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Digital Music Distribution - Spotify, Apple Music, Streaming

4.2 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 137 ratings
see reviews
Tomas George, Christopher Carvalho, and Digital Music Masters

Did you know that you can get your music on all of the major streaming platforms without signing a record deal?

In this Beginners Guide, we show you step-by-step the process of publishing your music to all of the online streaming platforms including Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, TIDAL, and much more.

We also show you how to pitch your music to online music blogs, playlists, and radio stations. 

This course also takes you through many of the best practices that you need to consider before you release your music to the world.

Topics include:

Read more

Did you know that you can get your music on all of the major streaming platforms without signing a record deal?

In this Beginners Guide, we show you step-by-step the process of publishing your music to all of the online streaming platforms including Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, TIDAL, and much more.

We also show you how to pitch your music to online music blogs, playlists, and radio stations. 

This course also takes you through many of the best practices that you need to consider before you release your music to the world.

Topics include:

  • CDBaby Account Setup

  • Music Distribution

  • Submitting to playlisters and blogs

  • Creating your Spotify Artist Profile

  • How to create album artwork and media

  • and much more.

What do you get when you enroll in this course?

  • Lifetime access to the course and all updates

  • Personalized support and answers to your questions

  • Udemy certificate of completion

Who are your instructors?

Tomas George has a MMus Masters Degree in Music Production and a BA(Hons) Degree in Music Composition. He is also the creator of some of the world's most popular music production courses - with over 300,000 students

Christopher Carvalho runs Unlock Your Sound helping up-and-coming artists create and release their music online. Through his experience, Christopher has learned many best practices along the way that he included in this course, so you can be best prepared for getting your music online.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You will learn how to distribute your music to all major online streaming platforms
  • You will learn how to submit your music to online playlisters and tastemakers
  • You will learn how to create media assets using free and inexpensive online tools
  • You will learn how to create a spotify artist profile
  • You will learn how to create an account on cdbaby

Syllabus

Introduction

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will be introduced to your instructors and what this course has to offer!

Read more

In this DIY Online Music Distribution - Spotify, Apple Music + More lecture, you will learn about preparing your Audio Files.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will learn about Distributor Choices.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution - Spotify, Apple Music + More lecture, you will learn an overview of setting up CD Baby.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will learn about the Spotify Artist Profile.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will learn an overview of SubmitHub.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will learn about SubmitHub's Artist Profile.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will learn about SubmitHub's Dashboard.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will learn about setting up SubmitHub.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will learn about Submitting to Playlists.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, we will talk about how to get your first 1000 streams on Spotify.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will learn how to quickly create album artwork for free with Canva.

Canva is a graphic design website, that allows you to create artwork, logos and thumbnails.

It is a handy tool that allows you to quickly and effectively create your own artwork and logos.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will learn about Photoshop Templates that you can use for your artwork or designs.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will learn about Music Visualizers templates in After Effects.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will learn about creating YouTube Videos with iMovie.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lesson, you will learn about creating Email Newsletters for your Audience.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution - Spotify, Apple Music + More lecture, you will learn outsourcing with Freelancer.

This is an easy and cost efficient way to get your photos or album artwork edited by outsourcing.

Freelancer is an outsourcing website that allows you to run competitions.

I have found this very useful for artwork and photo editing. It can also be useful for logo design.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will learn about how to set up your CD Baby account.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will learn about Uploading Artwork and Tracks to CD Baby.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will learn about the payment section of CD Baby.

In this DIY Online Music Distribution lecture, you will learn about CD Baby's Distribution.

