How to Upload on Apple Music?

The digital age has made it possible for independent artists to share their music with a global audience. Apple Music, one of the leading music streaming platforms, offers artists a fantastic opportunity to reach a vast number of listeners. If you're an artist looking to distribute your music on Apple Music, this guide will help you understand the role of independent music distributors and how to upload your songs seamlessly.

What are Independent Music Distributors?

Independent music distributors provide artists with the tools and platforms needed to get their music on streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify, and others. Unlike major record labels, these distributors offer artists greater control over their work, including ownership rights and a larger share of royalties. Distributors such as SoundOn, Tunecore, Distrokid, CD Baby, ONErpm, LANDR, Indiefy, and Amuse have become popular choices for independent artists.

Steps to Upload Your Music on Apple Music

Uploading your music on Apple Music involves a series of steps that ensure your tracks are correctly formatted, distributed, and ultimately available to listeners. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Choose an Independent Music Distributor

The first step is to select a distributor that aligns with your needs. Each distributor has different services, payment structures, and distribution reach. For example, SoundOn offers global distribution and marketing services, helping artists grow their fanbase through platforms like TikTok. Do thorough research to find the one that best meets your needs.

2. Prepare Your Music

Before uploading, ensure your music is mastered and finalized. This means the tracks should be in the right format (e.g., WAV or FLAC) and comply with the distributor's requirements. Additionally, you’ll need:

• Album artwork (minimum 3000 x 3000 pixels)
• ISRC codes (International Standard Recording Code for each track)
• Metadata (song titles, artist names, genres, etc.)

3. Create an Account with Your Chosen Distributor

After selecting a distributor, you will need to sign up on their platform. This will involve providing some basic information about yourself as an artist, your payment details, and possibly some identification to verify your account.

4. Upload Your Music

The actual upload process involves several steps, which might vary slightly depending on the distributor. Generally, you will follow these steps:

1. Log in: Access your distributor account and navigate to the upload section.
2. Upload the tracks: Select your mastered tracks and upload them to the platform.
3. Enter metadata: Fill in the required metadata for each track. This includes song titles, artist names, release date, and genres.
4. Upload album artwork: Ensure your artwork meets the platform's requirements and upload it.
5. Set the release date: Choose a release date for your music to go live on Apple Music.

5. Review and Release

Once all the information is filled out, review the submission for any errors or omissions. Confirm that all the details are accurate to avoid any issues post-release. After ensuring everything is correct, submit your music for distribution. Your distributor will then process your submission and send it to Apple Music.

6. Promote Your Release

After uploading your music, promotion is crucial to reach a larger audience. Leverage social media platforms, email newsletters, and music blogs to create buzz around your release. Additionally, pitching your music to playlist curators can significantly boost your streams. Services like SoundOn can also assist in this area by providing marketing and promotional tools.

Benefits of Using Independent Music Distributors

Independent music distributors offer numerous benefits for artists, including:

• Greater Control: Artists retain control over their music and artistic direction.
• Higher Royalties: Artists typically receive a larger share of the revenue compared to traditional record deals.
• Flexibility: Independent distributors often have fewer restrictions, allowing artists to release music more frequently.
• Global Reach: Platforms like SoundOn help artists distribute their music globally, reaching millions of potential fans.

Conclusion

Uploading your music on Apple Music through independent music distributors is a straightforward process that can significantly impact your music career. By choosing the right distributor, preparing your music correctly, and effectively promoting your release, you can reach a broader audience and grow your fan base. Explore platforms like SoundOn to start your journey in the music industry and share your talent with the world.