Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
SpaceMedia is an innovative music distribution platform designed for the modern artist. Born out of a passion for music and technology, our platform provides artists, both emerging and established, with the tools they need to seamlessly distribute their music across major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and many others.
Offering both free and premium plans, SpaceMedia is dedicated to providing solutions tailored to artists' unique needs. We understand that in the world of music, every artist's journey is distinct, and our platform is designed to reflect that. Whether you're an independent artist just starting out or an established name looking for broader reach, SpaceMedia has you covered.
But what truly sets SpaceMedia apart is our unwavering dedication to transparency, trust, and quality. From seamless music submission and quick reviews to timely payouts and free marketing opportunities regardless of an artist's size, we're committed to ensuring growth and visibility for all. Our strong partnerships with over 30+ major download and streaming platforms ensure that artists receive their rightful royalties. Additionally, with upcoming features like the SpaceMedia app, artists will soon be able to manage their music distribution anytime, anywhere.
SpaceMedia was born out of a keen observation: many artists today remain dissatisfied with their music distributors. Whether it's challenges related to customer support, lengthy review times, or delays in payments, we recognized these gaps in the industry. It became our mission to address these shortcomings and to aim to do it better than anyone else.
SpaceMedia is available worldwide. No matter where you're located, you can use our platform to distribute your music.
From the outset, our philosophy has been rooted in openness and a genuine commitment to improvement. Unlike many in the industry, we don't just listen – we act. We genuinely value feedback and encourage all our users to share their thoughts and experiences with us. Each message sent to our support is read meticulously, and we always consider potential enhancements to our platform based on this feedback.
In addition to our user-centric approach, several other factors set SpaceMedia apart:
- Transparent Operations: We pride ourselves on our transparent operations, ensuring artists always know where they stand, from distribution stages to payment details.
- Quick Turnaround: Understanding the pace of the music industry, we've streamlined our processes to guarantee swift review and payment times, allowing artists to focus on what they do best - making music.
- Custom Solutions: Recognizing that no two artists are the same, we offer bespoke distribution solutions tailored to individual needs, ensuring optimal reach and engagement.
- Educative Approach: We believe in empowering our artists, not just by providing a platform but also by equipping them with knowledge. Our vast experience in marketing offers a unique advantage, connecting artists to a network that can provide solutions to any challenge.
- Future-Driven: With upcoming features like the SpaceMedia app, we're always looking ahead, ensuring our artists have the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving industry.
We're driven by a desire to serve artists better, and every feature, every policy, and every partnership at SpaceMedia is a testament to that ambition.
SpaceMedia welcomes all music enthusiasts, from budding artists to established names in the industry. If you have a song or an album that you wish to share with the world, you can use our platform. The only requirement is that you must hold the copyrights to the music you're distributing. This ensures both protection for artists and integrity within our platform. Whether you've just finished your first track or have a vast collection waiting to be released, as long as you own the rights, SpaceMedia is here to help you distribute it.
No, you don't need any special software to use SpaceMedia. Our platform is designed to be easily accessible both from desktop and mobile devices, ensuring convenience no matter how you choose to access it.
Before reaching out, we recommend checking our FAQ section, as many common questions are addressed there. If you can't find an answer to your specific query, feel free to contact us through our Ticket system, and our dedicated support team will assist you promptly.
Yes, SpaceMedia is fully optimized for mobile devices, allowing you to manage and distribute your music on the go with ease.
Music Distribution
Uploading your music to SpaceMedia is a straightforward process:
- Sign In: Log into your SpaceMedia account. If you don't have one, you'll need to create it first.
- Go to Dashboard: Navigate to your artist dashboard where you'll see an option to upload or submit new music.
- Select Your Music: Click on the upload button and choose the music files from your device. Ensure your tracks are in the recommended file format and meet any quality standards set by SpaceMedia.
- Input Metadata: Enter important details about your music such as the song title, artist name, album name, release date, genre, and any other required information.
- Choose Distribution Platforms: Select the streaming platforms and music stores where you want your music to be available.
- Review & Submit: Double-check all the details to make sure everything is correct. Once you're satisfied, submit your music.
- Await Approval: After submission, your music will undergo a review process to ensure it meets all platform standards. You'll be notified once it's approved and live on your chosen platforms.
- Track & Monitor: Once approved, you can monitor the performance, streams, and downloads of your music right from your SpaceMedia dashboard.
Remember to always check SpaceMedia's guidelines on music uploads to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
At SpaceMedia, we aim to ensure the highest quality audio distribution for our artists. As such, we accept the following music formats:
- WAV: Preferred for its lossless audio quality. Ensure it's 16-bit (or higher) and 44.1 kHz.
- FLAC: Another lossless audio format, often chosen for its compression benefits without sacrificing quality.
- AIFF: Similar to WAV in quality but with metadata support.
- MP3: While it's a lossy format, ensure it's encoded at 320 kbps for the best audio quality.
- AAC: A lossy format, often used for streaming. Like MP3, the higher the bitrate, the better the audio quality.
- ALAC: Apple's lossless audio codec.
It's essential to upload the highest quality source file possible. Doing so ensures that your listeners get the best experience, regardless of which platform or service they use to stream or download your music.
Before uploading, please check any specific guidelines provided by SpaceMedia for optimal results.