Thank you for watching this course!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Guides musicians through the process of publishing music to major streaming platforms, which is essential for reaching a wider audience and generating revenue
Teaches how to create a Spotify Artist Profile, which is crucial for branding and engaging with fans on the world's leading streaming platform
Explores SubmitHub, which is a platform that connects artists with playlisters and bloggers, potentially increasing exposure and streams
Covers creating album artwork with Canva, which is a free and accessible tool for musicians on a budget to create professional-looking visuals
Uses CD Baby for music distribution, which may not be the only or best option, as other distributors may offer different pricing or features
Recommends using iMovie for creating YouTube videos, which may be limiting for users who need more advanced video editing capabilities

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Beginner guide to digital music distribution

According to learners, this course provides a clear, step-by-step guide to distributing music on major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. It is widely regarded as excellent for beginners looking to understand the process and the role of distributors like CD Baby. Many found the instructions practical and easy to follow, appreciating the coverage of topics like creating artist profiles and basic marketing via playlists and blogs. While the core distribution process is well-covered and remains relevant, some students note that the rapidly changing digital landscape means certain specific interface details or marketing strategies may become outdated over time. Overall, reviews indicate a largely positive experience, particularly for those new to the world of independent music distribution.
Includes helpful tips on promotion basics.
"Good introduction to submitting to playlists and blogs."
"Useful tips on creating artwork and promoting your music."
"Loved the SubmitHub part and the Canva explanation for artwork."
"It touches on promotion which is a great bonus."
Focuses on key tools like CD Baby, Spotify.
"Covers CD Baby and Spotify for Artists really well."
"Practical course covering the main aspects and tools for digital distribution."
"The insights on CD Baby and Spotify are very helpful."
"I learned how to use the main platforms mentioned in the course."
Highly suitable for those new to distribution.
"Excellent beginner course on digital music distribution."
"Perfect for beginners looking to release their music."
"It has good information and gives you the tools you need as a beginner."
"Simple, practical and super helpful for any artist who wants to get their music online."
Provides easy-to-follow, practical guidance.
"It's a very clear and step by step process of uploading and distributing music."
"Very clear and easy to follow instructions, perfect for beginners."
"This course takes you step by step through the whole process and it is easy to understand."
"Great course to start your music career with a great detailed step by step on how to get your music out there."
Some platform details or strategies change.
"Some parts felt a little outdated due to platform changes, but the core concepts are solid."
"The digital world changes fast, so some specific examples might need updating."
"While the principles are good, interfaces on platforms like Spotify or distributors can change."
"It would be great to see updates as the platforms evolve."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Digital Music Distribution - Spotify, Apple Music, Streaming with these activities:
Review Music Theory Fundamentals
Strengthen your understanding of music theory to better prepare your music for distribution and understand the nuances of streaming platform algorithms.
Browse courses on Music Theory
Show steps
  • Review basic music notation and terminology.
  • Practice identifying chords and scales by ear.
  • Analyze the harmonic structure of a few popular songs.
Design Album Artwork Using Canva
Create visually appealing album artwork to represent your music and attract listeners on streaming platforms.
Show steps
  • Explore Canva's templates and design elements.
  • Choose a template that fits your music's aesthetic.
  • Customize the template with your own images and text.
  • Download the artwork in the correct dimensions for streaming platforms.
Read 'All You Need to Know About the Music Business' by Donald Passman
Gain a deeper understanding of the music industry landscape to make informed decisions about distribution and promotion.
View All You Need to Know About the Music Business:... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the sections on publishing and licensing.
  • Take notes on key concepts and industry terms.
  • Consider how the information applies to your own music career.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Social Media Content Calendar
Plan and schedule social media posts to promote your music releases and engage with your audience.
Show steps
  • Identify your target audience and their preferred platforms.
  • Brainstorm content ideas related to your music and brand.
  • Schedule posts using a social media management tool.
Follow YouTube Tutorials on Spotify Playlist Promotion
Learn effective strategies for getting your music featured on Spotify playlists to increase streams and visibility.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on Spotify playlist promotion.
  • Watch several tutorials and take notes on key strategies.
  • Implement the strategies in your own music promotion efforts.
Build an Email List
Establish a direct line of communication with your fans to announce new releases, shows, and other updates.
Show steps
  • Choose an email marketing platform (e.g., Mailchimp, ConvertKit).
  • Create a signup form and embed it on your website and social media.
  • Offer a free download or other incentive for signing up.
  • Send regular newsletters with valuable content and updates.
Read 'How to Make It in the New Music Business' by Ari Herstand
Learn practical strategies for building a successful music career in the digital age.
View How To Make It in the New Music Business:... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Focus on the sections about digital marketing and promotion.
  • Implement the strategies discussed in the book.

