In summary, music distribution involves sharing or releasing music to various physical and online platforms and marketplaces. It may seem straightforward as just moving music from artist to listener, but the process is not always direct due to the multitude of ways music can be accessed and consumed. With a vast number of active listeners who consume music in various ways, music distribution has become essential for reaching all audiences regardless of where they are listening. It is a crucial component of any modern artist’s strategy for releasing music. Therefore, for artists or labels seeking to distribute their music, they will require a music distributor. How exactly does music distribution operate? During the dinosaur era of physical music consumption (including sheet music, printed scores, CDs, Vinyl, cassettes, etc.), music distributors were mainly responsible for delivering physical music to record shops, wholesalers, and outlets that sold or used music.
Even today, the role of a music distributor, also known as a music aggregator, remains largely the same, but it has shifted mostly to the online realm.
In the past, during the popularity of CDs, vinyl, and cassettes, the recorded music industry was predominantly physical, which may be difficult to comprehend now unless you grew up in the 90s or earlier.
However, in 2022, physical music sales account for only a small portion of all recorded music sales. This means that the digital music market is now the primary contributor to the music industry, a trend that is likely to continue.
So, what exactly does a music distributor do? Due to the transition of the industry from physical to digital, there has been a natural evolution in the process of music distribution to cater to the modern needs of artists.
Many distributors have responded to this shift by transitioning to digital platforms, transforming from traditional supply chain managers to providers of digital infrastructure and rights management services. In 2024, leading music distribution services such as Ditto Music have three primary functions: 1. Distribute music on digital streaming platforms. Almost all of the industry has transitioned to digital, including listeners. Therefore, artists who wish to share their music with an audience need to make it accessible online.
Distribution contracts are held by music distributors with services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, as well as social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. They also work with smaller platforms catering to specific audiences and international services limited to certain regions. Music distribution is the process of getting music out to the public. It involves making the music available on different platforms for fans to access. Artists should have a good understanding of how music distribution works. It is essential for artists to know how to get their music onto online platforms. Online platforms are the primary way for artists to reach a wider audience.Understanding music distribution is crucial for artists who want to succeed in the industry. Artists need to be aware of the different platforms available to distribute their music. It is important for artists to choose the right platform for their music. They should consider factors such as audience demographics and reach. Deciding on the best platform will help artists reach their target audience more effectively. Artists should also consider pricing and revenue sharing when choosing a platform. Proper music distribution can help artists increase their visibility and reach more fans. Artists need to carefully plan their distribution strategy to ensure maximum exposure. Having a strong distribution plan can help artists increase their chances of success in the industry. By understanding music distribution, artists can make informed decisions about their career.Ultimately, music distribution plays a crucial role in an artist’s success in the music industry. It is important for artists to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest distribution trends. They should take advantage of online platforms to reach a larger audience and grow their fan base. By utilizing effective distribution strategies, artists can expand their reach and achieve their goals in the industry. Most streaming platforms, especially the major ones, do not allow artists to directly upload their own music. The Big Digital Service Providers (DSPs), such as Spotify, host music from millions of artists because they prefer not to handle the hassle of working with and paying out individual artists.
This process would also be extremely stressful for the artists. Releasing music on multiple platforms would require working with numerous people, responding to endless emails, and meeting various metadata requirements just to ensure their music reaches the right audience.
DSPs prioritize the end listener, while music distributors like Ditto prioritize the artists. This is why intermediaries like us exist to alleviate the stress from what would otherwise be a complex and nearly impossible process.
Distributing music royalties. Every time a musician earns streams or downloads from their music release on the internet, they earn income through royalties. “What is Music Distribution? This article covers all the information artists should be aware of, including how to earn royalties from their work.” “Basic knowledge, isn’t it?
However, it is the responsibility of the music distributor to bridge the gap in transferring these royalties from the music streaming platform back to the artist or music copyright holder.
It’s important to note that some well-known music distributors may take a hidden cut of an artist’s royalties in return for their services.
This applies to many, though not all.
When you opt to distribute your music through Ditto, you will receive 100% of all royalties generated from online sales & streams on every platform or online store where your music is released.
Collaborating with a music distributor also simplifies the royalty payout process for both artists and music platforms, particularly if you release your music on numerous online stores.
You will receive one comprehensive payout at the end of each month, with all platforms/stores, streams, and downloads taken into account.” 3. Assist and advertise your launch. In the music industry, it is not a strict requirement, but reputable distributors often provide the necessary tools for artists to promote their music through additional support, products, and services.
Distribution is an essential aspect of music promotion for artists in today’s digital music era, as it can help them expand their reach to new and unexpected fan bases.
Ditto Music offers various services to assist in promoting and boosting music releases, such as promo campaigns, playlisting, music sync pitching through Ditto Music Publishing, pre-save links, chart registration, and industry advice via the Unsigned Advice blog.
Their artist support team is available around the clock to offer guidance and assistance at every stage of a release, ensuring that artists are in good hands.
Ditto offers a 30-day free trial for artists to try out their services before making a commitment, allowing them to sign up for free and experience the benefits firsthand.
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