Once you've uploaded your music to SpaceMedia, we begin the process of distributing it to various streaming platforms and music stores. The time it takes for your music to appear on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and others can vary:
- Review Process: After you submit your music, SpaceMedia conducts a review to ensure everything meets our quality and content guidelines. This typically takes 1-2 weeks depending on your membership.
- Distribution to Platforms: After approval, we send your music to the selected platforms. Depending on the platform, it might take:
Spotify: 1-3 business days.
Apple Music: 2-6 business days.
Other Platforms: Timeframes can vary between 1-10 business days. - Release Date: If you've specified a future release date, platforms will hold your music until that date.
- Delays: While rare, there might be occasional delays due to high submission volumes, public holidays, or platform-specific backlogs.
To ensure timely distribution, we recommend uploading your music well in advance of your desired release date. This gives you ample time for potential corrections, marketing preparations, and peace of mind knowing your music will be available to fans on the date you've chosen.
Absolutely! With SpaceMedia, you have the flexibility to set your preferred release date for your music. This is especially useful for artists who are planning promotional activities, album launches, or coordinated releases with other forms of media.
How to Set a Release Date:
- Upload Your Music: Start by uploading your tracks and filling in the necessary metadata as you normally would.
- Select Release Date Option: During the upload process, you'll find an option to choose a release date. Click on it.
- Pick Your Date: Using the calendar tool provided, select the desired date you wish for your music to go live on streaming platforms and stores.
- Review & Submit: After setting the date, complete any other necessary steps and finalize your music submission.
- Wait for the Big Day: Once submitted, SpaceMedia will handle the distribution, ensuring that your tracks go live on the selected date across all chosen platforms.
Remember, if you're planning a major release or promotional campaign, it's advisable to set your release date well in advance. This gives you ample time for preparation and helps ensure that your music goes live exactly when you intend.
Managing multiple albums or singles is streamlined and efficient with SpaceMedia. Whether you're releasing a series of singles or have a diverse discography, our platform caters to your needs:
- Artist Dashboard: Upon logging in, your dashboard will be your central hub. Here, you can view all your uploaded tracks, be they singles or entire albums.
- Organize by Release: For ease of access, your music is organized by release date, album title, or single title. This way, you can quickly navigate and make changes as needed.
- Edit & Update: Should you need to make changes – whether it's updating album art, tweaking metadata, or adjusting release dates – simply locate the specific album or single and select the edit option.
- Performance Metrics: For each album or single, access detailed performance metrics. Track streams, downloads, and earnings, allowing you to make informed decisions for future releases.
- Bulk Actions: If you're making similar changes across multiple albums or singles, utilize bulk actions to save time.
- Archiving: Over time, if certain tracks or albums are no longer relevant, or you choose to temporarily remove them, use the archive feature. This keeps your dashboard clutter-free while retaining your music data for future reference or re-release.
- Promotions & Marketing: Plan and execute promotional campaigns for specific albums or singles directly from your dashboard.
- Notifications: Stay updated with real-time notifications for any significant activities related to your albums or singles – be it a spike in streams, a successful release, or feedback.
Staying on top of multiple releases is made simple with SpaceMedia's intuitive design and user-centric features. Focus on your music, and let us handle the organization.
Once your track is published and distributed to streaming platforms and music stores, making modifications can be a bit more complex. However, at SpaceMedia, we strive to offer flexibility to our artists. Here's what you need to know:
- Metadata Changes: Minor updates, such as tweaking the track title, adjusting genre tags, or updating album art, can usually be done without removing the track from platforms. Navigate to the track in your dashboard and make the necessary changes. Keep in mind, it may take a few days for changes to reflect across all platforms.
- Audio File Modifications: If you wish to change the actual audio file – for example, uploading a remastered version – this is more involved. Most platforms require the track to be re-uploaded as a new release. This means the original version might need to be taken down, and the updated track would have a new release date and might lose its accumulated streams or metrics.
- Track Removal: If you decide to completely remove a track, you can do so from your SpaceMedia dashboard. Remember that removing a track means it will no longer be available for streaming or purchase. Even after removing tracks, the associated streaming data and metrics will remain accessible in your SpaceMedia Dashboard.
- Potential Delays: Any changes or updates sent to streaming platforms and stores might have processing times. It's advisable to plan updates in advance, especially if coordinating with promotional activities.
While SpaceMedia provides tools and options for post-release modifications, it's always a good practice to thoroughly review and finalize tracks before the initial publication to minimize post-release changes.
Once you upload your music to SpaceMedia, it will stay online indefinitely as long as your account remains in good standing. There's no set time limit imposed on the availability of your music across distribution platforms. If you choose to switch to the free tier, your account will stay active, and all previously uploaded releases will continue to be available in all stores. However, it's important to be aware that you'll be subject to membership limits, which could affect your ability to upload new releases.
There may come a time when you decide to remove your music from certain platforms or entirely from all digital stores and streaming services. With SpaceMedia, you have control over your content's distribution:
- Removing Specific Tracks or Albums: To remove a particular track or album, navigate to your artist dashboard, locate the desired track or album, and select the “Takedown”option.
- Full Removal: If you wish to remove all your music from every platform, you can do so by selecting the "Takedown All" option from your dashboard. However, proceed with caution, as this action will make all your tracks unavailable for streaming or purchase.
- Processing Time: Once you've initiated the removal process, it may take a few days for the changes to reflect across all platforms. Some platforms might process removal requests faster than others.
