How to Publish My Music: A Complete Guide for Aspiring Artists

how to publish my music

Why Publishing Music Is Important

Are you ready to let the world hear your music? Publishing your music is the first step in sharing your talent with others. It helps you reach fans, grow your audience, and even make money from your songs.

Publishing music might sound complicated, but it’s easier than you think! This guide will walk you through every step. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to publish your songs on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

So, whether you’re an independent artist or part of a band, let’s get started on your journey to publish music!

What Does Publishing Music Mean?

When we talk about publishing music, it means:

  1. Making your music available to people worldwide.
  2. Protecting your rights so no one can steal your work.
  3. Earning royalties every time your song is played or downloaded.

Publishing music is like giving your songs a passport to travel the world. It’s how you can reach listeners everywhere, get paid for your work, and make a name for yourself as an artist.

Step 1: Get Your Music Ready for Publishing

Before you can publish your music, it needs to be fully prepared. This step is all about making your song sound amazing and look professional.

1.1 Record and Master Your Song

Your song must sound polished. If you recorded it at home, you might need some extra help to make it shine. That’s where mastering comes in. Mastering is the process that ensures your song sounds balanced and professional on all devices.

If hiring a studio is out of your budget, try an AI mastering service like the one offered by Deliver My Tune. It’s affordable and gives great results​​.

1.2 Create Cover Art

Your cover art is like the face of your music. It’s the first thing people notice, so make it count! Here are some tips for great cover art:

  • Use high-quality images (3000 x 3000 pixels is standard).
  • Keep it simple and visually appealing.
  • Make sure it reflects the mood or theme of your music.

1.3 Add Metadata

Metadata is just the basic information about your song. It includes:

  • Song title
  • Artist name
  • Genre
  • Release date

Correct metadata helps platforms organize your music properly, so it’s easier for listeners to find.

Step 2: Choose a Distributor to Publish Your Music

You can’t upload your song directly to platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. For that, you need a music distributor. A distributor sends your song to different platforms and helps you manage royalties.

2.1 What is a Music Distributor?

A music distributor is like a delivery service for your songs. They make sure your music is available on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and more. Some distributors, like Deliver My Tune, also offer extra services like mastering and social media management​.

2.2 Top Music Distributors for Independent Artists

Here are a few great options:

  1. Deliver My Tune – Offers lifetime plans and affordable packages​.
  2. DistroKid – Simple and easy to use.
  3. TuneCore – Good for artists who want a yearly plan.
  4. CD Baby – Great for beginners who want pay-per-release options.

Step 3: Protect Your Music Before Publishing

Your music is valuable, and you need to protect it. This step ensures no one can copy or misuse your work.

Copyrighting your song means officially registering it as your creation. In many countries, you automatically own the copyright once you create a song, but registering it gives you extra legal protection.

For example:

  • In India, you can register your copyright through the Indian Copyright Office.
  • In the US, you can register with the U.S. Copyright Office.

3.2 Get an ISRC Code

An ISRC Code is a unique identifier for each song. Think of it as a digital fingerprint for your music. Most distributors, including Deliver My Tune, provide ISRC codes for free​.

3.3 Join a Performing Rights Organization (PRO)

A PRO helps you collect royalties when your music is played in public places, like on the radio or in a restaurant. Some popular PROs are BMI, ASCAP, and PRS.

Step 4: Distribute Your Music to Platforms

Now it’s time to upload your song to your distributor and share it with the world.

4.1 Upload Your Song

Log in to your distributor’s platform and upload the following:

  • Audio file (make sure it’s high-quality, like WAV format).
  • Cover art (use high-resolution images).
  • Metadata (song details like title, artist name, and genre).

4.2 Select Platforms

Choose where you want your music to be available. Most distributors can send your song to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and TikTok.

4.3 Choose a Release Date

Pick a release date at least two weeks in advance. This gives you time to promote your music before it goes live.

Step 5: Promote Your Music

Publishing your song is just the beginning. To get people to listen, you’ll need to promote it.

5.1 Use Social Media

Social media is one of the best ways to reach new listeners. Share posts, behind-the-scenes videos, and updates about your song. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are great for engaging with fans.

5.2 Pitch to Playlists

Playlists can boost your streams quickly. Submit your song to playlist curators on Spotify and other platforms.

5.3 Collaborate with Other Artists

Team up with other musicians to create buzz around your music. Collaborations can introduce you to a new audience.

5.4 Get Professional Help

If you’re overwhelmed, consider hiring a service like Deliver My Tune’s Social Media Management. They handle everything from content creation to playlist pitching​​.

Step 6: Track Your Music’s Performance

Once your song is live, monitor how it’s doing. Most distributors offer tools to track:

  • Streams: How many times your song is played.
  • Listener demographics: Information about your audience.
  • Royalties: Earnings from streams and downloads.

Why Use Deliver My Tune to Publish Your Music?

Deliver My Tune makes it easy for independent artists to publish their music. They offer:

  • Affordable pricing: Lifetime plans with no hidden fees.
  • AI mastering: A quick and cost-effective way to polish your songs.
  • Social media management: To help you promote your music like a pro.
  • Wide platform reach: Your music will be available on 100+ platforms​.

Conclusion: Start Publishing Your Music Today

Publishing your music is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be scary. By following the steps in this guide, you can share your songs with the world and start building your music career.

Take action today. Prepare your song, choose a distributor, and get ready to shine. With the right tools and a bit of effort, your music will reach listeners everywhere.


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For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit Deliver My Tune.