How to Put Your Music on TikTok, iTunes, Spotify & All Streaming Platforms

The melody lingers in your head, the rhythm taps its foot against your soul – you've created a masterpiece, an album begging to be heard by the world. But how do you bridge the gap between your music and millions of potential fans? The answer lies in the vast landscape of online music distribution. This guide unlocks the secrets of getting your music on popular platforms like TikTok, iTunes (now part of Apple Music), and Spotify, transforming your passion into a widely accessible commodity. Buckle up, aspiring musician, as we explore the path to sell your music online Links to an external site.!

1. Unveiling the Gatekeepers: Music Distributors

Gone are the days of direct uploads to platforms like iTunes. Today, music distributors act as your gateway to the streaming world. These companies act as middlemen, taking your music and distributing it to various online stores and platforms. They handle the technicalities, ensuring your music meets each platform's specifications, and collect your royalties – a small payment you receive for each stream or download.

Choosing the right distributor is crucial. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Distribution Network: Look for a distributor with a wide reach, ensuring your music is available on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, and TikTok.
• Pricing: Pricing structures vary. Some offer flat fees, while others charge per album or annual subscriptions. Choose a plan that fits your budget.
• Features: Look for features like pre-order options, marketing tools, and detailed analytics to track your music's performance.
• User Interface: Ensure the platform's interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, especially for uploading and managing your music.

Popular Music Distributors: Several reputable distributors exist, each with its strengths. Consider researching companies like CD Baby, DistroKid, TuneCore, and (of course) the distributor we'll be focusing on – MusicDigi Links to an external site..

2. Choosing Your Weapon: Music Preparation for Distribution

Before uploading, ensure your music adheres to the technical specifications of your chosen platforms. Most require high-quality MP3 files encoded at 320kbps with a file size under 50MB per track. Additionally, prepare high-resolution cover art that meets each platform's size and format requirements.

3. Uploading Your Music: A Step-by-Step Guide (Using MusicDigi as an Example)

While specific steps might differ slightly between distributors, here's a general breakdown using MusicDigi as an example:

1. Create an Account: Head over to MusicDigi's website and create an account. The signup process is straightforward.
2. Navigate to Upload Section: Once logged in, locate the upload section within your MusicDigi dashboard.
3. Upload Music Files: Simply drag and drop your audio files or browse your computer to select them.
4. Enter Album Information: Provide details like album title, artist name, genre, release date, and explicit content warnings (if applicable).
5. Upload Cover Art: Choose your high-resolution album artwork.
6. Review and Submit: Double-check all information and submit your album for distribution.

Bonus Tip: MusicDigi (and many other distributors) allow pre-order campaigns. This allows fans to pre-order your album before its release, generating excitement and potentially earning you some income upfront.

4. Conquering the Streaming Giants: Specificity of Uploading to Different Platforms

While MusicDigi handles the heavy lifting of distributing your music across various platforms, it's important to understand some platform-specific nuances:

• TikTok: Unlike traditional streaming platforms, TikTok doesn't require direct music uploads. Instead, creators can use sounds already available in the platform's library. To get your music included in the TikTok library, you'll need to utilize a distributor like MusicDigi that offers TikTok distribution specifically.
• iTunes/Apple Music: Apple Music offers a more streamlined upload process compared to the past. Through MusicDigi, your music will be available for purchase and streaming on Apple Music after a successful distribution.

Note: Specific platform requirements and features may change over time. It's always recommended to consult your chosen distributor's website for the latest information.

5. Demystifying Music Royalties: How You Earn from Your Music

When your music is streamed or downloaded on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, you earn royalties. These royalties are essentially a small payment you receive for each stream or download.

There are two main types of royalties:

• Mechanical Royalties: Paid when your music is downloaded or permanently purchased.
• Performance Royalties: Paid when your music is streamed or played on public platforms.
  • Streaming service: Different platforms pay out different royalty rates.
  • Location: Where your music is streamed can affect the royalty rate.
  • Free vs. Paid Subscriptions: Users of paid subscriptions typically generate higher royalties for artists compared to free tier users.

• MusicDigi (and most distributors) will collect your royalties from various platforms and send them to you according to their payment schedule.

  6. Beyond Uploading: Promoting Your Music for Maximum Impact

  Getting your music on streaming platforms is just the first step. To truly sell your music online, you need to actively promote it. Here are some strategies to consider:

  • Build Your Online Presence: Create a professional website or artist page where fans can learn about you, your music, and upcoming gigs.
  • Social Media Marketing: Be active on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Share snippets of your music, engage with fans, and run targeted ads to reach a wider audience.
  • Playlists and Reviews: Pitch your music to playlist curators and music blogs for potential inclusion, increasing your discoverability.
  • Embrace the Power of Video: Create music videos for your songs and share them on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
  • Live Performances: Gigging allows you to connect with fans in a real and personal way, potentially leading to new fans and music sales.

  MusicDigi Features to Enhance Promotion: Remember, some distributors like MusicDigi offer additional features to help you promote your music. Explore options like pre-saves, social media integration, and even basic analytics to track your audience engagement.

  7. Patience and Perseverance: The Keys to Long-Term Success

  Building a successful music career takes time, dedication, and a healthy dose of perseverance. Don't get discouraged if your music doesn't explode in popularity overnight. Keep creating, keep releasing, keep promoting, and most importantly, keep connecting with your fans.

  8. The Ever-Evolving Landscape: Staying Ahead of the Curve

  The music industry is constantly evolving. New platforms emerge, and listener preferences change. Stay informed about these trends to adapt your strategy accordingly. MusicDigi (and other distributors) often provide industry updates to keep artists like you in the loop.

  9. Beyond Streaming: Exploring Additional Revenue Streams

  While streaming services are a valuable tool for selling your music online, consider exploring other income avenues:

  • Physical Sales: While digital sales dominate, some fans still appreciate physical copies. Offer CDs or vinyl through online stores or at your gigs.
  • Merchandise: Design and sell branded merchandise like t-shirts, hats, or stickers, allowing fans to show their support and generating additional income.
  • Sync Licensing: Your music could be used in films, TV shows, commercials, or video games. Explore sync licensing opportunities to expand your reach and potentially earn lucrative licensing fees.

  10. Choosing the Right Path: Final Considerations

  The journey to selling your music online is exciting and empowering. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Experiment, find what works best for you, and most importantly, enjoy the process of sharing your music with the world.

  Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment with different music distributors. While we've focused on MusicDigi throughout this guide, compare pricing, features, and target audience reach before making your final decision.