CD Baby is a trusted music distribution platform used by independent artists worldwide to release their music to streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and more. It offers additional services like physical distribution, YouTube monetization, and sync licensing, making it an all-in-one solution for music creators. Here’s an authentic, detailed guide to uploading your songs to CD Baby.
1. Create Your CD Baby Account
Visit the Website:
- Go to cdbaby.com and click on Sign Up.
- Fill out the registration form with your email and password.
Complete Your Profile:
- Enter your artist name and contact information.
- Set up payment details for royalty payouts.
2. Prepare Your Music for Release
Before you upload your music, ensure you have everything ready:
Audio Files:
- Accepted formats include WAV (16-bit or 24-bit, 44.1 kHz).
- Make sure your song is professionally mixed and mastered.
Album or Single Cover Art:
- Minimum resolution: 3000 x 3000 pixels.
- File format: JPG, PNG, or GIF.
- Avoid using URLs, social media handles, or explicit imagery in your artwork.
Metadata:
- Song title, album title, and release date.
- Credits for producers, featured artists, and contributors.
ISRC and UPC Codes:
- CD Baby will generate these for free if you don’t have them.
Additional Details:
- Specify whether the release contains explicit content.
- Mention if it’s a cover song (a mechanical license may be required).
3. Upload Your Music to CD Baby
Step 1: Choose a Release Type
- Log in to your account and select whether you’re releasing a single, an EP, or a full album.
Step 2: Add Metadata
- Enter your release title, genre, language, and release date.
- Add a short description to help with editorial playlist pitches.
Step 3: Upload Audio Files
- Drag and drop your songs into the upload area or select files from your computer.
Step 4: Upload Cover Art
- Add your high-resolution cover art and ensure it meets the platform’s requirements.
Step 5: Set Pricing
- Decide if you want to sell your music digitally through online stores like iTunes and Amazon Music.
- CD Baby allows you to set your own price for downloads.
Step 6: Choose Distribution Services
- Select where you want your music to appear (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, TikTok, YouTube, etc.).
- Activate optional features like YouTube monetization and sync licensing.
Step 7: Submit Your Release
- Review your submission for accuracy and click Submit.
- CD Baby will review your release and notify you of its status.
4. Pricing for CD Baby
CD Baby offers two primary pricing tiers for distribution:
- Standard Plan:
- $9.95 per single or $29 per album.
- Keep 91% of your royalties.
- Pro Plan:
- $29.95 per single or $69 per album.
- Includes publishing royalties, sync licensing, and global collection services.
5. Promote Your Music After Upload
Claim Your Spotify for Artists Profile:
- Use the Spotify for Artists dashboard to pitch your song to editorial playlists.
Leverage Social Media:
- Share your release on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube using engaging content like lyric videos or behind-the-scenes footage.
- Use pre-save campaigns to build anticipation for your release.
Run Ads:
- Focus on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook Ads to target music fans in your genre.
- Use short, engaging video clips with your song’s hook for maximum impact.
Utilize CD Baby Marketing Tools:
- Take advantage of CD Baby’s promotional tools, like Show.co, to boost your visibility.
Track Performance:
- Use CD Baby’s analytics dashboard to monitor your streams, sales, and overall performance across platforms.
6. Why Choose CD Baby?
- Flexible Pricing: Pay per release instead of a subscription fee.
- Comprehensive Distribution: Includes digital stores, streaming services, and physical distribution.
- Publishing Royalties: Pro plan collects global publishing royalties on your behalf.
- Monetization Options: Includes YouTube Content ID, sync licensing, and social video monetization.