How to Release Music on All Platforms: A Step-by-Step Guide

You’ve made a track you’re proud of — now comes the big question: how do you get it on Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music?

The good news is that you don’t need a record label anymore. But you do need the right strategy. This guide breaks down everything you should know to release music on all platforms, secure your royalties, and use tools like playlists, sync, and free uploads to grow your audience.

Step 1: Get Your Music Ready

Before you think about distribution, make sure your song is release-ready.

• Mix & Master: A polished track ensures it holds up next to global releases. Export in WAV (16-bit/44.1kHz or higher).
• Metadata: Think of metadata as your track’s digital passport. Prepare song title, artist name, featured artists, release date, genre, songwriter/producer credits, and ISRC codes.
• Cover Art: Streaming platforms require a 3000×3000 px high-resolution image. Keep it clean and professional — your cover is the first impression fans see.

Step 2: Release Music On All Platforms

You can’t upload directly to Spotify or Apple Music. To release music on all platforms, you need a distributor.

• Madverse Music is built for independent artists who want more than just uploads. Along with global distribution (Spotify, Apple, JioSaavn, Amazon, YouTube Music), it adds tools that help you grow — royalty splits, sync opportunities, Dolby Atmos, and affordable artist-first plans. For artists who want reach plus real support, Madverse Music provides a more complete ecosystem.
• DistroKid: Known for speed and unlimited uploads at a flat yearly fee.
• TuneCore: Offers analytics and publishing administration, but charges per release.
• CD Baby: One-time payments, with additional services like physical distribution.

Step 3: Secure Your Royalties

Uploading your track is only half the story. To make money, you need to register and protect your rights.

• IPRS Membership: Join the Indian Performing Right Society to collect royalties when your music plays on TV, radio, or live venues.
• Publishing Rights: Publishing ensures you earn whenever your track is streamed, synced, or covered. Some distributors, including Madverse Music, simplify publishing administration.
• Royalty Splits: Tools like Madverse Music’s built-in splits make sure collaborators are paid fairly without manual tracking.

Step 4: Plan Your Release

Releasing without a plan often means wasted potential. A strong rollout is key.

• Choose a release date at least 3–4 weeks in advance.
• Submit your track early to streaming platforms for playlist consideration.
• Use pre-save campaigns to build anticipation. (Madverse Music offers fan links and presave tools.)
• Share teasers, behind-the-scenes clips, or lyric snippets to keep your audience engaged.
• Leverage Express Ads to amplify your release with fast, targeted campaigns that drive streams and reach new listeners.

Step 5: Grow with Sync Licensing Music

Streaming isn’t the only way to earn. Sync licensing music means placing your track in ads, OTT shows, films, or YouTube videos. It’s one of the fastest-growing income sources for independent artists.

While platforms like TuneCore and CD Baby provide sync services, Madverse Music focuses on making these opportunities accessible for South Asian independent artists. By building direct connections with music supervisors and media networks, it ensures your track isn’t just placed — it’s placed where it can make an impact. With sync, your music becomes part of a story that audiences remember.

Step 6: Track & Improve

Release day isn’t the end. Use data to shape your next move.

• Which playlists picked up your track?
• Where are your listeners located?
• What content drove the most engagement?

Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists, and Madverse Music dashboards give you this insight. The smarter you analyze, the stronger your future releases will be.

Final Thoughts

Releasing music today is about more than uploading a track — it’s about building a system that helps you grow. Whether it’s starting out on websites to upload music for free, pitching to playlists through services like Playlist Push, or unlocking revenue with sync licensing music, every choice you make affects your audience and your income.

Global distributors like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby give you reach, but Madverse Music goes further — combining distribution with publishing, royalties, sync, Dolby Atmos, and artist-first pricing. It’s built not just for releases, but for long-term growth.

Your next track could be the one that changes everything. Make sure you release it with the right partner.

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