- Metrics & Data: Even after removing tracks, the associated streaming data and metrics will remain accessible in your SpaceMedia Dashboard. This historic information provides valuable insights and can help guide your future music endeavors.
- Royalties & Payments: Any earned royalties from the removed tracks up to the removal date will still be paid out according to SpaceMedia's payment schedule. However, no further earnings will be generated from those tracks post-removal.
- Re-Publishing: Should you decide to make your music available again in the future, you can re-upload and distribute your tracks via SpaceMedia. However, they may be treated as new releases, and previous metrics may not carry over.
Remember, it's essential to think through your decision before removing music. If you're unsure or need guidance, consider reaching out to SpaceMedia's support team for assistance.
Yes, unequivocally. At SpaceMedia, our primary mission is to help artists distribute their music globally, but the rights to the music always remain with the artist. Here's what you need to know:
- Ownership: When you distribute your tracks through SpaceMedia, you are only granting us permission to distribute and promote your music on your behalf. You retain full ownership of your songs, lyrics, and any related intellectual property.
- Royalties: The distribution of royalties is based on your subscription type.
Free Users: If you're using our free plan, you'll keep 80% of the royalties generated from your music.
Paid Basic Users: As a Basic User, you'll retain 85% of the royalties generated from your tracks. This plan offers a balance between affordability and higher revenue, ideal for emerging artists who want to step up their game.
Paid Premium Users: For those on our paid plan, you'll receive 100% of the royalties from your tracks. SpaceMedia believes in rewarding artists who invest in their craft. - Control: You maintain complete control over your music. Whether it's deciding where to distribute, setting a release date, or removing your tracks from platforms, you make the decisions.
- Licensing and Sync: If there are opportunities for your music to be used in films, commercials, or other media, you have the freedom to engage in any licensing deals or agreements, without any interference from SpaceMedia.
- Transparency: Our agreement is clear and straightforward. We don't have hidden clauses or lock you into lengthy contracts. We operate on a foundation of trust and transparency with our artists.
- Switching or Leaving: Should you ever decide to switch to another distributor or withdraw from digital platforms altogether, there are no strings attached. Your music and its rights remain yours, always.
In summary, your music is your creation, your voice, and your property. SpaceMedia is just a platform to help share that voice with the world, while ensuring your rights remain uncompromised and rewarding you fairly for your work.
Monetization and Fees
At SpaceMedia, we have tailored our pricing plans to suit the varying needs of artists, whether you're just starting out or are an established artist looking for 100% royalty share. Here's a breakdown of our pricing plans:
FREE Package - 0 €
- Releases: Unlimited releases!
- Distribution Time: Your music will be distributed within 10 days.
- Earnings: You get to keep 80% of your earnings.
- Support: Access to 24/7 live support.
- Content ID: This feature is not included.
BASIC Package - 4.99 € / Year
- Releases: Unlimited releases!
- Distribution Time: Faster distribution within 7 days.
- Earnings: You keep 85% of your earnings.
- Support: Round-the-clock live support.
- Content ID: Not part of this package.
PREMIUM Package - 19.99 € / Year
- Releases: Unlimited releases! Distribute as many tracks as you like.
- Distribution Time: Fast distribution within just 5 days.
- Earnings: You receive 100% of your earnings.
- Support: 24/7 live support to assist you anytime.
- Content ID: This feature is included, ensuring your content is protected.
Whichever package you choose, SpaceMedia is dedicated to ensuring your music reaches audiences worldwide, while you retain the maximum possible earnings from your art. Evaluate the options and choose the one that aligns best with your career goals.
Receiving your earnings from your music distribution is straightforward with SpaceMedia. Here's how it works:
- Earnings Dashboard: Once you've logged into your SpaceMedia account, navigate to the 'Dashboard'. Here, you can view a comprehensive breakdown of your earnings, categorized by song, platform, and region.
- Payment Threshold: Before a payout can be initiated, your earnings need to reach a minimum threshold. This is set to ensure that the transfer fees don't consume a significant portion of your earnings.
- Payment Frequency: SpaceMedia processes payments to artists on a monthly basis. However, it's essential to note that there might be a delay from streaming platforms in reporting plays. Typically, streaming services report plays with a lag of 2-3 months. So, your January plays, for example, might reflect in your March to April earnings.
- Payment Method: Currently, we offer payouts exclusively through PayPal. Ensure that your PayPal details are accurate and up-to-date in your profile settings.
- Taxes: SpaceMedia doesn't withhold any taxes on your earnings. However, it's crucial for you to be aware of and comply with the tax obligations in your country regarding your income.
- Royalty Rates: Remember, the percentage of royalties you receive is based on your subscription plan:
Free Users: 80% of the royalties.
Paid Basic Users: 85% of the royalties.
Paid Premium Users: 100% of the royalties. - Statements & Reports: Every month, you'll receive a detailed statement outlining your earnings, the tracks that generated income, and the platforms they were played on. This transparency helps you understand which songs and platforms are the most profitable for you.
Always ensure that your payment details are up-to-date in your profile to avoid any delays or issues in receiving your hard-earned money. SpaceMedia is dedicated to ensuring artists get paid fairly and timely for their creativity and hard work.
At SpaceMedia, transparency is one of our core values, and we believe in clear communication with our artists regarding financial matters.
- Upfront Costs: The prices for our packages (Free, Basic, and Premium) are clearly outlined. There are no additional charges beyond what's specified for each package.
