The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Music on YouTube Music Without a Distributor

For independent musicians, releasing music on popular streaming platforms like YouTube Music is an essential step to gaining exposure and building a fanbase. However, many artists believe that they need a third-party distributor to get their music on YouTube Music. The truth is, you can submit your single directly to YouTube Music without relying on a distributor. This not only saves you money on distribution fees, but it also allows you to maintain full control over your music. In this ultimate guide, we will walk you through the entire process of uploading and promoting your music on YouTube Music without needing a distributor like Deliver My Tune.

Setting Up Your YouTube Channel

The first step to getting your music on YouTube Music is to create a dedicated YouTube channel for your music. This is an important aspect of building your identity as an artist. A YouTube artist channel is distinct from a regular YouTube channel because it focuses solely on your music, making it easier for fans to find all your songs in one place.

To set up an artist channel, you’ll need a Google account, which you probably already have. Once you have that, go to YouTube and sign in with your Google account. If you already have a personal YouTube account, you can convert it into an artist channel or create a completely new channel for your music. Make sure to customize the channel with your branding, including your logo, banner, and a compelling bio that tells your story.

Uploading Your Music as a Video

YouTube Music works by pulling audio from regular YouTube videos. This means that to submit your single to YouTube Music, you’ll need to upload it as a video. The good news is you don’t need an elaborate music video to get started. A simple, static image video or a lyric video will suffice.

When you upload your music, make sure to select the appropriate video settings, such as privacy (ensure it’s set to public) and video category (choose “Music”). You can add a still image as the visual component of your video, such as your single’s cover art. If you want to add more production value, you can use simple video editing tools to create a lyric video or even a visualizer, which can help increase engagement from viewers.

Optimizing Your Metadata for Discovery

Once your music is uploaded, it’s essential to optimize your video’s metadata to ensure it reaches the right audience on YouTube Music. Properly optimizing your title, description, and tags can greatly improve your discoverability on the platform.

Start with the title. Be sure to include the name of your single and your artist name. For example, “Song Title by Your Artist Name.” The more relevant keywords you use in the title, the more likely your music will appear in search results. It’s also important to use a clear and concise description that includes additional information about the track. For example, you could include the genre, inspiration behind the song, or where listeners can purchase or stream your music.

Adding tags is another crucial step. Tags help categorize your video on YouTube, making it easier for people to find your music when they search for specific genres or keywords. Use a mix of general and specific tags that describe your music. For instance, if you’re a rock artist, you might use tags like “rock music,” “indie rock,” “alternative,” or “upbeat rock.”

Monetizing Your Music on YouTube Music

One of the significant advantages of uploading your music directly to YouTube Music is the potential to monetize your content. To make money from your videos, you’ll need to apply for YouTube’s Partner Program, which allows you to earn revenue from ads shown during your videos. However, there are some eligibility requirements before you can start monetizing.

To apply for the YouTube Partner Program, you’ll need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months. These numbers might seem daunting, but they’re achievable with consistent promotion and engagement. Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply to join the program and start earning money from ad revenue, which will be split with YouTube based on views of your content.

The Importance of Promotion and Engagement

While the process of submitting your music to YouTube Music is relatively straightforward, getting noticed can be a challenge. To improve your chances of success, you need to actively promote your music across your social media platforms and engage with your audience.

Start by sharing your YouTube Music link on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Create engaging posts that encourage your fans to listen, like, and comment on your video. By asking for feedback, creating polls, or hosting Q&A sessions, you can build a stronger connection with your audience and encourage more interaction with your music.

Another way to boost your visibility is by asking fans to share your video. Word-of-mouth promotion can have a massive impact, especially if your fans are excited about your music. You can also collaborate with influencers or bloggers to review or promote your track.

Building a Consistent Release Schedule

One of the most important things you can do as an independent artist is to develop a consistent release schedule. Uploading singles regularly helps to keep your audience engaged and can lead to more growth on YouTube Music. For example, try releasing a single every few months, and consider creating a larger project like an EP or album once you’ve built a solid fan base.

Consistency in releasing music also helps with YouTube’s algorithm, which favors channels that post regularly. By keeping your content fresh, you’re more likely to stay relevant and be recommended to new listeners. Building up a catalog of music will also give you more chances to show up in search results when potential fans are looking for new tracks to discover.

Why Skip the Distributor Like Deliver My Tune?

Many artists wonder whether they need a distributor to get their music on platforms like YouTube Music. While services like Deliver My Tune offer convenience and access to multiple platforms, they also come with fees and commissions. Distributors take a percentage of your earnings, which means you won’t keep 100% of the revenue generated by your music.

By submitting your single directly to YouTube Music, you avoid these costs and retain complete control over your earnings. You also have the flexibility to release music on your terms without waiting for a distributor to process your tracks.

Conclusion

Submitting your single to YouTube Music without a distributor is not only possible but also an effective way for independent artists to maintain full control over their music. The process is straightforward, and with a bit of effort, you can get your track live on one of the largest music streaming platforms in the world.

While distributors like Deliver My Tune can provide valuable services such as playlist placement and promotion, going the direct route saves you money and puts you in charge of your career. If you’re willing to take the extra step to manage your uploads, optimize your metadata, and promote your music, submitting your single directly to YouTube Music is a smart move for independent artists.

By following the steps outlined in this guide and staying consistent with your promotion, you can successfully launch your music career and build a loyal fanbase on YouTube Music.

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