Where to Sell Music Online

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Digital Distribution Platforms
3. Direct-to-Fan Platforms
4. Licensing and Sync Opportunities
5. Conclusion
6. FAQ

Introduction

In an era where millions of songs are just a click away, many musicians seek effective ways to distribute and monetize their work. The digital landscape offers a multitude of platforms for artists to share their music with the world. However, knowing where to sell your music online can be challenging given the array of options available. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, understanding the platforms and strategies can significantly impact your music career. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best options for selling your music online, helping you navigate the digital music world effectively.

Digital Distribution Platforms

CD Baby

CD Baby is a popular choice for independent artists due to its extensive reach and easy-to-use interface. The platform allows musicians to sell both digital and physical copies of their music.

• Pros:
  • Distributes music to major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
  • Offers physical CD distribution.
  • Provides insights and analytics.
  • One-time upfront fee with no annual charges.
• Cons:
  • Takes a small commission on sales (9% on digital sales and $4 per physical album sold).

TuneCore

TuneCore stands out for allowing artists to keep 100% of their revenue. It's an excellent option for those who are prolific and can pay the annual fees.

• Pros:
  • Artists keep all of their sales revenue.
  • Distributes to over 150+ digital stores worldwide.
  • Offers comprehensive artist services like vinyl pressing and promotional support.
• Cons:
  • Annual fees can add up, especially if you release multiple albums or singles.
  • Additional charge for distributing to new stores introduced after your initial distribution.

DistroKid

DistroKid appeals to artists who release music frequently due to its low annual fee and unlimited uploads.

• Pros:
  • Unlimited music uploads for a flat annual fee.
  • Distributes to major platforms swiftly.
  • Zero commission on sales.
• Cons:
  • Limited to a smaller number of digital stores compared to some competitors.
  • Less ancillary features compared to other distribution services.

Ditto Music

Ditto Music caters to independent artists and bands with a simple registration process and competitive pricing.

• Pros:
  • Affordable annual plans.
  • No commission on sales.
  • Excellent customer service with industry recognition.
  • Ancillary services like ISRC codes and sales-boosting tools like pre-releases.
• Cons:
  • Smaller in terms of the number of physical stores compared to CD Baby or TuneCore.

Direct-to-Fan Platforms

Bandcamp

Bandcamp is beloved by indie artists for its straightforward approach and artist-focused mentality.

• Pros:
  • Freedom to set your pricing and currency.
  • Artists can sell digital downloads, vinyl, CDs, and merchandise.
  • Direct fan engagement with detailed customer analytics.
  • Low commission that decreases with higher sales volume.
• Cons:
  • Not as widely integrated into the broader music industry ecosystem.
  • Requires proactive marketing by artists to drive traffic to their pages.

SoundCloud

SoundCloud remains a leading platform for sharing your music and building an audience.

• Pros:
  • Extensive reach with 175 million monthly users worldwide.
  • Free and paid memberships.
  • Embed-able player, making it easy to share music on social media and other platforms.
  • SoundCloud Premier allows monetization through ad revenue sharing.
• Cons:
  • Revenue share model can be less lucrative for unknown artists.
  • Heavy competition, making it harder to stand out without significant promotional effort.

Your Website

Selling music directly from your website gives you complete control over your sales and customer data.

• Pros:
  • Keeps full revenue from sales.
  • Personal branding and direct fan engagement.
  • Ability to collect valuable customer information for marketing.
  • Full control over content and presentation.
• Cons:
  • Requires ongoing maintenance and promotion.
  • Initial setup might demand technical know-how or professional assistance.

Licensing and Sync Opportunities

Rumblefish

For those looking to license their music for films, TV, and other multimedia projects, Rumblefish offers a robust platform.

• Pros:
  • No upfront cost and artists retain 100% ownership rights.
  • 50/50 split of licensing fees which can be lucrative.
  • High potential for additional performance royalties.
• Cons:
  • Income highly dependent on licensing deals, which can be inconsistent.
  • Focus on specific music styles can limit exposure.

Conclusion

Choosing the right platform to sell your music online depends on your specific needs and career goals.

• For Comprehensive Distribution: CD Baby and TuneCore are excellent for their extensive reach and additional artist services.
• For Frequent Releases and Cost-Effectiveness: DistroKid offers the best value with its unlimited upload policy.
• For Direct-to-Fan Sales: Bandcamp provides unparalleled flexibility and fan engagement opportunities.
• For Licensing Opportunities: Rumblefish opens doors for getting your music featured in various media.

Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s wise to consider using a combination of them to maximize your reach and revenue streams. By understanding these options, you can make informed decisions and find the best ways to get your music into the hands of fans worldwide.

FAQ

Q: Can I use multiple distribution services at once? A: Yes, you can use multiple services, but be mindful of their terms and conditions regarding exclusivity.

Q: Do I retain full ownership of my music when using these platforms? A: Most platforms, like CD Baby, TuneCore, DistroKid, and Bandcamp, allow you to retain full ownership of your music.

Q: How do I get paid from these platforms? A: Payments typically occur through direct deposits or PayPal. Distribution platforms often have detailed dashboards to track and manage your earnings.

Q: What additional services should I consider when choosing a platform? A: Consider services like marketing support, analytics, physical distribution options, and sync licensing opportunities. These can provide additional revenue streams and exposure.

By leveraging the right platforms effectively, you can enhance your music career and reach new audiences, ensuring you get the most out of your hard work and creativity.