- Transaction Fees: When receiving payments via PayPal, PayPal might impose their own transaction fees. It's essential to familiarize yourself with PayPal's fee structure for receiving money.
- No Hidden Fees: We do not have any hidden costs or additional fees that are not mentioned in our pricing structure. What you see is what you get.
- Royalty Deductions: Royalties are allocated based on the subscription plan you choose:
Free Users: 80% of the royalties.
Paid Basic Users: 85% of the royalties.
Paid Premium Users: 100% of the royalties. - Annual Renewals: If you opt for a yearly subscription for either the Basic or Premium package, remember that there will be an annual fee. However, this fee is clearly mentioned in our pricing and not a hidden cost.
- Cancellation: There are no additional fees for canceling your account or subscription. However, if you have ongoing commitments, like scheduled releases, they may be affected by the cancellation.
We always encourage our artists to reach out with any questions or concerns about fees or costs. Our commitment is to ensure you understand every aspect of the financial side of your music distribution with SpaceMedia.
Understanding how your earnings are allocated is crucial, and at SpaceMedia, we believe in clear, transparent breakdowns. Here's how the royalty distribution works based on the subscription plan you're on:
- Free Users: If you're using our free plan, SpaceMedia only retains 20% of the royalties, which means you'll keep 80% of the earnings generated from your music.
- Paid Basic Users: For those on our Basic plan, SpaceMedia only retains 15% of the royalties. You'll receive 85% of the earnings from your tracks.
- Paid Premium Users: Artists who opt for our Premium plan receive the full 100% of the royalties from their tracks. SpaceMedia takes no cut from your earnings, emphasizing our commitment to rewarding artists who invest in their craft.
No matter your subscription level, SpaceMedia's goal is to ensure artists are compensated fairly for their work. We always encourage open communication and are here to answer any questions or concerns you might have about the earnings distribution process.
Staying informed about your music's performance is crucial for any artist. At SpaceMedia, we make it simple and intuitive for you to access and understand your sales and streaming metrics. Here's how you can view your data:
- Log In to Your Dashboard: Once you've logged into your SpaceMedia account, navigate to the 'Analytics' section. This is where all your sales and streaming data is consolidated.
- Real-Time Data: Our dashboard provides real-time data, allowing you to monitor streams, downloads, and sales as they happen. This gives you a dynamic view of your music's performance.
- Breakdown by Platform: Understand where your music is gaining traction. Our system breaks down your streams and sales by platform, such as Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and more.
- Geographical Insights: Discover where your fans are located. You can view streams and sales data by country or even by city, giving you a clear picture of your global reach.
- Song-by-Song Analysis: Dive deep into individual track performance. This can help you identify which songs resonate the most with your audience.
- Historical Data: View your music's performance over time. You can set custom date ranges to analyze trends, peaks, and more.
- Exportable Reports: Need to dive deeper or share your stats with your team? You can easily export your data into formats like CSV for further analysis.
- Regular Updates: While we aim for real-time data, some platforms may report with a slight delay. Ensure you check back regularly to get the most updated metrics.
Remember, understanding your metrics is essential for planning promotions, tours, or even your next release. SpaceMedia is committed to providing artists with the tools they need to succeed in the digital music landscape.
It depends, SpaceMedia offers different pricing packages, each designed to cater to the varied needs of artists. Here's a quick breakdown of the associated fees:
Free Package:
- Cost: 0 €
- Renewal: No annual fee, as this is a free package.
Basic Package:
- Cost: 4.99 € / Year
- Renewal: This is an annual package without subscription, meaning you'll pay 4.99 € each year for continued access to the features and benefits of the Basic package.
Premium Package:
- Cost: 19.99 € / Year
- Renewal: Similar to the Basic package, this is an annual package which needs to be extended manually. You'll be billed 19.99 € each year to maintain access to the Premium features.
If you decide to switch to the free tier by not extending the paid plans, your account will remain active, and all previously uploaded releases will remain available in all stores. However, please note that you will be subject to the new membership conditions.
Our aim is to offer affordable, transparent pricing, ensuring artists of all sizes can access the digital distribution they need.
All sales are final, and we do not offer refunds. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and fairness of our distribution process. Before making any payments or purchasing any packages, we encourage users to read and understand our terms and conditions, as well as the features of the package they are interested in. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our customer support for clarification before making a purchase.
At SpaceMedia, we aim to offer a seamless experience for our users. To facilitate this, we support the following payment methods:
- Credit Cards: We accept most major credit cards, ensuring a quick and secure transaction.
- PayPal: A widely-used and trusted online payment system, you can also use your PayPal account for transactions with us.
- Crypto: For those who prefer decentralized currencies, we also accept cryptocurrency payments, providing a secure and efficient alternative for transactions.
Ensure your payment details are up-to-date and accurate to avoid any interruptions or issues with our service. If you encounter any problems during the payment process, please reach out to our customer support for assistance.
Copyright and Licensing
We understand the importance of intellectual property and are dedicated to ensuring the rights of artists are protected and respected. Here's how we handle copyrights:
- Ownership Retention: Artists retain 100% of the copyrights to their music when distributing through SpaceMedia. We simply provide the platform for distribution; we do not claim any ownership over your content.
- No Unauthorized Use: SpaceMedia will not use or distribute your music outside of the agreed-upon platforms and services without your explicit permission.
