Contents
1. What is music distribution
Music distribution is the process of delivering an artist's music to digital streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, Tidal, TikTok, etc.). A distributor acts as the intermediary between the artist or label and the platforms.
Before streaming, distribution meant pressing CDs and vinyl and shipping to stores. In 2026, 95%+ of an artist's income comes from digital distribution through streaming services.
2. How distribution works technically
The process in simplified form:
- The artist uploads a WAV file, cover art and metadata to the distributor's system
- The distributor checks quality, compliance with requirements, and rights
- Content is delivered to platform servers via dedicated APIs (DDEX standard)
- Platforms process and publish the release on the specified date
- Platforms report streams → distributor → artist receives royalties
3. How to release a track: 6 steps
Prepare your master file
Format: WAV or FLAC, minimum 16-bit/44.1 kHz. Spotify HiFi and Apple Digital Master specs require 24-bit/48 kHz+. Loudness: avoid clipping, target -14 LUFS for streaming.
Design your cover art
Size: 3000×3000 px, JPG or PNG format, sRGB. Not allowed: Spotify/Apple logos, watermarks, contact details, prices. Text must be readable at small sizes (mobile app).
Fill in metadata
Track title, artist, genre, ISRC code (issued by distributor for free), lyricists, composers, producers, release date, language, copyright (℗ and ©). All names in the original script.
Choose your distributor
A label with distribution (Sakhanda Music) or an international service (DistroKid, Amuse, TuneCore). Details in the next section.
Upload and schedule your release
Release date — at least 3–4 weeks in advance. This is mandatory for playlist pitching. Standard release day is Friday.
Pitch and promote
Submit via Spotify for Artists at least 7 days before release. Prepare content for TikTok, Reels, Shorts. Launch a pre-save campaign.
4. Distributor comparison
| Service | Model | Price | Artist royalties | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sakhanda Music | Label + distribution | Free | Up to 80% | Promotion, playlist pitching |
| DistroKid | Subscription | $22.99/yr | 100% | Unlimited releases |
| Amuse | Freemium | $0 / $24.99/yr | 100% (Pro) | Free tier available |
| TuneCore | Subscription | $14.99/single/yr | 100% | Established platform |
| CD Baby | One-time | $9.95/single | 91% | No annual fees |
| Ditto Music | Subscription | $19/yr | 100% | UK-based |
5. Metadata: the invisible but critical component
Metadata errors are the most common reason a track doesn't get indexed correctly on platforms, misses an artist's Spotify Wrapped, or royalties go to the wrong place.
Required fields
- Track title — without tags like "(Official Audio)"
- Primary artist — exactly as your Spotify profile
- Featured artist — for collaborations
- Genre / Subgenre — choose carefully, affects recommendations
- ISRC — unique track code, issued by the distributor
- UPC/EAN — release code (album/EP/single)
- Songwriters / Composers — for collecting publishing royalties
- ℗ and © — master and composition rights holders
- Mood, BPM, Key — helps with recommendation algorithms
6. How much streaming pays
Average rates in 2026 (per stream, before fees):
| Platform | Rate per stream | 1,000 streams = ? |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Music | $0.008–0.010 | ~$8–10 |
| Tidal | $0.012 | ~$12 |
| Amazon Music | $0.004 | ~$4 |
| Spotify | $0.003–0.005 | ~$3–5 |
| YouTube Music | $0.002 | ~$2 |
| Deezer | $0.0064 | ~$6.40 |
Payouts also depend on the share of free-tier vs. paid listeners in a given market.
7. How to get into editorial playlists
- Submit via Spotify for Artists at least 7 days before release — use the "Pitch a song" form
- Fill in detail: genre, mood, instruments, language, theme, city
- Tell the track's story — real curators read this
- Apple Music for Artists has a similar pitching tool
- Independent playlists — pitch directly to curators via Instagram or Submithub
Learn more about working with a label that already has curator contacts — in the article What is a music label.
8. 7 most common distribution mistakes
- Submitting a release one or two days before — moderation takes up to 7 days, you lose playlist opportunities
- Spotify/Apple logos on the cover art — the release will be rejected
- Cover versions without a licence — a separate licence for the composition is required
- Artist name duplicating an existing one — causes stream attribution confusion
- Wrong authors/composers — you lose publishing royalties permanently
- Releasing on Monday or Wednesday — algorithms are oriented around Friday
- No promo plan — without TikTok/Reels the track simply dies within a week
Release your track with Sakhanda Music
Distribution to 150+ platforms, playlist pitching, up to 80% royalties for the artist. No subscriptions or hidden fees.
Apply →9. FAQ
How much does music distribution cost?
From $0 (Amuse Free, Sakhanda Music via revenue share) to $20–50 per year by subscription (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby).
Which platforms will my track reach?
Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music, TikTok, Instagram Reels, SoundCloud Premium — 150+ platforms total.
Can I release a track for free?
Yes — through Amuse Free or labels with a revenue share model, such as Sakhanda Music.
How long does moderation take?
Usually 24–72 hours at the distributor + 1–7 days on the platform side. Prepare your release 3–4 weeks in advance.
Can I switch distributors?
Yes. You need to do a catalogue "migration": the new distributor uploads the tracks with the same ISRCs, the old one removes them. Stream counts and playlist positions are preserved.