Crafted some spectacular hits in Studio and want to find out how BandLab Distribution can help you share it with the world? We got you. Our brand new feature allows you to share your original music on major digital service providers (DSPs) in just a few simple steps. Imagine listeners on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud, TikTok, and more grooving to your songs!
Plus, the entire process is seamlessly integrated within BandLab – so you can create, distribute, promote, and pocket the fruits of your labor all in one platform! No more dealing with the maze of external distribution services just to give your music the spotlight it deserves. Here’s how to get started.
How to use BandLab Distribution
1. Sign up for BandLab Membership
BandLab Distribution is an exclusive feature reserved for Members, meaning you’ll have to hop on Membership to access it. Here’s why it’s worth it.
With BandLab Membership, you don’t just gain access to Distribution. You’ll unlock a plethora of perks that’ll help you fuel your music goals and career. Think landing gigs, sync placements, and record deals through BandLab Opportunities; and growing your fanbase with unlimited email campaigns through Fan Reach. Pretty sweet, right?
Explore all the perks of having a BandLab Membership here.
2. Craft original hits in Studio
Once you’ve signed up for Membership, it’s time to get creative. At present, Distribution only allows you to release original music – so your cover tracks will have to take a backseat for the time being. If you don’t have any finished tunes waiting to be distributed, hop into Studio to start crafting your next chart-topping hit. Hot tip: use SongStarter to generate ideas and kickstart your creative process.
Don’t forget to experiment with our collection of professionally-designed audio presets to add some extra flair to your vocals. You can even consider giving your finished tracks a final shine by popping it into BandLab Mastering – our free AI mastering service. It’ll polish your mix and get it release-ready in a jiffy.
3. Send your sound to the masses
Now that you’re equipped with both a Membership and an original mix, it’s time to get all ears on your music. This is where BandLab Distribution comes in. If you’re using BandLab web, navigate to the top and choose the Distribution option nestled within the Services tab. If you prefer to handle your entire release from your phone, just hit the star icon at the top right of the BandLab app feed to access Distribution under Artist Services. Then, all you have to do is click on the ‘Create Release’ button on web, or the plus icon on mobile to get started.
Go ahead and submit your release – both single tracks, or multi-tracks in the form of an EP or album, are accepted. Choose ‘Add from Library’ to select tracks you’ve published on BandLab, or tap the new ‘Upload from Device’ button to add tracks directly from your phone or computer.
Next, fill in relevant details like your track title, release date, and cover art. If you’re uploading multiple tracks, the new auto-suggestion feature speeds things up by suggesting shared metadata.
Cover art uploads now include an upfront check that alerts you to any problems, letting you correct them before moving forward. If your image is too low-resolution, you can upscale it on the spot. Plus, if there’s text in your cover art that doesn’t meet our guidelines, we’ll flag it for you to adjust before submission.
After you hit submit, your music will go through BandLab’s content review process – usually, a swift two business days. You can easily manage and browse your releases by status. When it receives the green light, it’ll be sent off to the various online stores to start captivating listeners around the world.
Take note that the time it takes for your music to go live depends on each store’s process. This could range from anywhere between one day to two weeks. But for reference, Spotify usually rolls out new releases within 24 to 48 hours.
If you want, you can use the new scheduling feature to pick the exact date your release drops on major platforms. Choose ASAP (5-7 business days) for a fast release, or select a Specific Date (at least 14 days ahead) to plan your launch perfectly.
4. Sit back, get paid
With your original songs now out in the world, track those earnings in the My Earnings tab. See how much you’re raking in each month, and dive into a detailed breakdown of each release! Don’t forget to set up your payout method – we support payouts through methods like local bank transfer, wire transfer, check, PayPal, and ACH.
Certain payout options have processing fees that can go as high as $20. If you’re in the US, we recommend opting for ACH – with a fee of just $1 per transfer. This means you get to keep more of your earnings. Connect Tipalti in your BandLab account settings to set this up!
Pro tip: use the new Trends dashboard to get insights on total streams, unique listeners, and play time to make smarter choices for your future drops.
Usually, going through external avenues to distribute your music can come with certain downsides. Picture having to cough up extra fees or losing out on a small percentage of your earnings. But, with an active BandLab Membership, you get to keep 100% of your money and rights.
This means every single cent you make through releasing your original music with Distribution will end up in your pocket. Just remember: if you cancel your Membership and don’t renew after several reminders, your releases will be removed from streaming platforms.
There you have it! With BandLab Distribution, it’s easier than ever to start releasing your music and making your mark in the music industry. Get started today.