- Protection from Infringements: While we distribute your music to various platforms, it's essential to note that it's up to each individual platform (like Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) to take action against copyright infringements. If we receive any notifications about potential copyright issues, we will promptly relay this information to the artist.
- Content ID: For artists using our Premium Package, we offer Content ID services. This means that if your music is used in videos across platforms like YouTube, it can be detected, and you can earn royalties from those uses.
- Artist's Responsibility: It's the responsibility of the artist to ensure that they have the necessary rights to distribute their music. Uploading copyrighted material that you don't own or have rights to can lead to removal from distribution platforms and potential legal consequences.
Always ensure that you have all necessary permissions and rights before distributing music to avoid any potential copyright disputes. If you have any questions or concerns about copyrights or need clarification on any points, please contact our support team.
Yes, you can distribute cover songs through SpaceMedia, but there are certain guidelines and considerations to keep in mind:
- Licensing: Before distributing a cover song, you must obtain the necessary mechanical licenses to reproduce and distribute the original composition. This license ensures that the original songwriter gets paid their due royalties when their song is covered and sold by someone else.
- Attribution: Always credit the original songwriter and artist when distributing a cover. Properly attributing the original creators ensures clarity about the song's origins and respects the original creator's rights.
- No Alterations: When distributing a cover, the song must not change the fundamental character of the original. This means you can't alter the lyrics or song's main melody to a significant degree without the original creator's permission.
- Royalties: When your cover song generates revenue, a portion of the earnings is due as royalties to the original songwriter or their publisher. This is typically handled through the mechanical license you've obtained.
- Avoid Misrepresentation: It's essential to ensure that listeners and platforms are clear that your track is a cover. Do not misrepresent your cover song as an original or imply endorsement by the original artist.
- Country Restrictions: Some countries have different rules and regulations regarding the distribution of cover songs. Ensure you're familiar with these rules if you're targeting specific international markets.
Remember, while covering a song can be a great way to pay tribute to an artist you admire or reinterpret a classic track, always approach the process with respect for the original creators and the legal requirements involved. If you're unsure about any aspect of distributing a cover song, we recommend consulting with legal professionals or reaching out to our support team for further guidance.
Unauthorized use of your music is a significant concern for many artists, and at SpaceMedia, we're committed to helping you navigate these situations. Here's what you can do if someone uses your music without your permission:
- Content ID: If you're on our Premium Package, we offer Content ID services. This service scans platforms like YouTube to detect unauthorized uses of your music in videos. When a match is found, the platform can take various actions, like monetizing the video to pay you royalties or taking the video down.
- DMCA Takedowns: If you find your music being used without your permission on various platforms, you can issue a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notice. This is a formal request to have your copyrighted content removed from a platform. Most platforms, like YouTube, Spotify, and SoundCloud, have procedures in place to handle DMCA requests.
- Legal Action: If someone continues to infringe upon your rights or if the unauthorized use is causing significant harm, you might consider taking legal action. Consult with a copyright lawyer to discuss the best steps forward based on the specifics of your situation.
- Monitoring Services: There are third-party services that monitor the internet for unauthorized uses of your music. If you're particularly concerned about copyright infringement, you might consider using one of these services to keep tabs on where and how your music is being used.
- Educate & Communicate: Sometimes, fans or small creators might use your music out of admiration without understanding the legal implications. Before taking any drastic measures, consider reaching out to them to explain the situation and possibly come to an agreement.
- Watermarking: Some artists use audio watermarking, an inaudible track embedded into the music, to trace unauthorized uses. While not foolproof, it's an additional step you can take to protect your music.
Always approach such situations with a balanced perspective. While it's essential to protect your rights and ensure you're compensated for your work, it's also crucial to maintain a positive relationship with fans and the broader community. If you're ever unsure about how to proceed, consider seeking legal counsel or consulting with our support team for guidance.
At SpaceMedia, we recognize the importance of artists' rights, and we're committed to ensuring a fair platform for all users. Here's how we address disputes over music ownership:
- Notification of Dispute: If we receive a claim disputing the ownership of a track or album uploaded to our platform, we will promptly notify the party who uploaded the content, providing them with details of the dispute.
- Content Suspension: To maintain neutrality and fairness, we might temporarily suspend the distribution of the disputed content until the matter is resolved. This ensures that potential royalties are not misallocated during the dispute.
- Evidence Submission: Both parties involved in the dispute will be given an opportunity to provide evidence supporting their claims. This can include copyright registration documents, contracts, or any other pertinent materials that can help clarify ownership.
- Resolution: If both parties provide evidence, and there's still no clear resolution, we may advise the parties to seek legal resolution. Once there's a legal judgment or both parties reach an agreement, we will act accordingly, whether that means distributing accumulated royalties or reinstating/suspending the content further.
- Repeated Disputes: Users who repeatedly upload content that they do not have the rights to may face penalties, up to and including the termination of their SpaceMedia account.
- Mediation: In some cases, if both parties are open to it, we might suggest mediation as a less formal, potentially faster alternative to legal proceedings.
- Education: We strive to educate our users on the importance of uploading only content they have rights to, and the potential legal and financial consequences of not doing so.
- Support & Guidance: Our support team is always available to provide guidance and answer questions related to ownership disputes. While we cannot offer legal advice, we can direct users to appropriate resources or recommend next steps based on our platform's policies.
