How to distribute to Bandcamp

For artists, record record labels, and music app developers, getting your music on various streaming platforms is crucial for expanding your audience. Bandcamp is a popular platform for independent musicians to share, sell, and stream their music. This guide will outline the steps to get your music on Bandcamp, the benefits, and what to expect in terms of revenue.

Why distribute music to Bandcamp?

Bandcamp is a beloved platform among independent musicians, known for its artist-friendly policies and high-quality audio support. By distributing your music on Bandcamp, you can reach a dedicated audience, potentially increasing your fanbase and income. Bandcamp allows artists to sell music directly to fans, offering various pricing options and merchandising opportunities.

Market share and popular regions

Bandcamp is widely used by independent artists globally, particularly in North America and Europe. It provides a significant opportunity for artists to reach a dedicated and engaged audience, with a focus on direct sales and fan support.

Steps to distribute music to Bandcamp

1. Create a Bandcamp account

To distribute your music on Bandcamp, you first need to create an artist account.

1. Visit the Bandcamp website.
2. Click "Sign Up" and follow the prompts to create your account.
3. Enter your band name, username, password, and email address, and agree to the Terms of Use. Once done, click "Sign Up."

2. Upload your music directly to Bandcamp

Bandcamp allows you to upload your music directly to the platform without needing a digital distribution service.

1. Log in to your Bandcamp account.
2. Upload your music:
   • Click on the "Add" button in the top toolbar to add a new track or album.
   • Ensure your audio files are in a lossless format such as WAV, AIFF, or FLAC.
   • Fill in the necessary details like track name, genre, lyrics, and credits.
   • Set a price for your music (you can also allow fans to pay what they want).
   • Upload cover art that meets Bandcamp's specifications.
   • Click "Save Draft" and then "Publish" once everything is ready.

3. Promote your music on Bandcamp

Maximize your reach on Bandcamp by using the platform’s promotional tools and engaging with your audience.

• Feature your music: Utilize Bandcamp’s features to get your tracks noticed.
• Engage with listeners: Respond to comments and interact with your fans to build a loyal following.

What they pay artists/record labels

Understanding the potential revenue from distributing music on Bandcamp is crucial. Earnings are primarily generated through sales of digital downloads and merchandise.

Revenue breakdown

• Digital sales: Bandcamp takes a 15% commission on digital sales.
• Merchandise sales: Bandcamp takes a 10% commission on merchandise sales.

Payment timelines

Payments from Bandcamp to artists are made through PayPal and are typically available immediately after a sale, minus Bandcamp’s commission.

Conclusion

Distributing your music to Bandcamp can significantly enhance your reach and revenue potential, particularly among independent music enthusiasts. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your music is accessible to a wide audience.