Top 10 Music Distribution and Upload Tips

With the rapid growth of digital streaming platforms, music distribution has become more accessible to indie artists and music producers. Choosing the right music distribution company is vital as it can significantly impact your music's reach and, consequently, your career. In this article, we dive into the top 10 music distribution companies and provide a step-by-step guide on how to upload downloaded music to Spotify.

Top 10 Music Distribution Companies

A foreword before diving into the list—each music distribution company has its unique offerings and capabilities. The choice of the distributor often depends on your specific needs, so it’s essential to research and understand what each platform provides.

1. SoundOn

SoundOn is an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution, designed to help artists build a career and find fans through TikTok, exclusive partners (CapCut), and other digital streaming platforms globally. With a range of tools to aid artists, it's a comprehensive choice for those looking to boost their presence effectively.

2. TuneCore

TuneCore offers a robust platform for independent artists to distribute their music worldwide. With an easy-to-use interface and detailed analytics, it remains a popular choice among indie musicians.

3. Distrokid

Distrokid focuses on making music distribution fast and straightforward. Artists can release an unlimited number of songs annually for a single subscription fee, making it budget-friendly for frequent releases.

4. CD Baby

CD Baby has been a stalwart in music distribution for years, providing a range of services that include physical distribution alongside digital streaming. It remains a favorite for many artists due to its comprehensive support system.

5. ONErpm

ONErpm offers an innovative and dynamic service for distributing music with a focus on data analytics and marketing support. It aids artists in building a solid presence in the digital music market.

6. LANDR

LANDR originally known for its AI-based mastering services, has expanded to offer distribution services. Its platform is suitable for those looking to combine mastering and distribution under one roof.

7. Indiefy

Indiefy is a user-friendly platform that caters to independent artists looking for an easy and efficient distribution service. It’s an accessible option for those who are new to digital music distribution.

8. Amuse

Amuse provides a combination of distribution and label services, using data to identify promising artists. This dual approach can help musicians gain more insights and support.

9. Symphonic Distribution

Symphonic Distribution is known for its comprehensive services that include video distribution and marketing. It's a one-stop shop for those looking to utilize multiple forms of media distribution.

10. Ditto Music

Ditto Music offers flexible packages tailored to suit different needs, from single releases to full album distributions, making it a versatile choice for varying artist requirements.

How to Upload Downloaded Music to Spotify

Now that you have an understanding of the top music distribution companies, let’s delve into a common query: How to upload downloaded music to Spotify. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate the process.

Step 1: Open Spotify on Your Desktop

To upload your downloaded music, ensure you have the Spotify desktop app installed on your computer. The mobile app does not support this feature.

Step 2: Go to Settings

Navigate to the top right corner of the Spotify interface and click on the drop-down menu under your profile name. Select “Settings” from the list.

Step 3: Enable Local Files

Scroll down to the section labeled “Local Files” and toggle the option to enable it. This will allow Spotify to access music files stored on your computer.

Step 4: Add Source of Local Files

Under the “Local Files” section, click on “Add a Source.” Here, you can browse your computer and select the folders where your downloaded music files are stored.

Step 5: Create a Playlist

Go back to your Spotify homepage and create a new playlist. You can do this by clicking on the “New Playlist” button in the left-hand menu.

Step 6: Add Local Files to the Playlist

Now, navigate to the “Local Files” option in the left-hand menu, where Spotify will display all the music files it has found from your added sources. Add these files to your newly created playlist by clicking and dragging the songs into the playlist.

Step 7: Sync Playlist to Spotify Mobile (Optional)

If you wish to play these local files on your mobile device, ensure both your phone and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the Spotify app on your phone, and you’ll see the playlist with the local files. Toggle the “Download” option to sync these local tracks to your mobile device.

Conclusion

Choosing the right music distribution company and knowing how to upload music effectively to platforms like Spotify can significantly impact your music career. With options like SoundOn providing comprehensive support, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs. Following the steps outlined for uploading music ensures that your tracks are accessible on Spotify, ready for your fans to enjoy.