We urge all our users to ensure they have the proper rights to any content they upload to SpaceMedia. Addressing disputes can be time-consuming and potentially costly, so it's always best to ensure clarity about ownership from the outset.
No, you don't need to have your music formally copyrighted before distributing it through SpaceMedia. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Automatic Copyright: In many countries, as soon as you create and record your original music, you automatically own the copyright to it. This means you have the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, perform, and license your creation. Distributing your music doesn't require a formal copyright registration, but having one can provide added legal protection.
- Benefits of Formal Copyright Registration: While not mandatory for distribution, registering your music with the relevant copyright office in your country offers stronger protection against infringement. It provides public record of your copyright and may be necessary if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement in certain jurisdictions.
- Protection Against Disputes: While automatic copyright grants you rights, having a formal registration can make it easier to prove ownership if disputes arise.
- Recommendation: Even though it's not a requirement for distribution on SpaceMedia, we recommend considering formal copyright registration if you believe your music has significant commercial potential or if you want to ensure maximum legal protection against potential infringements.
Remember, copyright is a complex area, and the specific rights and processes can vary by country. If you're unsure about any aspect of it, consider seeking advice from a legal professional or copyright expert in your jurisdiction.
At SpaceMedia, we understand the value of an artist's work and the importance of ensuring they receive their due earnings. Here's how we handle the management and distribution of royalties:
- Collection from Platforms: Once your music is distributed and starts getting streams or purchases on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and others, these platforms will send the royalties owed to SpaceMedia.
- Calculation: Based on the agreement you have with SpaceMedia (Free, Basic, or Premium), we calculate the amount you're owed. For instance:
Free Users: Earn 80% of the collected royalties.
Basic Users: Retain 85% of the collected royalties.
Premium Users: Receive a full 100% of the royalties. - Dashboard Overview: All the data regarding streams, downloads, and the corresponding royalties are available in the SpaceMedia Dashboard. Here, you can monitor your earnings in real-time and see a breakdown by platform, region, track, etc.
- Monthly Payouts: Earnings are paid out monthly. The exact day might vary, but you can generally expect your earnings to be transferred to your specified payment method by the end of each month.
- Payment Methods: Currently, we support payments via PayPal. Ensure your PayPal details are up-to-date in your SpaceMedia account settings to avoid any payout delays.
- Withholding Taxes: SpaceMedia does not withhold any taxes from your royalties. It's the artist's responsibility to declare their income and pay any relevant taxes in their jurisdiction.
- Statements & Reports: Detailed monthly statements are provided, allowing you to see a breakdown of your earnings, deductions (if any), and net payout. This transparency ensures you always know where your money comes from and how much you're receiving.
- Support: If there are discrepancies or issues with your royalties, our 24/7 live support is available to assist and resolve any concerns.
Our goal at SpaceMedia is to simplify the complex world of music royalties and ensure artists are fairly compensated for their creativity and hard work.
Using copyrighted samples in your music without the appropriate permissions can lead to legal complications and potential disputes. Here's what you need to know if you're considering using samples in your tracks:
- Need for Permission: If you wish to use a sample from an existing copyrighted song or sound recording, you must obtain the necessary licenses or permissions from the copyright holders. This typically means getting permission from both the owner of the composition (songwriter or publisher) and the owner of the sound recording (usually the record label).
- Risk of Infringement: Distributing music with unlicensed samples can lead to copyright infringement claims. Such actions might result in your music being removed from platforms, you being liable for damages, and potential legal action taken against you.
- Clearance Companies: There are companies that specialize in sample clearance, which can assist you in obtaining the necessary permissions. While they charge a fee, they can simplify the process and reduce the risk of potential legal complications.
- Royalty-Free Samples: There are numerous platforms and libraries where you can purchase or download royalty-free samples. Using these ensures you won't run into copyright issues, as they are created for the express purpose of being used in new works without the need for additional licensing.
- SpaceMedia's Policy: At SpaceMedia, we require that any music you distribute through our platform is free of copyright disputes. If you're using samples, you must ensure that you have the necessary permissions to use them. Distributing music containing unlicensed samples can lead to your music being taken down from platforms and potential suspension of your SpaceMedia account.
- Recommendation: Always err on the side of caution. If you're unsure about the copyright status of a sample, consider seeking legal advice or opting for a royalty-free alternative.
Remember, while sampling is a rich tradition in music production and can result in unique and innovative tracks, it's crucial to navigate the legal landscape responsibly to protect yourself and your work.
When you want to use someone else's music in your own work, whether it's a cover or a sample, obtaining the necessary licenses is crucial. Here's a guide to help you navigate this process:
Mechanical Licenses for Cover Songs:
- If you're releasing a cover song, you'll need a mechanical license. This license gives you permission to reproduce and distribute the composition.
- In many countries, once a song has been released, anyone can obtain a mechanical license for that song, provided they pay the statutory rate set by the government or the rate negotiated with the rights holder.
- Companies like DistroKid, TuneCore, and Easy Song Licensing can help you obtain mechanical licenses for cover songs.
Licensing Samples:
- If you're sampling an existing recording, you need two licenses: one for the composition and one for the sound recording. This process can be more complex than licensing a cover song.
- You must negotiate directly with the copyright holders, usually the music publisher for the composition and the record label for the sound recording.
- Be prepared to provide details about how you're using the sample, how long the sample is, the prominence of the sample in your work, and other relevant details.
