Sharing Your Music

Getting Your Music Heard

Creating music is half the journey. Sharing it completes the loop. Today, global distribution is accessible to anyone.

Streaming Platforms

The Major Players

Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, Deezer — These reach most listeners.

Getting On Platforms

You need a distributor to get music on streaming platforms:

DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, LANDR Distribution, Amuse — Services that upload your music and collect royalties.

What You Need

  • Finished, mastered tracks
  • Album artwork (typically 3000x3000 pixels)
  • Metadata (song titles, artist name, credits)
  • Release date
  • Payment for distribution service

Setting Expectations

Streaming pays fractions of a cent per play. Most independent artists don't earn significant money from streams. That's okay — streaming is about reach, not income for most.

Social Media Presence

Where Musicians Share

Instagram/TikTok: Short clips, behind-the-scenes, personality

YouTube: Full songs, music videos, tutorials

SoundCloud: Direct uploads, community engagement

Bandcamp: Sales-focused, fan-friendly

Content Ideas

  • Clips of new music
  • Studio/creation process
  • Covers and remixes
  • Behind-the-scenes
  • Personal updates
  • Collaborations

Building an Audience

Consistency: Regular posting matters more than perfection

Authenticity: Be yourself, not a brand character

Engagement: Respond to comments, support others

Value: Give people a reason to follow

Building Your Platform

Start Somewhere

Pick 1-2 platforms where your audience lives. Don't spread too thin.

Artist Website

A home base you control:

  • Music links
  • Bio and photos
  • Tour dates
  • Contact information
  • Email list signup

Email List

Direct connection to fans. Not algorithm-dependent.

Releasing Music

Singles vs. Albums

Singles: Faster to produce, consistent releases, algorithm-friendly

Albums/EPs: Artistic statements, more content at once, traditional format

Many artists now release singles leading to an album.

Release Planning

  • Set release date (at least 3-4 weeks out for streaming)
  • Create artwork
  • Plan promotion
  • Submit for playlist consideration
  • Prepare social content

Playlist Pitching

Playlists drive streaming discovery:

  • Pitch through distributor tools
  • Reach out to independent curators
  • Build relationships over time

Live Performance

Starting Out

  • Open mics
  • Small venue bookings
  • House shows
  • Busking
  • Online live streams

Growing

  • Headlining local shows
  • Opening for touring acts
  • Festival applications
  • Tour planning

Building a Live Show

  • Rehearse thoroughly
  • Engage the audience
  • Handle tech professionally
  • Build a setlist with flow

Collaboration

Finding Collaborators

  • Local music scenes
  • Online communities
  • Social media connections
  • Production communities

Remote Collaboration

Technology enables global collaboration:

  • Share project files
  • Video call sessions
  • Async workflow

Collaboration Tips

  • Clear communication about expectations
  • Agree on credits and ownership upfront
  • Be professional and responsive
  • Support each other's releases

AI Prompt: Release Planning

Help me plan a music release.

What I'm releasing: [Single, EP, album]
Genre: [Style]
My current audience: [Where you are]
Release date: [Target date]
Budget: [What you can spend]

Please create:
1. Timeline for release tasks
2. Promotion strategy
3. Content ideas for social media
4. Platform-specific tips
5. Realistic expectations

Protecting Your Work

Copyright

You own copyright of music you create automatically. Registration provides additional legal protection.

Metadata

Embed your information in audio files:

  • Artist name
  • Song title
  • Copyright info

Documentation

Keep records of:

  • When songs were created
  • Who contributed
  • Any agreements

What's Next

Comprehensive AI tools for every stage.

Next chapter: AI tools and prompts.

Finding Your SoundAI Tools and Prompts