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Tag: music metadata

  • How to Upload Your Songs to TuneCore: A Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Upload Your Songs to TuneCore: A Step-by-Step Guide

    TuneCore is one of the most popular music distribution platforms, known for its ease of use and extensive reach. It allows independent artists to distribute their songs to major streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and even Beatport. Here’s a complete guide to help you upload your songs to TuneCore effectively and ensure a successful release.

    A modern digital artist uploading a song to TuneCore on a laptop in a cozy home studio. The computer screen displays the TuneCore interface, showing options for uploading audio, cover art, and distribution settings. The room features a mix of instruments, a microphone, and warm ambient lighting.

    1. Create and Set Up Your TuneCore Account

    Sign Up for TuneCore:

    1. Visit TuneCore’s official website and create an account.
    2. Fill out your profile with accurate details about you or your band.
    3. Choose a pricing plan for your distribution needs:
      • Singles: $14.99 per year.
      • Albums: $29.99 per year for the first year, then $49.99 per year for renewals.
      • Additional fees apply for specialty stores like Beatport.

    Add Your Payment Information:

    • TuneCore pays your royalties directly to your TuneCore account, so make sure your payment details are accurate.

    2. Prepare Your Song for Upload

    Before starting, ensure you have the following ready:

    Audio File:

    • Upload high-quality WAV files (16-bit, 44.1 kHz). MP3s are not recommended due to lower quality.

    Cover Art:

    • Minimum size: 3000 x 3000 pixels.
    • File format: JPG or PNG.
    • Avoid any copyrighted material, URLs, or social media handles.

    Metadata:
    Gather the essential details:

    • Song title and artist name (must match the details on platforms).
    • Contributors (e.g., featured artists, producers, co-writers).
    • Explicit content warnings, if applicable.
    • ISRC code (TuneCore will generate one for you if needed).

    Release Details:
    Decide on the following:

    • Release date (at least 3-4 weeks in advance is ideal).
    • Genre and sub-genre to categorize your music.

    3. Upload Your Song to TuneCore

    Step 1: Start a New Release

    • Log in to your TuneCore dashboard and click on Create a New Release.
    • Choose between Single (1 song) or Album (2 or more songs).

    Step 2: Fill in Release Details

    • Enter your release title, artist name, and any additional contributors.
    • Specify if your release includes explicit content or is a cover song:
      • For cover songs, TuneCore requires you to purchase a mechanical license.
    • Add track-specific details like songwriter credits, lyrics, and instrumental or vocal classifications.

    Step 3: Add Your Audio and Artwork

    • Upload your audio files and ensure they meet TuneCore’s quality standards.
    • Add your cover art file.

    Step 4: Select Stores

    • Choose the digital stores and streaming platforms where you want your music to appear, including Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL, Amazon, and Beatport.
    • TuneCore allows you to opt in for YouTube monetization and TikTok distribution.

    Step 5: Choose Your Pricing

    • Select the pricing tier for your release:
      • Standard pricing ensures wide availability.
      • Adjust pricing in specific stores if needed.

    4. Review and Submit Your Release

    Double-Check Details:

    • Ensure all information, including metadata, artwork, and song details, is accurate.

    Submit Your Release:

    • Click Submit once you’ve reviewed everything. TuneCore will send you a confirmation email.

    Distribution Timeline:

    • Your release typically goes live within 1-2 weeks, but some stores (like Spotify) may process it faster.

    5. Promote Your Music After Upload

    Once your song is live, promotion becomes key to reaching your audience. Here’s how to maximize your efforts:

    Spotify for Artists:

    • Claim your Spotify for Artists profile and pitch your song to editorial playlists.

    Social Media:

    • Share snippets of your song on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
    • Create engaging content like behind-the-scenes footage or lyric videos.

    Ads:

    • Use platforms like Facebook Ads, Instagram Ads, and Google Ads to target your audience.
    • Boost pre-save links for platforms like Spotify.

    Beatport Submissions:

    • If your song fits the electronic or dance genre, TuneCore allows distribution to Beatport for an additional fee.

    Analytics:

    • Monitor your song’s performance using TuneCore’s analytics dashboard and adjust your promotion strategy as needed.

