In the modern music industry, independent artists have more opportunities than ever before. You don’t need a major record label to share your music with the world. With the rise of music distribution platforms, you can submit your album on all streaming platforms and reach listeners worldwide. This guide will show you how to do it, step by step, even if you’re just starting out.(Submit your album on all streaming platforms without a label)
Why Release Without a Label?
Releasing your album without a label gives you complete control over your music. You’re in charge of your creative decisions, marketing strategies, and financial earnings. Without a label, you’ll keep 100% of your royalties—or close to it—depending on the distributor you choose.
It also means you can connect directly with your audience, build your personal brand, and experiment freely. Yes, it’s more work, but the rewards can be well worth the effort.
Step 1: Finalize Your Album
Before you think about submitting your album, make sure it’s 100% ready. This includes high-quality recordings, professional mixing and mastering, and finalized track titles. Pay close attention to your cover art as well. Many platforms won’t accept submissions without proper album artwork.
To make your music stand out, consider hiring a professional to handle the mastering and cover design. First impressions matter, and eye-catching artwork can help your album gain attention.
Step 2: Choose the Right Distributor
To submit your album on all streaming platforms, you need a music distributor. Distributors are the bridge between your music and platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Here are some popular distributors to consider:
- Deliver My Tune: A great option for independent artists looking to distribute music worldwide. They offer competitive pricing and artist-friendly features.
- DistroKid: Known for its simplicity and unlimited uploads for a flat annual fee.
- TuneCore: Offers a pay-per-release model, which can be helpful if you don’t release frequently.
- CD Baby: A long-standing platform with options for physical distribution as well.
- Amuse: Provides a free tier for basic distribution, making it budget-friendly.
Compare the features, pricing, and royalty payouts of each distributor to find the best fit for your needs. Be sure to check whether they support all the streaming platforms you want to target.
Step 3: Set Up Your Artist Profile
Most streaming platforms allow you to create an artist profile. This is an essential step because it gives your fans a place to connect with you. Here’s how to set up profiles on major platforms:
- Spotify for Artists: Claim your profile and add your bio, photos, and links to your social media.
- Apple Music for Artists: Similar to Spotify, this allows you to manage your presence on Apple Music.
- YouTube Music: Set up an official artist channel to organize your videos and music in one place.
Don’t skip this step! A well-maintained artist profile helps you stand out and build your brand.
Step 4: Prepare Your Metadata
Metadata is crucial for getting your music discovered. It includes details like your track titles, artist name, genre, release date, and more. Make sure this information is accurate and consistent. Even small mistakes can cause delays in getting your album live on streaming platforms.
Most distributors will guide you through the metadata process, so follow their instructions carefully. Include keywords related to your genre and mood to improve discoverability.
Step 5: Distribute Your Music
Now that you’ve chosen a distributor and prepared your album, it’s time to submit your music. Follow these steps:
- Upload Your Tracks: Use high-quality WAV or FLAC files for the best sound.
- Add Metadata: Double-check all the details to ensure accuracy.
- Choose Release Date: Plan your release in advance to allow time for promotion.
- Select Platforms: Most distributors let you submit to multiple platforms at once. Make sure your distributor covers all the major ones.
Once you’ve submitted your album, your distributor will take care of delivering it to the platforms you selected.
Step 6: Promote Your Album
Submitting your album is just the beginning. To gain listeners, you need to promote your music effectively. Here are some tips:
- Social Media: Share teasers, behind-the-scenes content, and announcements on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
- Email List: Build an email list to keep your fans updated on new releases.
- Collaborations: Partner with other artists to expand your audience.
- Playlists: Submit your tracks to playlists on Spotify and other platforms.
- Live Performances: Organize gigs or virtual performances to connect with your fans.
Consistency is key. Keep engaging with your audience even after your album is released.
Step 7: Monitor Your Performance
Most distributors and platforms provide analytics tools to track your album’s performance. Use these insights to understand your audience, identify popular tracks, and refine your future strategies. Pay attention to:
- Streams and Downloads: Which platforms are performing best?
- Demographics: Who is listening to your music, and where are they located?
- Engagement: Are listeners following your profile or adding your tracks to their playlists?
By analyzing these metrics, you can make data-driven decisions to grow your music career.
Benefits of Being an Independent Artist
When you submit your album on all streaming platforms without a label, you gain more than just control. Here are some benefits:
- Higher Earnings: Keep more of your royalties.
- Creative Freedom: No compromises on your artistic vision.
- Direct Fan Connection: Build a loyal audience on your terms.
- Learning Experience: Gain valuable skills in marketing and business.
Yes, it’s a challenging path, but the independence and rewards make it worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
Submitting your album on all streaming platforms without a label is entirely possible, thanks to modern distribution tools like Deliver My Tune, DistroKid, and others. By following the steps outlined above, you can take charge of your music career and share your art with the world. Stay consistent, keep learning, and never stop creating. The world is waiting to hear your sound.
Related Articles:
For further reading, explore these related articles:
- How to Submit Your Album on All Streaming Platforms and Earn Money
- How to Submit Your Album on All Streaming Platforms Without a Distributor
For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit DMT RECORDS PRIVATE LIMITED.
