SONOMUSE is a digital music distributor. You upload a track once and release it on Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, YouTube Music and 450+ other platforms.

In how many countries will my music be available?

SONOMUSE delivers releases to 450+ digital platforms, available to listeners in more than 200 countries.

Does the artist keep the rights to the music?

Yes. The rights to your tracks stay with you. SONOMUSE does not become a co-owner of your catalog.

How fast does a release go live?

After review, a release can go live in as little as 24 hours. Your account is opened after you sign up on the website, usually within 24 hours.

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Guide · 7 min read

How to Release Music Independently: Distribution for Independent Artists

October 28, 2026

You no longer need a label deal to get your track on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music or TikTok. Independent artists can release music on their own through a digital distributor. Here is the full plan — from a finished mix to your first streams.

What “self-distribution” means

Self-distribution means you upload the release to a distributor's dashboard yourself, choose the platforms and release date, and decide how to promote the track. Your rights stay with you: the distributor delivers the release to platforms, collects stats and passes on the earnings.

A label can bring budget and a team, but usually asks for a share of rights and control in return. For getting started — and for most independent artists — a distributor is enough.

Step 1. Prepare the track

Final master in WAV (16 or 24 bit, 44.1 kHz). No silence at the start and no cut-off ending.

Check your rights: beats, samples and vocals must be yours or covered by a license that allows commercial release.

If the lyrics contain profanity, mark the release as Explicit.

Step 2. Make the artwork

A 3000×3000 px square in JPG or PNG. No platform logos, links, QR codes, prices or contacts — otherwise the release will be rejected.

No designer? In the SONOMUSE dashboard you can generate a cover for free with Gemini or DALL·E.

Step 3. Fill in the release details

Spell your artist name the same way in every release — that way the track lands on your profile, not someone else's.

Add the title, genre, language, composers and lyricists. The distributor assigns ISRC and UPC codes automatically if you don't have them yet.

Step 4. Choose platforms and a date

Select every service you need at once: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, TikTok, Instagram, Deezer, Amazon Music and more — with SONOMUSE that's 450+ platforms in 200+ countries.

Set the release date at least 2–3 weeks ahead. Review and publication usually take 1–7 business days, and the rest of the time goes to playlist pitching and promotion.

Step 5. Prepare the launch

Pitch the track to editors — this is only possible before the release date.

Film short videos with the track for TikTok, Reels and Shorts in advance so you can post them on release day.

Update your artist profiles: photo, bio and social links.

Step 6. After the release

Watch your stats: which countries and playlists bring listeners. It shows where to put your effort for the next release.

Release regularly. Streaming algorithms recommend artists who put out new tracks every 1–2 months better than those who release one album a year.

Summary

Releasing music independently is realistic and simple: you need quality files, accurate details and a distributor. With SONOMUSE you do it all in one dashboard — from artwork to stats — and your rights stay with you.

Ready to release?

SONOMUSE — distribution to 450+ platforms in 200+ countries, and your rights stay yours.