How to distribute to Shazam

For artists, record labels, and music app developers, ensuring your music is discoverable on platforms like Shazam is crucial for expanding your audience. Shazam is a powerful music recognition service that helps users identify songs and provides links to stream or purchase them. This guide will outline how to get your music on Shazam, the benefits, and what to expect in terms of exposure.

Why distribute music to Shazam?

Shazam is a widely used app that allows users to identify music by listening to a short sample. Being discoverable on Shazam means that whenever someone hears your song and wants to know what it is, they can easily find out and get connected to your music. This can significantly boost your visibility and drive traffic to your streaming platforms or digital stores.

Market share and popular regions

Shazam is popular globally, with a strong user base in the United States, Europe, and other major music markets. It integrates with platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, making it a valuable tool for music discovery and promotion.

Steps to distribute music to Shazam

1. Use a Digital Distribution Service

To ensure your music is available on Shazam, you’ll need to use a digital distribution service. These services help upload your music to various online stores and streaming platforms, including Shazam.

Popular digital distribution services that support Shazam:

• TuneCore
• DistroKid
• CD Baby
• AWAL

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 Shazam as a distribution platform: Ensure that Shazam 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 indexed and made available for recognition on Shazam.

How Shazam pays artists/labels

Shazam itself does not pay artists directly; instead, it helps drive traffic to platforms where your music is available for streaming or purchase. Revenue is generated through these platforms, and the exact earnings depend on the streaming or download rates of the linked platforms (such as Apple Music or YouTube Music).

Revenue breakdown

• Streaming royalties: Artists and labels earn money through streams on linked platforms. The amount per stream varies based on the platform's rates.
• Download sales: If Shazam links to platforms like iTunes, artists can earn money from downloads.

Payment timelines

Payments from streaming and download platforms are usually made on a monthly basis, although this can differ by service. Most platforms offer direct deposit, PayPal, or other electronic payment methods.

Conclusion

Distributing your music to Shazam can significantly enhance your reach and exposure, especially in 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 easily discoverable and accessible to millions of potential listeners.