Distributing Your Music: What to Do Before Uploading

Why Preparation Matters Before You Upload

Distributors like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby make it easy to upload songs, but they rely entirely on the data you provide. Incorrect or incomplete metadata can cause mismatches at streaming platforms or PROs, leading to missing royalties. Once a release is live, fixing errors can take weeks. Preparation ensures you get paid correctly from day one.

Step 1: Confirm Your Rights

Before uploading, make sure you have the legal right to distribute the music. This includes both the composition and the recording. If you co-wrote the song, all writers must agree on splits. If you sampled another work, you need clearance. Failure to secure rights can result in takedowns or legal disputes.

For a complete guide to managing collaborator agreements, see Managing Splits and Agreements with Songwriters.

Step 2: Gather Your Metadata

Metadata drives recognition and royalty payments. Prepare this information in advance and keep it consistent everywhere.

Track Title (and alternate versions if applicable), Artist and Contributor Names (consistent spelling), ISRC (recording identifier), ISWC (composition identifier), Writers and Splits (must total 100%), Publisher (if any), Release Date and Label/Distributor info, Genre and descriptive tags.

For a full metadata checklist, see Metadata Checklist for Artists: Avoid Missing Royalties.

Step 3: Secure Your Identifiers

Identifiers ensure your music is tracked correctly across platforms. Each recording needs an ISRC, which most distributors assign automatically. Each composition needs an ISWC, provided by your PRO after registration. These codes prevent mismatches and lost royalties.

Resources: IFPI ISRC Handbook | ASCAP Work Registration

Step 4: Upload Assets

Prepare high-quality audio and artwork before uploading. Distributors have strict standards. Audio: WAV or FLAC files, 16-bit or 24-bit, lossless. Artwork: 3000 x 3000 pixels, JPG or PNG, no URLs or social media handles. Metadata embedded in files must match your submission form.

Step 5: Choose Distribution Platforms

Most distributors deliver to major streaming services automatically (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer). You may also want to include platforms like YouTube Content ID, TikTok, or Bandcamp. Each serves a different purpose.

YouTube Content ID monetizes user-generated videos that use your music. TikTok ensures your songs are available for short-form video creators. Bandcamp enables direct-to-fan sales with a higher revenue share.

Learn more: YouTube Content ID | Bandcamp for Artists

Step 6: Double-Check Splits and Agreements

Distributors often allow you to set royalty splits for collaborators. Confirm that all splits total 100% and match your split sheet. Discrepancies can cause disputes and delayed payments. Use signed agreements to lock in contributor percentages before release.

Step 7: Pick a Release Date

Choose a release date at least two to four weeks out. This gives time for distributors to deliver your release and for you to pitch songs to playlist editors. Rushed uploads may skip promotional opportunities. Some distributors also allow pre-saves, which can boost engagement on release day.

Step 8: Submit and Monitor

Once you submit, monitor your distributor dashboard for status updates. After release, check your PRO and publisher statements to confirm royalties are flowing. Correct issues immediately to avoid losing income. For YouTube and TikTok, review claim reports regularly to ensure all uses are tracked correctly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Uploading with inconsistent artist names across platforms. Forgetting to clear samples or co-writer approvals. Using low-quality artwork or audio files. Setting a release date too soon, leaving no time for promotion. Ignoring YouTube Content ID or TikTok distribution. Not embedding correct metadata in audio files.

Do It with Lumoza

Most pre-upload mistakes happen because there are too many places where things can go wrong. Lumoza consolidates rights, splits, and metadata into one place before you hit submit, so what shows up at Spotify is the same as what shows up at your PRO.

Quick Checklist

□ Rights secured for composition and recording.
□ Metadata prepared and consistent.
□ ISRCs and ISWCs confirmed.
□ High-quality audio and artwork ready.
□ Splits total 100% with signed agreements.
□ Release date set with lead time.
□ Distribution platforms selected.
□ Metadata embedded in audio files.
□ Post-release monitoring plan in place.

Bottom Line

Uploading music is easy. Preparing properly is what makes sure you actually get paid. Confirm rights, lock in metadata, choose the right platforms. With Lumoza, the prep work happens in one place.

Related reading

• Metadata Checklist for Artists: Avoid Missing Royalties (metadata checklist for artists)

• Managing Splits and Agreements with Songwriters (managing splits and agreements)