    6. TuneCore’s Advantages for Artists

    • Editorial Playlist Submissions: Pitch your music to stores like Apple Music and Spotify directly.
    • Revenue Transparency: Keep 100% of your royalties.
    • Wide Distribution: Access over 150 streaming platforms worldwide.
  • How to Upload Your Songs to DistroKid: A Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Upload Your Songs to DistroKid: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Uploading your music to DistroKid is a straightforward process, but to get it right the first time, it’s essential to understand every step. As one of the most popular music distribution platforms for independent artists, DistroKid helps you get your songs on major streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. This guide covers the process in detail, so you’ll know exactly what to do.

    1. Set Up Your DistroKid Account

    Sign Up for DistroKid:

    1. Visit DistroKid’s official website and create an account.
    2. Choose a plan that suits your needs:
      • Musician Plan: $22.99/year for unlimited song uploads (single artist).
      • Musician Plus Plan: $39.99/year (extra features like customizable release dates and labels).
      • Label Plan: Starts at $89.99/year (for multiple artists).

    Complete Your Profile:

    • Add your artist name, genre, and a high-quality profile image. This information will be reflected on music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

    2. Prepare Your Song for Upload

    Before uploading your music, ensure everything is ready:

    • Audio Format: Songs must be in high-quality WAV, MP3, FLAC, or other supported formats. WAV (16-bit, 44.1kHz) is preferred for the best quality.
    • Artwork: Your cover art must meet these requirements:
      • Minimum size: 3000 x 3000 pixels.
      • File type: JPG or PNG.
      • No URLs, social media handles, or explicit text unless related to the music.
    • Metadata: Gather all relevant details, including:
      • Song title(s).
      • Artist name.
      • Contributors (e.g., producers, featured artists).
      • Lyrics, if applicable.

    3. Start Uploading Your Song

    After setting up your account and preparing your music files, you’re ready to upload. Here’s how:

    Step 1: Choose Your Release Settings

    • Log in to your DistroKid dashboard and click Upload.
    • Select the stores where you want your music distributed (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, TikTok, YouTube, etc.).
    • Choose the number of songs:
      • Single: 1 song.
      • EP/Album: Multiple songs.

    Step 2: Fill in Release Information

    • Artist Name: Ensure it matches the name you use on streaming platforms.
    • Release Title: Enter your song or album title exactly as it should appear.
    • Primary Language: Select your track’s language.
    • Release Date: Choose either an immediate release or a custom date.

    Step 3: Copyright Settings

    • Specify whether your track contains explicit content.
    • Identify if your song is a cover or original:
      • For covers, DistroKid can help secure the necessary mechanical licenses for a small fee.
      • For originals, make sure you own the rights or have proper permissions.

    Step 4: Add Metadata

    • ISRC Codes: If you don’t have one, DistroKid will generate it for you.
    • Specify any collaborators (e.g., producers, co-writers) and their roles.

    Step 5: Upload Your Files

    • Audio File: Upload your song in the preferred format (WAV recommended).
    • Artwork: Upload your cover art.
    • Double-check that all details are accurate.

    4. Finalize and Submit Your Release

    Pricing Options:

    • Add optional features, such as:
      • YouTube Content ID: Monetize your music on YouTube.
      • Shazam and Siri: Make your song discoverable via these tools.
      • Store Maximizer: Automatically add your music to new streaming platforms.

    Review Your Submission:

    • Carefully review all your entries for accuracy. Mistakes like typos in your artist name or song title can delay release.
    • Once everything looks good, hit Submit!

    5. Post-Upload: What’s Next?

    After uploading your song, DistroKid will:

    • Distribute your music to selected platforms within 1–7 days (Spotify is usually fastest).
    • Send you an email once your song is live.

    Promote Your Release:

    • Use DistroKid’s HyperFollow tool to create a pre-save link for your music on Spotify. Share this link with fans via social media and email.
    • Monitor your song’s performance using analytics on DistroKid and platforms like Spotify for Artists.

    Tips for Success

    • Plan Ahead: Submit your song at least 3–4 weeks before the desired release date to allow time for playlist pitching.
    • Pitch for Editorial Playlists: Use Spotify for Artists to pitch your song for editorial playlists.
    • Keep Track of Revenue: DistroKid offers transparent revenue tracking. Use it to monitor your earnings from streams and downloads.