How to distribute to YouTube

A guide for artists, record labels, and music app developers

For artists, record labels, and music app developers, distributing your music on various streaming platforms is crucial for expanding your audience. YouTube is one of the largest video and music platforms globally, offering a significant opportunity for visibility and revenue. This guide will outline how to get your music on YouTube, the benefits, and what to expect in terms of exposure and revenue.

Why distribute music to YouTube?

YouTube is a dominant platform for music discovery, with millions of users accessing it daily to listen to and watch music videos. By distributing your music on YouTube, you can reach a vast audience, increase your visibility, and potentially drive traffic to your other music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

YouTube is popular worldwide, with a particularly strong presence in the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia. Its extensive reach makes it an essential platform for artists looking to expand their audience globally.

Steps to distribute music to YouTube

1. Upload Directly to YouTube

To upload your music directly to YouTube, follow these steps:

Create a YouTube Account: Sign in to YouTube using your Google account or create a new one if you don't have one.
Prepare Your Music and Video:
- Audio File: Ensure you have a high-quality audio file of your music (MP3, WAV, etc.).
- Video File: You can create a simple video using an image or slideshow if you don't have a music video.
Upload Your Video:
- Go to YouTube and click on the camera icon at the top right, then select "Upload video."
- Follow the prompts to select your video file and add details like title, description, and tags.
- Choose your video settings (public, private, or unlisted) and click "Publish" when ready.
Optimize Your Video:
- Add relevant tags to improve discoverability.
- Use a catchy thumbnail to attract viewers.
- Share the video on your social media platforms to increase views.

2. Use a Digital Distribution Service

To ensure your music is available on both YouTube and YouTube Music, you might want to use a digital distribution service. These services distribute your music to multiple platforms, including YouTube.

Popular digital distribution services that support YouTube:

Conclusion

Distributing your music to YouTube can significantly enhance your reach and exposure, especially among the platform’s global user base. 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.