How to Pick the Best Music Distributor?

Choosing the right music distributor for your music career is a crucial step for any artist looking to get their music out into the world. A music distributor can help you place your tracks on various streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and more. They also offer additional services like promotion and royalty collection. But with so many options available, how do you figure out which music distributor is the best fit for you?

Understanding Music Distributors

Before diving into the selection process, it's essential to understand what a music distributor does. Essentially, a music distributor delivers your music to digital streaming platforms (DSPs). These distributors act as the middlemen between you and the platforms that stream your music. Their job is to ensure your music gets stocked on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other streaming platforms.

Key Factors to Consider

When selecting a music distributor, several key factors must be taken into account:

1. Platform Reach

How many and which DSPs does the distributor have access to? While major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are a given, you'll also want to ensure the distributor covers additional niche services that might be relevant to your genre or target audience.

2. Cost

Different distributors have different pricing models. Some charge a flat upfront fee, while others take a percentage of your royalties. It's crucial to understand these costs and how they will affect your revenue in the long run.

3. Services Offered

Beyond basic distribution, what other services does the distributor offer? Services like marketing, playlist pitching, royalty collection, and detailed analytics can make a significant difference in your music's success.

4. User Interface and Ease of Use

An intuitive and user-friendly portal can save you time and effort. Look for distributors that offer a streamlined process for uploading and managing your music catalog.

5. Support

Customer support can be crucial, especially when dealing with issues like incorrect metadata or royalty disputes. Choosing a distributor known for responsive and helpful support can save you headaches down the line.

The Role of an Apple Music Partner

Apple Music is one of the largest streaming platforms globally, and getting your music on Apple Music playlists can significantly boost your streams and fanbase. An Apple Music partner is a distributor that has a direct relationship with Apple Music. This can be advantageous for several reasons:

1. Faster Distribution

Working with an Apple Music partner can mean your music gets onto Apple Music quicker than with a non-partner distributor.

2. Enhanced Playlist Pitching

Apple Music partners often have better playlist pitching capabilities, increasing your chances of landing on influential playlists.

3. Data and Analytics

Some Apple Music partners offer more detailed analytics about your streams and listeners on Apple Music, providing valuable insights for your marketing strategies.

Why SoundOn?

If you're looking for a reliable music distributor with strong partnerships, consider joining SoundOn. As an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution, SoundOn helps you build a career and find new fans through TikTok, exclusive partners (CapCut), and other digital streaming platforms through our global distribution service.

Conclusion

Choosing the right music distributor is a significant decision that can impact your music career's trajectory. Consider the platform reach, cost, services offered, user interface, and support when making your choice. Partnering with an Apple Music partner can provide added advantages, particularly when it comes to playlist pitching and detailed analytics. If you're looking for a comprehensive solution, SoundOn is worth considering for its robust distribution and marketing capabilities.