Working of the Online Music Distribution Industry
What is Music Distribution?
The mechanism through which music is supplied to the listener is known as music distribution. As an artist, distribution and reaching out to audiences become vital aspects of marketing their work. It is the bridging gap between the finished album and its prospective listeners. Strategic distribution will lead to increased visibility. It also assists in generating adequate compensation for songs. Digital music is the most popular and will continue to flourish. The music industry’s profits demonstrate that digital is the way to proceed.
The Traditional and Modern Methods of Music Distribution
Record companies and independent artists had to rely on brick-and-mortar music distributors. Distribution was done in the form of albums and CDs, into the hands of customers. Traditionally, distribution businesses used to establish agreements with record labels that allowed them to market the label’s products. The distributor kept a portion of the profit from each unit sold and paid the remaining amount to the label. Digital distribution, on the other hand, altered everything by eliminating the intermediary and allowing artists to release music directly to online retailers while keeping 100% of their income. Digital sales overtook physical sales in 2015. And there’s been no looking back since. The changes in how people consume music as a result of the internet cannot be ignored. People spend minimal money on physical music and more time online. This has been the major reason behind the overall industry’s success.
How does Modern Methods of Music Distribution Work?
Streaming services and digital platforms have replaced record stores. Consequently, it is no longer necessary to wait weeks or months for music to be distributed. Digital distribution allows music to be rapidly published on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and other major music platforms. And every time someone streams, downloads, or buys music, the artist gets royalties. There have been musicians who have chosen to develop their own methods of distribution. But there exists some restrictions, such as digital outlets, like Spotify, will only accept music if one uses an artist-aggregator.
There are distribution service providers that charge fees to distribute music on a global scale. However, there are companies that offer free music distribution. One of the best music distribution platforms is Cosmo Media. It helps in distributing music on 100+ platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon, TikTok, and Instagram, etc. It attracts new followers and listeners from all across the world. Along with an easier than ever process from free sign-up to sales, it also provides public relations services to independent artists, labels, and bands. Unlike others, there are no hidden costs, no upload fees, and no UPC codes are required. ISRC codes are also available for free. Artists enjoy 100% copyright, volume discounts on extensive catalogs, reliable sales analysis, comprehensive reports, and much more. All in all, digitalisation has reduced everything to a few clicks. It also gives immense power to reach anywhere and anytime.
