How to distribute to Napster

For artists, record labels, and music app developers, distributing your music on various streaming platforms is essential for expanding your audience. Napster is a major music streaming service with a global reach, offering a significant opportunity for visibility and revenue. This guide will outline how to get your music on Napster, the benefits, and what to expect in terms of revenue.

Why distribute music to Napster?

Napster is one of the pioneering music streaming services, offering access to millions of listeners worldwide. By distributing your music on Napster, you can reach a wide audience, potentially increasing your fanbase and income. The platform supports a variety of music genres and offers both free and premium subscription options.

Market share and popular regions

Napster is popular in several regions, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia. Its vast reach and dedicated user base make it a strategic platform for artists aiming to expand their presence in these regions.

Steps to distribute music to Napster

1. Use a Digital Distribution Service

To distribute your music on Napster, you’ll need to use a digital distribution service. These services facilitate the process of uploading your music to various online stores and streaming platforms, including Napster.

Popular digital distribution services that support Napster:

• TuneCore
• RouteNote
• CD Baby
• DistroKid
• iMusician

Steps to use a distributor:

1. Choose a distributor: Select one of the digital distribution services listed above.
2. Prepare your music:
   • High-quality audio files: Preferred formats are WAV or FLAC.
   • Album artwork: High-resolution images that meet the distributor’s specifications.
   • Metadata: Details such as song titles, album name, artist name, genre, and release date.
3. Upload your music:
   • Create an account on your chosen distribution service.
   • Upload your high-quality audio files.
   • Enter all relevant information about your music.
4. Select Napster as a distribution platform: Ensure that Napster is selected during the upload process.
5. Submit and monitor your release: After submitting your music, the distribution service will handle the rest. Your music will be reviewed and then made available on Napster.

What they pay artists/record labels

Understanding the potential revenue from distributing music on Napster is crucial. Earnings are primarily generated through streaming royalties.

Revenue breakdown

• Streaming royalties: Artists and record labels are paid per stream. The exact amount per stream can vary based on factors such as the listener’s location and subscription plan. Napster operates on a revenue-sharing model where artists receive a proportionate share of the subscription and advertising revenue.

Payment timelines

Payments from digital distribution services to artists and record labels are usually made on a monthly basis, though this can differ by service. Most services offer direct deposit, PayPal, or other electronic payment methods.

Conclusion

Distributing your music to Napster can significantly enhance your reach and revenue potential, especially in the regions where the platform is popular. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using a reliable digital distribution service, you can ensure that your music is accessible to millions of potential listeners.