How to distribute to Yandex

For artists, record labels, and music app developers, distributing your music on various streaming platforms is crucial for expanding your audience. Yandex Music is a popular music streaming service in Russia and other regions, offering significant opportunities for visibility and revenue. This guide will outline how to get your music on Yandex Music, the benefits, and what to expect in terms of exposure and revenue.

Why distribute music to Yandex Music?

Yandex Music is one of the leading music streaming platforms in Russia, with millions of active users. By distributing your music on Yandex Music, you can reach a vast and engaged audience, potentially increasing your fanbase and income. The platform supports a variety of music genres and offers personalized recommendations, making it an ideal platform for artists looking to expand their reach.

Market share and popular regions

Yandex Music is particularly popular in Russia and several other countries in the former Soviet Union. Its extensive reach in these regions makes it a strategic platform for artists aiming to grow their presence in these markets.

Steps to distribute music to Yandex Music

1. Use a Digital Distribution Service

To distribute your music on Yandex Music, you need to use a digital distribution service. These services help upload your music to various online stores and streaming platforms, including Yandex Music.

Popular digital distribution services that support Yandex Music:

• TuneCore
• RouteNote
• CD Baby
• iMusician
• Music Gateway

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 Yandex Music as a distribution platform: Ensure that Yandex Music 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 Yandex Music.

Direct Upload for Independent Artists

Yandex Music also allows artists to upload their music directly through its platform. This can be done through the Yandex Studio, where you can manage your music uploads and monitor performance metrics.

What they pay artists/record labels

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

Revenue breakdown

• Streaming royalties: Artists and labels are paid per stream. The exact amount per stream can vary based on factors such as the listener’s location and subscription plan. Yandex Music 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 labels are usually made on a monthly basis, although this can differ by service. Most services offer direct deposit, PayPal, or other electronic payment methods.

Conclusion

Distributing your music to Yandex Music can significantly enhance your reach and exposure, especially among users in Russia and neighboring regions. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using a reliable digital distribution service, you can ensure that your music is easily accessible and discoverable to millions of potential listeners.