Self-Uploading vs. Distributor: What You Need to Know About Releasing a Music Video

Releasing a music video is a great way to promote your music and grow your fanbase. But before you hit “upload,” there are a few things you need to consider. Namely, should you upload the video yourself or work with a distributor? There are pros and cons to both options, here’s a breakdown of what you need to know. All so you can make the best decision for your music career and fan base.

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What is Self-Uploading?

With self-uploading, you are in complete control of your music video. You decide when and where to release it and who to give access to. This option is best for artists who want complete creative control over their music and don’t mind handling the logistics themselves. You’re also in charge of promoting the video, so if you have a large social media following, this may be the best option for you.

The Pros of Self-Uploading

You’re in complete control of your music and music video.
You can release your music video on your schedule.
You don’t have to share any profits with a distributor.

The Cons of Self-Uploading

It can be time-consuming to promote your music video yourself.
You may not have as much reach as you would if you worked with a distributor.
You may have to pay to have your music video edited or produced.

What is a Distributor?

A music video distributor is a company that will handle all the logistics of releasing your music video for you. This includes promoting it, making it available on different platforms, and sometimes even helping to fund music video production. This option is best for artists who want to focus on making music and don’t want to worry about the details of releasing a music video.

The Pros of Working with a Distributor

A distributor can help promote your music video.
A distributor can make your music video available on multiple platforms.
You may not have to pay for production costs upfront if you work with a distributor.

The Cons of Working with a Distributor

You may have less control over your music video.
You may not be able to release your music video on your schedule.
You may have to share profits with a distributor.

Back Track: Creating a Fan Base

Before you can release a music video, you need to have a plan for how you’re going to get it in front of potential fans. If you’re not already working with a music distributor, then self-uploading may be the best option. This is because music distributors often require that you have a certain number of monthly listeners on your Spotify profile before they’ll take on your music. If you’re just starting, it’s unlikely that you’ll meet these criteria.

However, if you are working with a music distributor, they may be able to help promote your music video and get it in front of more people. They may also be able to get your video placed on popular music streaming platforms like Apple Music, Tidal, and Spotify.

Where the Fans Are

The most important thing is to make sure that your music video is available on a platform where your potential fans are likely to see it. If you’re not sure where your fans are hanging out, consider doing some market research. There are several ways to do this, including using social media listening tools and conducting surveys.

When you’ve figured out where your fans are, you can start promoting your music video. If you’re promoting your work yourself, this can be done through social media, email marketing, and even paid advertising. If you’ve opted to work with a music distributor, they should be able to promote your music video for you.

What To Expect: Music Video Production

The cost of music video production can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. If you’re self-funding your music video, you’ll need to factor this cost into your budget. You may also need to pay for things like editing and post-production.

This is where working with a music distributor can help, as they may be able to help cover some or all of the costs of production. They may also have relationships with music video producers who can give you a discounted rate.

It’s important to note that music videos take time to produce. The process can often take several weeks or even months from start to finish. So, if you’re planning on releasing a music video soon, it’s important to start the production process as soon as possible.

Summing It Up

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to releasing a music video. It all depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whichever route you choose, make sure you take the time to research your options so you can make the best decision for your career.