How To Upload, Use, and Distribute Your Music on DistroKid
If you’re an independent artist getting ready to release your music, you’ve probably heard about DistroKid — one of the fastest and easiest ways to get your songs on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and every other major platform.
I work with a lot of independent songwriters, producers, and bands here at Drum Arsenal Productions, and almost every project I mix or master eventually ends up online. Over time, I’ve noticed that the artists who really understand how to prep and upload their music get better results — better sound quality, faster approvals, and fewer headaches.
So, I put together this quick walkthrough to help you upload and distribute your next single or album on DistroKid the right way.
1. Make Sure Your Mix and Master Are Truly Release-Ready
Before you even log in to DistroKid, make sure your song sounds exactly the way you want it to sound everywhere it will stream. DistroKid doesn’t do any “final polishing” — what you upload is what your listeners will hear.
I always recommend uploading 24-bit / 48kHz WAV files, since they preserve full resolution and match the format I deliver to my mixing and mastering clients.
A few simple checks before you upload:
Listen on multiple systems — car, earbuds, Bluetooth speaker, etc.
Make sure there’s no unwanted noise, pops, or digital clipping.
Leave about a second of silence at the start and end of the file so nothing gets trimmed.
If you’re not sure whether your mix is release-ready, I’m happy to help. I offer mixing and mastering services here at Drum Arsenal Productions designed specifically for streaming — balanced, loud, and punchy without losing musicality.
2. Uploading to DistroKid Step-by-Step
Once your master is ready:
Log into your DistroKid account.
Click “Upload Music.”
Select whether it’s a single, EP, or album.
Enter your artist name, release title, release date, and other details.
Upload your high-resolution album art (3000x3000 pixels or larger).
Upload your WAV files.
Choose your streaming stores — Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc.
Add credits, explicit content info, and any collaborators.
Double-check every detail before you hit submit. Even small typos or formatting mistakes (like using all caps in your song title) can cause distribution delays.
3. Choose the Right DistroKid Add-Ons
DistroKid offers several upgrades that can make a big difference for independent artists.
Here are the ones I usually recommend to my clients:
✅ YouTube Content ID – Earn revenue if your song gets used on YouTube.
✅ Shazam & Siri Recognition – Helps fans identify your track instantly.
⚙️ Leave a Legacy – Keeps your release up permanently, even if you cancel your account later.
You can skip anything that says “loudness enhancement” or “audio optimization” — that’s already handled in the mastering stage.
4. Use Your DistroKid HyperFollow Link
After you upload, DistroKid generates a HyperFollow link, which acts as a smart link to every platform your song will appear on.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
Share your pre-save link before release day.
Add it to your Instagram bio, artist website, or EPK.
Post it to your email list or text group to drive early engagement.
Those early pre-saves and streams help boost your visibility on playlists and algorithms — and they make your release day feel like an event.
5. Keep Your Credits and Metadata Organized
Before uploading, I like to keep everything in one document — song titles, writers, producers, ISRC codes, and artwork filenames. It makes life much easier when it’s time to fill in DistroKid’s forms.
If you ever plan to register with a PRO or pitch for sync licensing, having clean metadata will save you hours later.
6. Distribute Like a Pro
DistroKid makes music distribution simple — but the best results still start with the right foundation: a mix and master that translates on every platform.
That’s where I come in. At Drum Arsenal Productions, I work with independent artists in genres like country, rock, pop, and Americana to make their songs release-ready. Whether you need remote drum tracking, mixing, or mastering, I’ll make sure your music sounds its best before you upload it anywhere.
Ready to Get Started?
Before you release your next song, make sure you’ve got everything right. Download my free checklist that walks you through exactly what to prepare before uploading to DistroKid — from audio file specs to artwork, credits, and release settings. Perfect for independent artists ready to release like a pro.