Royalty-Free Samples and Libraries:
- To bypass the complexities of sample clearance, consider using royalty-free samples. Platforms like Splice, Loopmasters, and Sounds.com offer vast libraries of samples that are cleared for use in your own productions without the need for additional licensing.
Performing Rights Organizations (PROs):
- If you're performing a cover live, you might need a license from a PRO, such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC in the US. These organizations collect and distribute royalties for public performances of songs.
Seek Legal Advice:
- Licensing can be a complex process, especially if you're unfamiliar with the intricacies of music copyright. It might be beneficial to seek guidance from a music attorney or a licensing expert to ensure you're following the correct procedures and obtaining the necessary permissions.
Stay Informed:
- Copyright laws and licensing procedures can vary by country. Always ensure you're aware of the rules and regulations in the territories where you're releasing and distributing your music.
In conclusion, while licensing can seem daunting, it's a necessary step to ensure your music is legally sound and you avoid potential disputes or legal challenges. With due diligence and, when necessary, professional guidance, you can navigate the licensing landscape effectively.
Promotion and Marketing
Currently, SpaceMedia does not yet offer direct promotional services. However, we are always looking to expand and enhance our offerings for artists, and we have plans to introduce promotional services in the future. We recommend keeping an eye on our updates and announcements to stay informed about any new features or services we introduce.
Increasing the visibility of your music is essential for building an audience and advancing your career. Here are some effective strategies to help boost your music's reach:
Engage on Social Media:
- Regularly post updates, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with your followers on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok. Livestream performances or Q&A sessions can also be a great way to connect with fans.
Playlist Pitching:
- Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have curated playlists that can introduce your music to a vast audience. Use their artist dashboards to pitch your music for playlist consideration.
Collaborate with Other Artists:
- Collaborating can help you tap into another artist's fanbase, and vice versa. This can be via featured vocals, remixes, or co-writing.
Music Videos:
- A compelling music video can significantly enhance a song's reach. Consider uploading your videos to platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.
Live Shows & Tours:
- Performing live, whether it's local gigs or online streaming events, is a surefire way to engage with fans and attract new ones.
Engage with Music Blogs & Magazines:
- Reach out to music journalists and bloggers to review your work or conduct interviews. Platforms like SubmitHub can help streamline this process.
Leverage Email Marketing:
- Build an email list and send out newsletters or updates. It's a direct way to communicate with your most dedicated fans.
Optimize SEO:
- Ensure your music, videos, and website are optimized for search engines. This can help new fans discover your work organically.
Network with Industry Professionals:
- Building relationships with people in the music industry, like radio hosts, DJs, and producers, can open doors to various promotional opportunities.
Leverage Music Distribution Platforms:
- Platforms like SpaceMedia can help distribute your music to multiple streaming services, increasing its potential reach.
Remember, promotion is an ongoing effort. Consistency, creativity, and genuine engagement with your audience can go a long way in elevating the visibility of your music.
As of now, SpaceMedia does not yet offer official partnerships with specific influencers or curated playlists. However, we recognize the immense power of influencers and curated playlists in boosting an artist's visibility and are continually exploring opportunities to collaborate and create value-added services for our users.
We recommend artists to proactively reach out to influencers and playlist curators on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, and Apple Music to promote their music. Networking and building relationships in the industry can often lead to organic promotional opportunities that can greatly benefit your music's reach.
Stay tuned for updates from SpaceMedia, as we are always looking to expand our offerings and create partnerships that can benefit our artist community.
Currently, SpaceMedia primarily serves as a music distribution platform and does not offer a built-in feature for artists to directly collaborate. However, we understand the importance of collaborations in the music industry and the unique opportunities they present for artists to expand their reach and diversify their sound.
While SpaceMedia doesn't provide a direct platform for collaborations, we encourage artists to use our community features, social media channels, and any artist forums we may offer to connect, share ideas, and potentially find collaboration partners.
Additionally, as we are continuously evolving and aiming to better serve our artists, we are open to feedback and suggestions. The idea of introducing features to facilitate collaborations could be considered for future updates.
Social media is a powerful tool for artists to connect with their audience, promote their music, and build their brand. Here are some strategies you can employ to effectively utilize social media for your tracks:
- Consistent Posting: Keep your followers engaged by posting regularly. This can be behind-the-scenes content, snippets of upcoming tracks, or simply sharing your day-to-day life as an artist.
- Engage With Your Audience: Respond to comments, host live sessions, and ask for feedback. Making your followers feel involved and valued can turn them into loyal fans.
- Teasers and Countdowns: Before releasing a new track, create anticipation by posting teasers, trailers, or countdowns.
- Collaborate: Partner with influencers or other artists to expand your reach. A shout-out or a shared post can introduce your music to a new audience.
- Utilize Stories and Reels: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow for stories or reels which are short, engaging, and have a wide reach. Share snippets of your music, moments from the studio, or any other engaging content.
- Promote Using Ads: Invest in sponsored posts or ads targeted towards your desired audience. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer detailed targeting options to ensure your content reaches the right people.
- Share User-generated Content: Encourage fans to create and share content using your tracks, like dance videos or cover songs, and repost them on your profile. This not only engages your community but also provides free promotion.
- Playlist Promotion: Share links to playlists (on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music) that feature your tracks. Encourage your followers to add your songs to their own playlists.