Career center

Learners who complete Digital Music Distribution - Spotify, Apple Music, Streaming will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Independent Musician
This course is ideal for an Independent Musician who wants to distribute their music without a record label. The course provides a step-by-step guide to publishing your music on major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and TIDAL. Gaining insight into creating attractive album artwork using tools like Canva and understanding how to pitch music to online music blogs and playlists will help you build a strong online presence. The course will guide you in creating your Spotify Artist Profile in order to effectively promote yourself as an independent musician.
See salaries and explore the career path for Independent Musician
Music Marketing Specialist
A Music Marketing Specialist develops and implements marketing strategies to promote music and artists. This course helps you learn how to get music onto platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. The course's lessons on submitting music to playlisters and blogs, creating Spotify Artist Profiles, and creating album artwork provides you with the tools to execute effective marketing campaigns. Understanding how to create eye-catching visual content and manage an artist's online presence allows you to target specific audiences and generate buzz.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Marketing Specialist
Artist Manager
An Artist Manager oversees all aspects of an artist's career, from booking gigs to managing their finances. This course is useful in establishing the fundamentals of digital music distribution, which is crucial for an artist's success. Understanding how to get music onto platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, create media assets, and manage the artist's Spotify profile helps an Artist Manager make informed decisions about their client's online presence and marketing strategies. The course provides you with the insights to guide artists effectively in the digital age.
See salaries and explore the career path for Artist Manager
Record Label Manager
A Record Label Manager oversees the operations of a record label, including artist development, marketing, and distribution. This course teaches the fundamentals of digital music distribution to various online streaming platforms, which is essential knowledge for anyone involved in managing a label. Understanding how artists can independently distribute their music, create media assets, and manage their Spotify profiles equips a manager with valuable insights into the modern music landscape. The course empowers you to guide artists effectively and make informed decisions about digital strategy.
See salaries and explore the career path for Record Label Manager
Multimedia Designer
A Multimedia Designer creates visual content for various platforms, including album artwork, promotional videos, and social media graphics. This course may be useful because it provides practical skills in creating album artwork using tools like Canva and music visualizer templates in After Effects. These skills are directly applicable to creating compelling visuals for musicians and their releases. This course helps multimedia designers enhance their portfolio and cater to the specific needs of the music industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Designer
Digital Content Creator
As a Digital Content Creator, you produce engaging content for online platforms. If your focus is music, this course helps you understand the fundamentals of digital music distribution. Learning how to create album artwork and use music visualizer templates will enhance the quality of your content. The knowledge of how artists leverage platforms like Spotify and Apple Music will enable you to create content that resonates with music lovers. The course provides you with the practical skills to create compelling and relevant content in the music space.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Content Creator
Music Producer
Music Producers oversee the recording and production of music tracks. While they may not always handle distribution directly, understanding the process of getting music onto platforms like Spotify and Apple Music is valuable. This course may be useful because it provides insights into the best practices for preparing audio files, creating album artwork, and setting up artist profiles. This knowledge helps a producer ensure that their work is presented effectively in the digital marketplace. It may also help with properly crediting those involved in the production.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer
Playlist Curator
Playlist Curators are tastemakers who create and manage popular playlists on streaming platforms. This course helps you understand how artists submit their music to playlists and helps curators find emerging talent. The knowledge of how artists create their Spotify Artist Profiles and media assets may help you assess the quality and potential of submissions, ultimately leading to better playlist curation decisions. This course may give you insight into the artist's perspective and refine your curatorial skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Playlist Curator
Music Publicist
As a Music Publicist, you're responsible for crafting and executing strategies to promote artists and their music. This course helps you understand the crucial first steps of getting music onto major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, which is fundamental for any publicity campaign. Knowing how to navigate platforms, create a Spotify Artist Profile, and even create visually appealing artwork, helps a publicist connect with their target audience. This course may be useful in building a foundation for managing an artist's online presence and pitching their music to blogs and playlists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Publicist
Social Media Manager
