With digital distributors, artists can upload their work to popular platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and more. Below, you’ll find instructions on how to upload tracks to streaming platforms and choose the best services.
Uploading Tracks to Streaming Platforms
Depending on the distributor, terms of cooperation may vary. To get tracks onto any platform, follow these steps:
- Choose a distributor. Streaming services partner with companies such as MusicAlligator, DistroKid, CD Baby, EmuBands, Record Union, Amuse, RouteNote, and more.
- Upload your tracks. Export files with no loss in quality, specify metadata, and upload album artwork.
- Customize your profile. Add photos, biography, social media links, merchandise, and playlists.
- Prepare for release. Check profile data, prepare videos and visuals, set up ads, and more.
Once uploaded to the portal of your chosen distributor, they take responsibility for delivering songs. After release, you’ll have access to reporting and audience analytics.
Terms of cooperation with streaming music services
Different types of music distribution companies offer their terms of cooperation. When choosing a distributor, artists consider:
- Fees: Distributors can provide services for a flat fee or a commission of up to 15 percent of the final royalties that the artist can receive after 2-3 months;
- Promotion offer: Some distributors simply upload tracks and wait for organic growth, while others actively market artists.
- Independence: Some distributors retain ownership of uploaded tracks, while others keep artists independent and allow collaboration across multiple platforms.
Based on the terms and conditions of the chosen music distributor, the artist can decide exactly how they will upload and promote their work. Most distribution services offer artists assistance in all stages of music realization, so if you are a budding artist, you’ll need a distributor who will help you through all stages of release.
Streaming Services for Music Uploads
Both emerging and experienced artists have several options when choosing a music streaming service. Each platform offers different earning potential, competition levels, and promotional opportunities. Picking the right service depends on whether the focus is on building an audience, maximizing revenue, or ensuring broad distribution. Below are some of the most popular streaming services and their benefits for artists.
1. Spotify – High Competition and Low Earnings for New Artists
Spotify is the largest music streaming platform in the world, hosting millions of songs from both major and independent artists. Its vast user base means massive exposure potential, but for new artists, breaking through the competition can be extremely difficult.
The service pays artists between $0.003 and $0.005 per stream, which is relatively low. With a small listener base, new artists often struggle to earn significant income directly from streams. However, Spotify remains an essential platform for those looking to build credibility and gain traction in the industry. Success on Spotify often requires strong marketing, playlist placements, and consistent releases to keep engagement high.
2. Apple Music – Higher Payouts but Better for Established Artists
Apple Music provides a slightly better payout compared to Spotify, with artists earning approximately $0.00783 per stream. The platform is structured to benefit musicians with an extensive catalog of work, as additional revenue can come from Apple’s advertising partnerships and integrations.
Since Apple Music operates on a paid subscription model, it attracts listeners willing to spend on premium audio experiences. This makes it more suitable for artists who already have a dedicated fanbase rather than those just starting out. If your goal is higher per-stream payouts and an audience that values exclusive content, Apple Music can be a viable option.
3. YouTube Music – Low Streaming Revenue, But Strong Fan Engagement
YouTube Music serves as a discovery platform rather than a primary revenue source. While it allows fans to listen to an artist’s songs, the payout per stream is significantly lower, averaging around $0.00069. This makes YouTube Music one of the least profitable services in terms of direct streaming income.
However, the platform offers multiple monetization opportunities beyond just streams, including:
- Affiliate marketing through video descriptions
- Sponsorship deals with brands
- Super Chats during live streams
- Google Custom Ads on videos
Artists who engage with their audience via live performances, behind-the-scenes content, and videos can generate revenue through these alternative methods. YouTube Music is best utilized as a tool for expanding reach and driving traffic to other platforms where earnings are higher.
4. Amazon Music – Good for Exposure, But Not for Monetization
Amazon Music provides a strong distribution network, making it easier for indie artists to get their work in front of new listeners. However, it does not pay artists directly for streams, which significantly limits its usefulness for those looking to earn money from their music.
The platform is best used for expanding visibility and reaching potential fans who may later support an artist through merchandise sales, concert tickets, or other revenue channels. If the goal is pure monetization, Amazon Music is not an ideal standalone solution.
Which Streaming Service Should You Choose?
- For exposure and audience building → Spotify & YouTube Music
- For higher direct streaming payouts → Apple Music
- For additional monetization options → YouTube Music
- For broad distribution → Amazon Music
Artists often use a combination of platforms to balance visibility and earnings. The key to success lies in leveraging multiple revenue streams, not just relying on streaming payouts alone.
How to Improve Streaming Revenue
To maximize earnings from streaming services, artists should:
- Distribute on multiple platforms to diversify revenue sources.
- Encourage direct fan support through donations, Patreon, or merchandise sales.
- Release music consistently to keep listeners engaged and increase streams.
- Utilize pre-save campaigns to boost first-day plays and algorithm rankings.
Conclusion
Getting music on streaming platforms requires careful planning, the right distributor, and consistent marketing. Each streaming service has different advantages, and artists should use a mix of platforms to increase visibility and revenue. Independent musicians must think beyond streaming payouts by leveraging promotions, social media, and fan engagement strategies. Choosing the right distribution service can shape an artist’s long-term success, making informed decisions crucial in today’s digital music industry.