What do you do if you want to distribute your music without breaking the bank?

1 Choose the right platform

One of the first decisions you need to make is where to upload and distribute your music. There are many platforms and services that can help you reach different audiences and generate revenue from your music. Some of the most popular ones are Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and DistroKid. Each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as fees, royalties, features, and exposure. You need to do some research and compare the pros and cons of each option before choosing the one that suits your goals and budget.

2 Optimize your profile

Once you have chosen the platform or platforms that you want to use, you need to optimize your profile and make it appealing and professional. This means that you need to have a catchy and memorable artist name, a high-quality and relevant profile picture, a clear and concise bio, and a consistent and attractive branding. You also need to include links to your other social media accounts, website, or merch store, if you have any. Your profile is your online identity and your first impression, so make sure it reflects your personality and style.

3 Create a release plan

Before you upload and distribute your music, you need to have a clear and realistic release plan. This means that you need to set a date and time for your release, decide on the format and length of your release (single, EP, album, etc.), create a tracklist and artwork, and prepare some promotional materials, such as teasers, trailers, snippets, or behind-the-scenes videos. You also need to consider how to build some hype and anticipation for your release, such as announcing it on your social media, sending it to your email list, or creating a pre-save or pre-order campaign.

4 Use social media wisely

Social media is one of the most powerful and affordable tools that you can use to distribute your music and grow your fanbase. However, you need to use it wisely and strategically, not just randomly and sporadically. This means that you need to choose the platforms that are relevant and effective for your genre and audience, such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, or Facebook. You also need to create and share engaging and valuable content that showcases your music, your personality, and your story, such as live streams, Q&A sessions, polls, or challenges. You also need to interact with your fans and followers, respond to their comments and messages, and join relevant groups and communities.

5 Seek collaborations and opportunities

Another way to distribute your music without breaking the bank is to seek collaborations and opportunities with other artists, influencers, media outlets, or organizations that can help you reach new and wider audiences. For example, you can collaborate with other musicians who have a similar or complementary style and fanbase, and create a joint project, a remix, a cover, or a feature. You can also reach out to influencers who have a large and loyal following, and ask them to review, recommend, or use your music in their content. You can also pitch your music to blogs, podcasts, playlists, radio stations, or magazines that cover your genre and niche, and try to get some exposure and feedback.