Independent Music Distribution Guide: How to Release, Monetize, and Get Paid Fast
Congratulations on finishing your new music! Now, it's time to get your songs out to the world and start collecting royalties. But where do you begin? This simple guide will walk you through the essentials of independent music distribution, from choosing a platform to claiming your artist profiles and registering with PROs like ASCAP and BMI. Plus, we’ll share some insider tips on the best platforms for independent artists and how to maximize your earnings.
Step 1: Choose Your Music Distributor
When it comes to independent music distribution, one platform consistently stands out: DistroKid. For just $23/year, you can upload unlimited songs and albums, keep 100% of your earnings, and access additional tools like Mixea and DistroVid.
Mixea: Automatically master unlimited tracks for one flat fee. Perfect for artists who need quick, professional mastering without breaking the bank. Get started with Mixea.
DistroVid: Easily upload music videos to major streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify (BETA), Vevo, and more. Start with DistroVid.
Why DistroKid Over CD Baby?
Unlimited uploads for a single flat fee vs. CD Baby’s pay-per-release model.
Faster release times – typically 1-2 days vs. CD Baby’s longer approval process.
Seamless integration with artist services like Mixea and DistroVid, giving you more control over your entire release strategy.
Before you can get your music on Spotify, Apple Music, and other major platforms, you need to choose a music distributor. Here are two of the most popular options for independent artists:
DistroKid – Get Unlimited Releases for Just $23/year
Pros: Fast uploads, low annual fee, unlimited releases.
Perfect for: Artists who plan to release multiple singles or albums every year.
CD Baby – Pay Per Release, Keep 100% Royalties
Pros: One-time fee, excellent support, physical CD distribution available.
Perfect for: Artists releasing one-off singles or albums without a yearly commitment.
Why It Matters:
DistroKid is a top choice for artists who want to release frequently without paying per release. CD Baby is a better fit if you’re releasing a one-time project or want physical CD distribution.
Step 2: Create Your Account
Visit DistroKid or CD Baby and sign up. Enter your artist or band information, upload your audio files, and provide your payment details so you can start collecting royalties right away.
Step 3: Prepare Your Release
Before you hit that upload button, make sure you have these assets ready:
Audio file: WAV format, 44.1 kHz, 16-bit.
Cover art: JPEG or PNG, at least 3000x3000 pixels.
Release details: Title, artist name, genre, release date, and explicit content indicator.
Take your time to verify every detail. Even a small typo can lead to headaches later.
Step 4: Upload Your Music
Once you’re ready:
Log in to your distributor’s platform.
Select Upload New Single or Album.
Upload your audio and artwork.
Double-check all metadata – artist name, song title, genre, etc.
Step 5: Payment & Rights
If you’re collaborating with other artists, set up royalty splits (especially easy with DistroKid). You keep 100% of your rights – your distributor just handles the money flow.
Step 6: Select Streaming Platforms
By default, your music will be sent to all major streaming services, but you can choose to exclude specific platforms if needed. Not sure where to distribute? At a minimum, make sure to include:
Spotify
Apple Music
YouTube Music
Amazon Music
TikTok
Instagram Reels
Step 7: Submit and Wait
Once your upload is complete, it typically takes 1-2 weeks for your music to go live on all platforms. Use this waiting period to plan your promotional strategy – teasers, pre-saves, and social media posts can build hype and drive more streams.
Step 8: Claim Your Artist Profiles
To customize your artist branding and access listener data, claim your profiles on:
Why It Matters:
Claiming your profiles allows you to customize your bio, add photos, and access listener analytics. You can also pitch your music for playlist consideration directly through these dashboards.
Step 9: Register with a PRO (ASCAP or BMI)
A Performing Rights Organization (PRO) collects royalties whenever your music is played publicly – whether that’s on the radio, in a club, or on streaming platforms.
PRO Membership Fee Payout Schedule Popular Genres ASCAP $50 one-time Quarterly Pop, Rock, Indie BMI Free for songwriters, $150 for publishers Quarterly Hip-Hop, R&B, Country
Pro Tip: Registering with a PRO ensures you get paid when your music is played on TV, radio, and more. If you skip this step, you’re leaving money on the table.
Creating Visual Content and Hiring Pros for Your Release
Your music is ready, but what about the visuals? From album art to promotional graphics, having quality visuals can make all the difference in grabbing a listener’s attention. If design isn’t your forte, consider hiring a pro.
Fiverr is a great place to find affordable designers and visual content creators. You can sign up here and get a discount on your first order.
If you’re looking for top-tier professionals, Fiverr Pro offers vetted, high-quality freelancers who can handle more advanced projects like animated lyric videos, album covers, or press kits.
Need a logo for your artist brand? The Fiverr Logo Maker uses AI and designs from top creators to generate professional, custom logos in minutes.
Mixing, Mastering, and Vocal Tuning
Getting your tracks to sound professional is crucial for standing out. Whether you need a full mix, polished master, or vocal tuning, here are some recommended Fiverr services:
Mastering Services: Perfect your track with professional mastering. Get it ready for streaming and radio.
Mixing Services: Bring clarity and impact to your songs with industry-standard mixing.
Vocal Tuning: Smooth out vocal performances and make your vocals shine.
Hiring skilled freelancers can save you time and elevate your sound without the need for expensive gear or studio time.
Once your music is ready for distribution, having high-quality visuals can make a big impact on your branding and marketing. Whether it’s album art, promotional graphics, or a striking logo, great visuals can set you apart and catch potential listeners’ eyes. If design isn’t your thing, consider hiring a pro.
Fiverr is a great place to find affordable designers and visual content creators. You can sign up here and get a discount on your first order.
If you’re looking for top-tier professionals, Fiverr Pro offers vetted, high-quality freelancers who can handle more advanced projects like animated lyric videos, album covers, or press kits.
Need a logo for your artist brand? The Fiverr Logo Maker uses AI and designs from top creators to generate professional, custom logos in minutes.
Working with Professional Producers and Mix Engineers
Once your music is ready for distribution, consider elevating your sound with professional mixing and mastering. If you're looking to work with industry pros remotely, or even with us in-house, check out our profile on SoundBetter. You can connect with experienced producers, mix engineers, and session musicians to take your music to the next level.
Final Thoughts
Independent music distribution doesn’t have to be complicated. Platforms like DistroKid and CD Baby make it easy to get your music online, collect royalties, and retain your rights. To maximize your income, the key is to be thorough, verify your information, and stay on top of your PRO and artist profiles. Ready to release your first single? Get started with DistroKid or CD Baby today.
For more tips, resources, or to book a consultation with our team, visit The Mix House Recording Studio.