- Engaging Visuals: Invest in quality graphics, animations, or music videos that can be shared on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Visual content often has a higher engagement rate.
- Link in Bio: Use tools like Linktree or Beacons to consolidate all your important links (new releases, merchandise, tickets, etc.) in one place, and then put that link in your bio.
Remember, each social media platform has its own unique audience and best practices. Tailor your content to fit the platform while staying true to your brand and sound.
Yes, SpaceMedia recognizes the importance of data and tools for artists to understand their audience and refine their marketing strategies. Here's what we offer:
- Dashboard Analytics: Upon logging into your SpaceMedia account, you'll have access to a comprehensive dashboard that shows real-time data on streams, downloads, and revenue for each of your tracks across all platforms.
- Geographical Breakdown: Understand where your fans are located. This data can be invaluable for planning tours or targeted advertising.
- Demographics: Gain insights into the age, gender, and other demographics of your listeners. This can help tailor your promotional content to better engage your core audience.
- Source of Streams: Find out how listeners are discovering your music, be it through playlists, direct searches, social media links, or other sources.
- Playlist Analytics: See which playlists have added your songs, and how many streams are coming from these playlists.
- Engagement Metrics: Understand song skip rates, repeat listens, and more to gauge which of your tracks are the most engaging.
- Marketing Toolkit: Access a suite of promotional tools, such as pre-save links, shareable assets, and embeddable players, to make it easier for you to spread the word about your latest releases.
- Integration with Ad Platforms: For those who wish to invest in advertising, we offer seamless integration with platforms like Facebook Ads and Google Ads, allowing you to directly target your listeners with promotional content.
- Tutorials & Resources: (Coming Soon) We provide articles, video tutorials, and other resources to guide you on effectively marketing your music and understanding your analytics.
- Email Campaign Tools: (Coming Soon) We're working on integrating tools that will allow artists to build and manage email campaigns directly from their SpaceMedia dashboard.
At SpaceMedia, we believe in empowering artists with data and tools, giving them the autonomy and knowledge to grow their fanbase and make informed decisions about their music career.
Absolutely! SpaceMedia is committed to highlighting and promoting emerging talent, and we regularly feature selected artists on our homepage and in our newsletters. Here's how it works:
- Homepage Spotlight: Every month, our editorial team selects standout tracks from our platform to be showcased on the SpaceMedia homepage. This is a prime opportunity for greater visibility and can result in a significant boost in streams and followers.
- Newsletter Highlights: Our newsletters, which are sent to a wide subscriber base including fans, industry professionals, and other artists, often spotlight new releases, trending tracks, or artist interviews. Being featured here can offer a substantial push to your music's reach.
- Submission Process: If you believe your track has what it takes, you can submit it for consideration through the 'Feature Submission' section in your SpaceMedia dashboard. Our team reviews all submissions, but due to the volume, only selected tracks are featured.
- Criteria for Selection: While we aim to promote a diverse range of music, selections are typically based on factors like originality, production quality, and overall engagement on the platform. Having a complete and professional-looking artist profile can also improve your chances.
- Exclusive Releases: Occasionally, we prioritize tracks that are released exclusively on SpaceMedia for a certain period. If you're planning an exclusive release, do let us know in advance!
- Artist Interviews: We love to dive deeper into the stories of our artists. Selected musicians might be approached for in-depth interviews, which will then be featured in our newsletters and blog.
- Stay Active & Engaged: Frequently updating your profile, releasing new tracks, and engaging with the SpaceMedia community can increase your chances of being noticed and subsequently featured.
Remember, while being featured can provide a substantial boost, consistent effort in producing quality music and actively engaging with fans is key to long-term success.
Successfully marketing your music in today's digital landscape requires a combination of traditional methods and leveraging new technologies and platforms. Here are some best practices to help you get the most out of your music promotion:
- Know Your Audience: Understand who your fans are, what they like, and where they spend their time. This will help you target your marketing efforts more effectively.
- Leverage Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook are essential for music promotion. Regularly post engaging content, interact with fans, and use these platforms to announce new releases or shows.
- Email Newsletters: Build a mailing list and send out regular updates. This can be more effective than social media for reaching dedicated fans directly.
- High-Quality Visuals: Invest in professional-quality photos, music videos, and album art. Visual appeal can make a huge difference in capturing potential fans' attention.
- Collaborate: Team up with other artists or influencers in your genre for collaborative tracks, guest appearances, or joint promotions.
- Playlists: Try to get your music featured on popular playlists on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube. It can introduce your music to a wider audience.
- Tour and Live Shows: Playing live shows, even if virtual, can help increase your visibility and engage with your audience.
- Engage with Fans: Reply to comments, host Q&A sessions, or live streams. Building a strong relationship with your fans can lead to a loyal fanbase that will support your future endeavors.
- Press and PR: Reach out to music blogs, magazines, and influencers that align with your genre. A single review or feature can expose your music to a broad audience.
- Merchandising: Selling merchandise can not only be a source of income but also a promotional tool, as fans wearing or using your merch become walking advertisements.
- Stay Consistent: Whether it's releasing music or posting on social media, consistency helps keep you in the public eye and can grow your audience over time.
- Learn and Adapt: The music industry and its promotional tactics are ever-evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and platforms and adapt your strategies accordingly.
Remember, while these are best practices, the most important thing is authenticity. Stay true to yourself and your art, and your genuine passion will resonate with listeners.