A Social Media Manager focuses on building and maintaining an online presence for a brand, artist, or company. For those in the music industry, this course may be useful because it teaches how to set up a Spotify artist profile. The Social Media Manager will also benefit from understanding how to create album artwork and media assets. This course may help build a foundation for managing social media for the music industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager
Audio Engineer
An Audio Engineer is responsible for the technical aspects of recording, mixing, and mastering music. Although their primary focus is on sound quality, understanding the distribution process can be beneficial. This course may be useful because it helps one learn about the requirements for preparing audio files for digital distribution and the platforms where music will be consumed. This knowledge enables an audio engineer to optimize their work for online streaming, ensuring the best possible listening experience for the audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer
Music Licensing Coordinator
A Music Licensing Coordinator manages the administrative tasks associated with securing licenses for music. This includes understanding the platforms where music is distributed and how royalties are generated. This course may be useful by familiarizing you with the distribution landscape, including platforms like CD Baby, and the best practices for releasing music online. The insights into music distribution and creating media assets may help you in understanding the needs of artists and publishers, facilitating smoother licensing processes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Licensing Coordinator
Music Journalist
A Music Journalist reports on trends and news in the music industry. Understanding the modern landscape of digital music distribution helps you stay informed about how artists are releasing and promoting their music. This course may be useful by providing insight into the process of getting music onto platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, as well as the strategies artists use to gain visibility. This knowledge adds depth to your reporting and allows you to provide more insightful commentary on the music industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist
Music Blogger
As a Music Blogger, knowing the ins and outs of music distribution and the online music landscape is imperative. This course may be useful to help you understand how artists get their music onto platforms like Spotify and Apple Music and how they create their artist profiles. The course may also improve your ability to discover and review new music effectively. Learning where to look for emerging artists and how they present themselves online builds your credibility as a blogger.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Blogger
Entertainment Lawyer
An Entertainment Lawyer provides legal counsel to artists and entertainment companies. While the focus is on legal matters, understanding the process of digital music distribution can be helpful. This course may be useful because it provides insight into the platforms where music is distributed, the agreements involved, and the best practices for releasing music online. This knowledge enables an Entertainment Lawyer to provide more informed advice to their clients and navigate the complexities of the modern music industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Entertainment Lawyer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Digital Music Distribution - Spotify, Apple Music, Streaming.
Cover image
All You Need to Know About the Music Business
Save
Comprehensive guide to the music industry, covering everything from record deals and publishing to touring and digital distribution. It provides essential information for musicians navigating the complexities of the music business. It is particularly useful for understanding the legal and financial aspects of music distribution, which are not covered in depth in the course. This book must-read for anyone serious about a career in music.
All You Need to Know About the Music Business:...
Hardcover
$$
All You Need to Know About the Music Business (11th...
Audible Audiobook
$$
All You Need to Know About the Music Business: 10th...
Hardcover
$$
All You Need to Know About the Music Business:...
Hardcover
$$
All You Need to Know About the Music Business:...
Hardcover
$$
All You Need to Know About the Music Business:...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
How To Make It in the New Music Business: Practical...
Save
Provides practical advice on building a music career in the digital age. It covers topics such as social media marketing, crowdfunding, and direct-to-fan sales. It is particularly relevant to the course's focus on online music distribution and creating a Spotify artist profile. This book great resource for musicians who want to build a sustainable career in the music industry.
How To Make It in the New Music Business: Practical...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Rating
4.2 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
1.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructors
Tomas George
Christopher Carvalho
Digital Music Masters
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Guides musicians through the process of publishing music to major streaming platforms, which is essential for reaching a wider audience and generating revenue
Teaches how to create a Spotify Artist Profile, which is crucial for branding and engaging with fans on the world's leading streaming platform
Explores SubmitHub, which is a platform that connects artists with playlisters and bloggers, potentially increasing exposure and streams
Covers creating album artwork with Canva, which is a free and accessible tool for musicians on a budget to create professional-looking visuals
Uses CD Baby for music distribution, which may not be the only or best option, as other distributors may offer different pricing or features
Recommends using iMovie for creating YouTube videos, which may be limiting for users who need more advanced video editing capabilities
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