A guide for artists, record labels, and music app developers
If you're an artist, a record label, or a music app developer, distributing your music to various platforms is crucial for reaching a wider audience. One often-overlooked platform is Amazon. While many focus on Amazon Music, distributing music directly to Amazon can also be a significant avenue for sales and exposure. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of getting your music on Amazon, the benefits, and what to expect in terms of revenue.
Amazon is a global marketplace with millions of daily visitors. Unlike streaming platforms, selling your music directly on Amazon allows customers to purchase and download your tracks or albums. This can be particularly beneficial for artists and record labels looking to maximize their revenue per sale. Additionally, Amazon’s vast customer base provides an excellent opportunity for exposure.
To get your music on Amazon, you’ll need to use a digital distribution service. These services act as intermediaries, helping you upload your music to various online stores and streaming platforms, including Amazon.
Popular digital distribution services:
Before you can upload your music, ensure you have all the necessary components ready:
Metadata: Information such as song titles, album name, artist name, genre, and release date.
Once you’ve chosen a distribution service and prepared your materials, follow the platform's instructions to upload your music. This process usually involves:
Setting pricing: Decide how much you want to charge for your music on Amazon.
During the upload process, you’ll be given the option to choose which platforms you want your music to be available on. Ensure that Amazon is selected. Some services may have a separate option for Amazon Music and Amazon Store, so be sure to select the appropriate option.
After submitting your music, the distribution service will handle the rest. Your music will be reviewed and then made available on Amazon. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Keep an eye on your email for any updates or additional requests for information.
One of the key considerations for any artist or label is the potential revenue from distributing music. On Amazon, music can be sold as digital downloads, and the payment structure typically works as follows:
Physical sales: If you also sell physical copies like CDs or vinyl through Amazon, the revenue share can vary. Typically, you might see around 45% to 55% of the sale price after Amazon takes its commission and other fees.
Payments from digital distribution services to artists and record labels are usually made on a monthly basis, although this can vary by service. Most services offer direct deposit, PayPal, or other electronic payment methods.
While Musicfetch is not a distributor, it provides powerful APIs that help you track and promote your music across various platforms. Here are some reasons why you should consider using Musicfetch:
Developer-friendly APIs: Musicfetch offers robust APIs that developers can integrate into their apps and services to enhance music discovery and link management capabilities.
Distributing your music to Amazon can significantly enhance your reach and revenue potential. By following the steps outlined in this guide and leveraging a reliable digital distribution service, you can ensure that your music is accessible to millions of potential listeners and buyers worldwide.
While you're focusing on distribution, don't forget to use Musicfetch for tracking and promoting your music. Their APIs can help you manage your music links across multiple platforms, making it easier to share and promote your work. For more information and to get started, visit Musicfetch.