Music Distribution Guides for Independent Artists

A practical guide to starting a small record label: naming it, the label name in your release metadata, artist agreements, codes, accounting and distribution.

Why songwriters earn separately from the recording, the difference between performance and mechanical royalties, and how to make sure you collect both.

How performers and master owners earn when recordings are played on radio, TV and in public, which organisations pay them, and how to register.

Streaming services turn loud masters down. What loudness normalization means for your master, the LUFS targets that matter, and how to check your own track.

The systems a music distribution platform needs, from store delivery and quality control to royalty processing, and when building your own makes sense.

The exact track-count and length rules stores use for singles, EPs and albums, and how to pick the right format for your next release.

What a music distribution API lets labels and music companies automate, from release creation to royalty data, and how to plan an integration.

How to find real independent playlist curators, check whether a playlist has genuine listeners, and write a submission that gets read.

How to pick an artist name that is searchable, available and safe to use, and the checks to do before your first release.

A checklist for claiming your artist profiles on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, Deezer and TIDAL, and what each dashboard lets you do.

Practical TikTok content formats for musicians, how often to post, how to use your own sound and how to turn viewers into listeners on streaming.

How YouTube Content ID finds and monetizes videos that use your music, which songs are eligible, and the mistakes that can lead to disputes or restrictions.

A step-by-step guide to moving your catalogue to a new music distributor while keeping your stream counts, playlist placements and store links intact.

A step-by-step guide to pitching unreleased songs to Spotify editors through Spotify for Artists, with tips on timing, pitch writing and what to do next.

How royalty splits work for producers, featured artists and band members, what to agree before release, and how to set up automatic splits in SpaceMedia.

The cover art rules streaming stores enforce, the most common reasons artwork is rejected, and how to prepare a cover that passes review the first time.

Why streaming earnings appear weeks or months after the streams, how royalty reports travel from platforms to your account, and when you can request a payout.

How to make your songs available as sounds on TikTok, Instagram Reels, Stories and Facebook, and how to help creators find and use your music.

A practical six-week plan for independent releases: when to submit, when to pitch playlists, when to start a pre-save campaign and what to do after release day.

How independent music distribution works, what a distributor does, what you need before you upload, and how to keep control of your music and royalties.

What ISRC and UPC codes are, why every release needs them, how to get them for free, and why you should reuse them when you move to a new distributor.

Learn how labels and music companies are scaling faster with white-label SaaS — and why owning your distribution platform is the future.

Explore the career earnings of Eminem, one of the most successful artists in the music industry.

Skyrocket your music career without TuneCore's fees. Experience a transparent, fair platform that prioritizes your earnings and artistry, propelling your musical journey to new heights without hidden fees.

Embark on a journey through the financial empire of Snoop Dogg, the West Coast OG whose influence extends from iconic rap anthems to diversified business ventures. In this blog post, we explore the multifaceted avenues that contribute to Snoop Dogg's remarkable financial success.

In the dynamic world of digital music, platforms like YouTube Music have become crucial for artists to share their creations with a vast and diverse audience. YouTube Music offers a unique space for musicians to connect with fans through visuals and sounds.

Embark on a journey through the financial triumphs of Ice Cube, the West Coast rap legend who has seamlessly transitioned from N.W.A. to a multifaceted entertainment mogul. This blog post explores the diverse revenue streams that contribute to Ice Cube's impressive financial success.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, digital platforms play a pivotal role in connecting artists with audiences worldwide. Apple Music, a major player in the streaming sphere, provides a significant platform for musicians to share their creations.

Discover the financial prowess behind Travis Scott's meteoric rise in the music industry. From chart-topping albums to strategic brand collaborations, we delve into the multifaceted avenues that contribute to the incredible earnings of this rap icon.

In the dynamic landscape of the music industry, digital platforms have become a crucial gateway for artists to share their creations with a global audience. Spotify, being one of the leading streaming services, offers an immense opportunity for musicians to reach fans worldwide.

Learn why SpaceMedia's policy of not deleting music post-subscription sets it apart from DistroKid, offering lasting impact for artists.

Learn why frequent music releases are crucial for artists in today's digital world: staying visible, engaging audiences, and artistic evolution.

Discover how free music can revolutionize accessibility and innovation, and benefit both artists and listeners in the digital era.

In this blog post, we delve into the intricate world of Kanye West's royalties, exploring the diverse revenue streams that contribute to the financial tapestry of this musical genius.

In this blog post, we embark on a journey through the intricate world of Eminem's royalties, unveiling the various channels that contribute to the financial symphony of this iconic artist.

In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of Drake's earnings, exploring the multifaceted world of music royalties that contribute to his financial crescendo.

Unlock free music distribution with SpaceMedia! Gain exposure, keep earnings, and take control—no upfront costs. Learn how to promote your art on a budget.

Master music publishing on Spotify with SpaceMedia. Elevate your tracks with quality, engage fans, and access in-depth analytics. Achieve global music success effortlessly.

Explore the transformation of the music industry with the rise of streaming platforms. Understand the shift in artist earnings and how evolving business models and record labels adapt in this digital era. Dive into the financial dynamics of Spotify, Apple Music, and more.

How artists earn from streaming. Explore potential earnings, playlist placements, and the future challenges in music streaming.

In an era where music is just a click away, streaming platforms like Spotify have become a cornerstone of our musical landscape.

Discover the essential steps to uploading your music to top streaming platforms like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Music. Dive deep into preparing, distributing, and promoting your tracks for a global audience. Turn your musical passion into a worldwide sensation. Start your journey now!

Dive into the evolution of music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, their impact on artist earnings, and the future of royalty distribution. Discover the rise of the $28 billion industry and its quest for fair artist compensation.