How to Pick a

Digital Distributor

for your Record Label

Frequently asked questions, free resources, advice for indie record labels.

1. Distribution Reach

The first and foremost aspect to consider is the distribution reach of the platform. Your primary goal is to get your music in front of as many potential listeners as possible. Evaluate the digital distributor's partnerships with major streaming services, online music stores, and social media platforms.

A wide distribution network will maximize your exposure, increasing the chances of discovering new fans and earning more revenue.

2. Pricing and Revenue Share

Budget is a significant factor for indie record labels, so you must carefully examine the pricing models of different digital distributors. Some distributors charge upfront fees, while others may take a percentage of your revenue.

Compare the costs and revenue sharing percentages to determine which option aligns best with your financial goals and ensures a fair distribution of earnings.

3. Transparent Analytics and Reporting

Data is crucial for making informed decisions about your music strategy. Look for a digital distributor that provides clear and comprehensive analytics, including insights into streams, downloads, audience demographics, and geographical locations.

Transparency in reporting will empower you to identify trends, target promotional efforts, and optimize your overall marketing approach.

4. Additional Services and Promotional Opportunities

While distribution is the primary function, some digital distributors go the extra mile by offering additional services such as marketing and promotional opportunities. Look for platforms that collaborate with popular playlists, curators, and influencers to enhance the visibility of your music.

These services can make a substantial difference in gaining momentum for your label and its artists.

5. Copyright and Ownership

Ensure that the digital distributor you choose respects your rights as an independent record label. Verify that you retain full ownership of your music, and the distributor does not claim any rights to your content.

Clarify the terms and conditions related to sync licensing, copyrights, and termination of the distribution agreement.

6. Customer Support

Prompt and reliable customer support is invaluable, especially when you encounter issues with your releases or have queries that need immediate attention.

Prioritize digital distributors that offer excellent customer support through multiple channels, such as email, phone, or live chat.

7. Reputation and Reviews

Do your research and investigate the reputation of potential digital distributors. Read reviews and testimonials from other indie record labels who have used their services.

Check if there are any complaints or negative feedback regarding payment delays, technical glitches, or unresponsive customer support. Opt for a distributor with a proven track record of success and satisfied clients.

In today's digital age, independent record labels have unprecedented opportunities to reach a global audience through digital distribution.

However, with a plethora of digital distributors available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. The choice of a digital distributor is pivotal to the success of your music, as it directly impacts your reach, revenue, and overall growth.

In this article, we will guide you through the essential factors to consider when choosing a digital distributor for your indie record label, ensuring a seamless and fruitful partnership.

My Review of Symphonic

In this video, I test out Symphonic as my digital distributor for my latest single...

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Record Label Digital Catalog Database

Digital Distribution FAQs

Can I upload to Spotify, AppleMusic without a distributor?

At the time of writing this, no, you cannot. There was a short window of time when Spotify was piloting a project to allow artists to upload directly to Spotify. This program no longer exists. Even when it did exist, it was problematic, as it still required artists to use another distributor to upload the same songs to AppleMusic, Tidal, and all the other streaming platforms.

Using a digital aggregator ensures that your music is uploaded to every possible streaming platform worldwide, even ones you’ve never heard of.

Will my distributor help me get on playlists?

Sometimes yes. There are various tiers at each distributor, some are higher paid tiers and some are application only. These levels offer different levels of playlist pitching.

At the same time, you should also have a playlist pitching strategy that you manage yourself. You can use tools like Groover. Or you can simply work to build relationships over time with third-party playlist curators.

Do I need to have my music professionally mastered first?

Music tech has come a long way, and you technically don’t need to have your music mastered. You can upload your songs to Symphonic or Bandcamp whether they are mastered or not (it is reported that Spotify enacts a basic amount of volume levelling to all songs).

Having said that, there’s nothing quite like a professionally mastered release. A great mastering engineer takes into consideration all the various listening platforms that your audience may use. This helps the music sound best on any device and on any format.

Listen to my interview with a Playlist Expert...

More Resources for Record Labels

Digital Distribution

Every independent record label and DIY musician eventually finds themselves searching through the endless options of picking the right digital distributor.

Also often referred to as an “aggregator,” a digital distributor is a company that helps you distribute your music to all of the streaming platforms. Not only that, a great distributor will help ensure your tracks are in order, songwriters are credited, royalties are collected fairly, and some even will pitch your music to official playlists!

It is essential that you find a good distributor, as uploading to all of the streaming platforms is NOT something you can do on your own. You MUST use an aggregator. There are a lot of different distributors out there and I hope to help clear the fog for you!