We're the first music company to introduce fan-powered royalties, where independent artists can get paid more because of their dedicated fans. More info here .

HELP CENTER

Back

Distribution with SoundCloud for Artists

What does it mean to "distribute" or "release" my music?

Distributing your music to platforms like Spotify and Apple Music lets you reach a global audience and earn streaming royalties.

This involves creating an account with a digital distributor like SoundCloud, uploading your content with metadata (title, artist name, album artwork, etc.), and choosing platforms for release. Once approved, your music is available for millions to stream on demand.

Why should I distribute through SoundCloud?

SoundCloud for Artists allows you to map all of your Main Artists, Featured Artists, and Remixers to their profiles on Spotify and Apple Music, as well as exclusive member benefits to save you money.

In addition to getting your music on other platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, TikTok, and others, SoundCloud doesn’t ask for additional payment for features like:

YouTube Content ID
Split pay to pay your collaborators
Mastering your tracks
Custom label names
Unlimited number of Artists on your releases
Sending releases to over 60+ platforms
Advanced fan insights

Why do I need a distributor to distribute my music?

A distributor takes care of licensing, accurately uploading your tracks and the metadata (see below), and payouts to you when fans stream your music on streaming platforms.

Platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp allow you to upload your music directly. However, for most other streaming platforms, you need to use a distributor.

For more information on how SoundCloud can help you make money on SoundCloud and all other streaming platforms, click here.

Can I distribute if I work with a Publisher/PRO?

Yes! Publishers and performing rights organizations (PROs) are responsible for representing your composition rights, ensuring that you receive royalties and proper credit for the underlying musical works you have created. On the other hand, SoundCloud for Artists provides a platform that enables you to monetize and distribute your actual sound recordings. This service focuses on the master recordings rather than the compositions themselves.

Because these two areas cover different aspects of your music rights, there is no conflict between them. You can effectively work with both to maximize your revenue streams and control over your music career.

Does SoundCloud for Artists distribute podcasts?

We do not currently support podcast distribution. However, you can host your podcast on SoundCloud through an RSS Feed. Learn more here.

Can I distribute a cover song?

Yes! However, you must obtain a license from the original writers/publishers to do so. We suggest using a company such as Easy Song Licensing to do this.

Distribution Platforms

SC4A can currently deliver your music to the following platforms:

Adaptr, Amazon, AMI Entertainment, Anghami, Apple Music / iTunes, Audiomack, Ayoba, Beatport*, Boomplay, Deezer, Claro Música, Facebook /Instagram, iHeartRadio, Jaxsta, JOOX, KKBOX, MediaNet (Securus / JPay, GTL, ACX Music, UFC Ultimate Sound, Playlist aka Riff, Vybn, ODE Audio, Keefe, Turnkey, Broadtime, Monytize), Melon Plus, Mixcloud, Napster, NetEase, Pandora Plus, Peloton, Play Network, Pretzel, Qobuz, Resso, Saavn, Shazam, Sound Exchange, Spotify, Tencent, Tidal, TikTok, YouTube Music, 7digital (Triller, Snap, ROXI, Soundtrack Your Brand, 7digital.com, Grandpad, Musixmatch, TuneSat, SoundMouse)

We’re also adding new platforms, and we’ll deliver your content for no additional cost. If you have new distribution platform suggestions, please let us know!

*Please note: Beatport delivery is only available through our legacy Repost Select plan currently.

Delivery Timing

It usually takes a few days for your release to be reviewed and delivered to platforms. Here are estimated delivery times for popular platforms:

Apple Music: 2-3 days (some releases may take 1-2 extra weeks if reviewed further)
Spotify: 2-3 business days
YouTube Music: 2-3 days
Amazon: 1-3 business days
Deezer, iHeartRadio: 3-7 business days
TikTok: 5-7 business days
Most other platforms: 1-3 weeks

To ensure your music goes live on a specific date, schedule your release at least 4 weeks in advance, as timelines vary by store. Early scheduling also lets you submit for editorial playlists and increases your chances of being featured in algorithm-based playlists like Spotify’s Discover Weekly and Release Radar.

How do I get paid?

When your music gets streamed, you get paid by the streaming platforms based on their own guidelines. For example, Spotify needs a certain number of streams to be eligible for a track to get paid. Spotify also has different rates for music streaming vs. functional content (such as white noise, etc.) streaming. However, to learn more in-depth about how a stream generates revenue and how artists are paid, here’s a great article from an industry expert, Ari.

Although most distribution platforms payout monthly, the payout happens within 2 or 3 months of when the stream happened. This lag happens because they run processes to accurately attribute the number of streams to your track. The distribution company then processes the statements sent by the streaming platform and pays out the artist via a variety of payout methods.

For more details on how you get paid on SoundCloud, click here.

Was this article helpful? ● ●

1026 out of 1528 found this helpful