How to Distribute Music and Popular Streaming Platforms

The music industry has significantly transformed over the last decade, with the rise of digital platforms and streaming services reshaping how artists distribute their music. If you're an aspiring musician, understanding how to distribute your music and knowing the most used music streaming services is crucial for your success.

How to Distribute Your Music

Distributing your music effectively requires a few essential steps. Firstly, you need a distributor – a service or platform that will send your music to various digital streaming platforms. Some well-known distributors include SoundOn, Tunecore, Distrokid, and CD Baby.

Here are the steps you should follow to distribute your music:

• Choose a Distributor: Select a reputable music distributor like SoundOn. Sign up, and they will help you get your music on multiple platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
• Prepare Your Music: Ensure your tracks are high-quality and properly mastered. Create appealing cover artwork, and ensure you have all the necessary metadata such as song titles, artist name, and album name.
• Submit Your Music: Follow the distributor’s submission process. You will need to upload your tracks and artwork, and fill out the required information.
• Promote Your Music: Once your music is live, use social media, email lists, and other promotional tools to spread the word and attract listeners.

The Most Used Music Streaming Services

Now that you've distributed your music, it's essential to know where your listeners are. The following are some of the most used music streaming services worldwide:

1. Spotify

Spotify is one of the largest music streaming platforms globally, boasting over 365 million monthly active users. It offers a user-friendly experience and a vast catalog of songs, making it a favorite among listeners. Getting your music on Spotify can significantly boost your visibility and reach.

2. Apple Music

Apple Music has over 60 million subscribers and integrates seamlessly with Apple devices. It provides high-quality audio and exclusive releases, making it a popular choice for many audiophiles. Apple Music's integration with the Apple ecosystem ensures your music reaches a wide audience.

3. Amazon Music

Amazon Music has grown rapidly, with over 55 million subscribers. Its integration with Amazon's Alexa-enabled devices provides a unique listening experience. As an artist, having your music on Amazon Music can help you tap into a vast and engaged user base.

4. YouTube Music

YouTube Music combines music streaming with the vast library of user-generated content on YouTube. It offers personalized recommendations and allows users to discover music through videos and playlists. YouTube Music's reach and influence make it essential for artist promotion.

5. Tidal

Tidal is known for its high-fidelity sound quality and exclusive content. It offers a range of curated playlists and unique opportunities for artists to connect with their audience. Although its user base is smaller compared to Spotify and Apple Music, Tidal’s niche audience values high-quality audio and artist support.

Conclusion

Distributing your music effectively and choosing the right streaming platforms are critical steps in building a successful music career. Platforms like SoundOn can help streamline the process, allowing your music to reach a broader audience. By understanding and leveraging the most used music streaming services, you increase your chances of getting your music heard and growing your fan base.

Ready to take the next step in your music career? Sign up as a SoundOn artist today and start your journey to musical success.