (free vs. paid features, commission structure, platforms included).
2. Create an Account: Register with your chosen service and set up your artist profile.
3. Upload Your Music: Prepare your music in the proper formats (usually WAV or FLAC) and upload it to the service.
4. Metadata: Make sure you enter all the necessary details such as track titles, artist name, album artwork, and release date.
5. Submit for Distribution: Once everything is set, submit your tracks for distribution and wait for confirmation that they are live.
Tips:
– Artwork: Ensure your artwork meets the required specifications (usually 3000×3000 pixels in JPG or PNG format).
– Metadata Accuracy: Double-check all information to avoid issues with royalties or crediting.
– Promotion: Even though you can distribute music for free, promoting your music effectively is key to reaching a larger audience. Consider using social media, YouTube, and email newsletters to spread the word.
By using these free distribution services, you can get your music out to the world without upfront costs, but keep in mind that these platforms typically take a percentage of the royalties or offer additional services at a cost.
