Introduction
Are you a musician looking for a way to distribute your music without having to go through a record label or pay hefty distribution fees? Unitedmasters might be the solution you need. In this article, we will discuss the platform, what you need to know before uploading your music, and answer some frequently asked questions.
What is Unitedmasters?
Unitedmasters is a music distribution company founded in 2017 by Steve Stoute, a former music executive. The company aims to provide a platform for independent artists to distribute their music to streaming services, social media platforms, and other outlets without the need for a record label. Unitedmasters offers a suite of tools for artists to track their analytics, collect royalties, and connect with fans.
What are the requirements for uploading your music on Unitedmasters?
Before you can upload your music on Unitedmasters, you need to meet some basic requirements. These include:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Having full rights to your music
- Having a valid PayPal account
- Being able to provide a valid tax ID or social security number
What are the benefits of using Unitedmasters?
One of the main benefits of using Unitedmasters is the ability to distribute your music to a wide range of streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, without the need for a record label or distribution fees. You also have the ability to track your analytics and collect royalties directly from those services. Unitedmasters also allows you to keep 100% of your music rights and gives you full control over your pricing and marketing strategies.
What are the costs of using Unitedmasters?
Unitedmasters charges a one-time fee of $5 per release. This means that each time you upload a new song or album, you will need to pay this fee. There are no additional fees for distribution, and you can keep 100% of your royalties.
How do I upload my music on Unitedmasters?
To upload your music on Unitedmasters, follow these steps:
- Create an account on Unitedmasters.com
- Select “Upload” from the menu
- Follow the instructions to upload your music and album artwork
- Select the streaming services you want to distribute your music to
- Set your pricing and release date
- Pay the $5 fee for each release
What should I know about album artwork?
Your album artwork plays a significant role in drawing attention to your music. Unitedmasters recommends that you use high-quality images that are at least 3000×3000 pixels. You should also avoid using copyrighted images or images that violate Unitedmasters’ content guidelines.
What are some tips for promoting my music on Unitedmasters?
While Unitedmasters provides a range of tools to promote your music, it’s up to you to put in the work to reach your audience. Here are some tips to help you promote your music on the platform:
- Use social media to connect with your fans and promote your releases
- Collaborate with other artists in your genre
- Use Unitedmasters’ advertising tools to target specific demographics
- Engage with your listeners and build a community around your music
What should I know about collecting royalties on Unitedmasters?
Unitedmasters allows you to collect your royalties directly from the streaming services where your music is distributed. You will need to set up your payment information in the “Royalties” section of your Unitedmasters account to receive your payments. It’s important to note that it can take several months for your royalties to start coming in, so be patient.
What are some alternatives to Unitedmasters?
If Unitedmasters doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, there are several other music distribution companies to choose from. These include:
- DistroKid
- TuneCore
- CDBaby
- Record Union
Conclusion
Unitedmasters provides independent artists with a way to distribute their music without the need for a record label or distribution fees. Before uploading your music, make sure you meet the platform’s requirements and are aware of the costs. Use the tools provided by Unitedmasters to promote your music and engage with your listeners. Finally, remember to collect your royalties by setting up your payment information correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I delete my releases from Unitedmasters?
Yes, you can delete your releases from Unitedmasters at any time. Keep in mind that doing so will remove your music from all streaming services and you will no longer be able to collect royalties.
What happens if I forget to pay the $5 fee for a release?
If you forget to pay the fee for a release, your music will not be distributed to any streaming services. You will need to pay the fee and re-upload your music.
Can I change the release date of my music after it’s been uploaded?
Yes, you can change the release date of your music on Unitedmasters before it goes live on streaming services.
Does Unitedmasters offer any additional services for artists?
Yes, Unitedmasters offers a range of additional services for artists, including advertising tools, data analytics, and sound recording services.
What happens if someone else claims rights to my music?
If someone else claims rights to your music, Unitedmasters will work with you to investigate the claim and resolve the issue. It’s important to make sure you have full rights to your music before uploading it to the platform.
Can I upload my music to Unitedmasters if I live outside the United States?
Yes, you can upload your music to Unitedmasters if you live outside the United States. However, you will need to provide a valid tax ID or social security number for the U.S. tax system.
What are the content guidelines for Unitedmasters?
Unitedmasters’ content guidelines prohibit the upload of copyrighted material and content that violates intellectual property laws or is considered offensive or harmful.
Do I need to have a certain following or level of success to use Unitedmasters?
No, Unitedmasters is open to all independent artists who meet the platform’s requirements.
Does Unitedmasters offer any discounts or promotions?
Unitedmasters occasionally offers discounts and promotions for artists. Keep an eye on their website and social media pages for updates.
How can I contact Unitedmasters for support?
You can contact Unitedmasters’ support team through the “Help” section of their website or by emailing [email protected].
