As an independent artist, getting your music on major digital streaming platforms like Apple Music is crucial for expanding your audience and building your career. One effective way to achieve this is through music distribution services, such as TuneCore, and other notable platforms, including SoundOn. In this guide, we'll cover the steps to distribute your music on Apple Music using TuneCore and also provide an overview of other distribution options.
Music distribution is the process of delivering your music to digital streaming platforms and stores. This involves uploading your tracks, providing necessary metadata (such as song title, artist name, album artwork), and ensuring that your music is available for streaming and purchase by listeners worldwide. Distribution services like TuneCore, SoundOn, and others help artists manage this complex process efficiently.
Let’s walk through the specific steps required to get your music on Apple Music using TuneCore:
First, you'll need to create an account on TuneCore. Visit the TuneCore website and sign up by providing some basic information such as your name, email address, and password. Once your account is set up, you'll be ready to start the distribution process.
Before you upload your music, ensure that you have all the necessary components ready. This includes high-quality audio files (preferably in WAV format), album artwork that meets the platform's specifications, and metadata such as song titles, artist names, and release dates.
With everything prepared, log into your TuneCore account and navigate to the distribution section. Here, you can upload your tracks, album artwork, and enter the metadata. Take your time to ensure that all information is accurate, as errors can delay the distribution process.
Once your music is uploaded and metadata is entered, you'll need to choose the platforms you want to distribute to. TuneCore allows you to select multiple platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and many others. Be sure to include Apple Music in your selection to reach its vast audience.
TuneCore charges a fee for distribution, which varies depending on the number of tracks and the type of distribution plan you choose. Pay the required fee to proceed with the distribution process. Note that once the fees are paid, TuneCore will handle the rest of the process, ensuring your music gets onto Apple Music and other selected platforms.
After completing the distribution process, it may take a few days for your music to appear on Apple Music. TuneCore provides tools to monitor your release and track your music's performance, including streams, downloads, and revenue earned. Keep an eye on these metrics to gauge your music's success and make informed decisions about future releases.
While TuneCore is a popular choice for music distribution, there are other platforms you might consider, such as SoundOn. SoundOn offers an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution, helping you build a career and find new fans through TikTok, exclusive partners (CapCut), and other digital streaming platforms through its global distribution service. Registering as a SoundOn artist could provide additional benefits, especially if you are looking to leverage TikTok for music promotion.
SoundOn offers several advantages, including:
Getting your music on Apple Music is a significant step toward building your music career. By using distribution services like TuneCore, and exploring other options like SoundOn, you can ensure that your music reaches a broad audience and maximizes its potential. Registering as a SoundOn artist provides a comprehensive solution to not only distribute your music but also promote it effectively. Start your journey today and take your music career to new heights!