So, you’ve written and recorded your first song—congratulations! Now, it’s time to get it out into the world. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. This guide will take you through the process from start to finish, whether you’re working with a tight budget or have the funds to invest. Plus, if you’re unsure where to begin, The Song Spot can help you plan and record your next single!
Step 1: Finalize Your Song Files
Before you begin the release process, make sure you have the final versions of your song. You’ll need:
- WAV file (high-quality, recommended for distribution)
- MP3 file (smaller file size, good for promo use)
- Instrumental version (optional, but useful for sync licensing or karaoke)
Save these files in multiple locations, such as an external hard drive and cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, etc.). If you haven’t recorded your song yet or want professional-quality production, The Song Spot’s recording studio can help you bring your music to life!
Step 2: Register Your Song with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO)
A Performing Rights Organization (PRO) ensures you get paid when your song is played publicly—whether on the radio, TV, live performances, or streaming services. Choose one of the following:
- ASCAP – www.ascap.com
- BMI – www.bmi.com
- SESAC (invite-only) – www.sesac.com
Steps to Register:
- Sign up for a PRO if you haven’t already.
- Register your song.
- List all songwriters and their percentage splits.
Step 3: Copyright Your Song (Optional, but Recommended)
Copyrighting your song protects your work and ensures you have legal proof of ownership.
- Register at: www.copyright.gov
- Fee: $45-$65 per song (or batch multiple songs for savings)
- Budget Alternative: If you can’t afford official copyright registration, keeping a dated copy of your song and proof of creation (emails, timestamps, etc.) provides some level of protection.
Step 4: Choose a Distributor & Upload Your Song
A music distributor gets your song onto streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and TikTok. Here are popular options:
Paid Distribution (Recommended)
- DistroKid (www.distrokid.com) – $22.99+/year, unlimited uploads, fast delivery. You keep 100% of your royalties.
- CD Baby (www.cdbaby.com) – One-time fee per release. CD Baby collects royalties for you and takes a percentage.
- TuneCore (www.tunecore.com) – Annual fee per release, but you keep 100% of your royalties.
- UnitedMasters (www.unitedmasters.com) – Free plan available, but they take a percentage of your royalties.
Understanding Royalties & Fees
- Some distributors charge a flat fee (like DistroKid and TuneCore), allowing you to keep 100% of your earnings.
- Others, like CD Baby and UnitedMasters (free plan), take a percentage of royalties, meaning they collect earnings for you but also take a cut.
Free Distribution (Budget Option)
- Amuse (www.amuse.io) – Free option with limited features; premium plans available.
- SoundCloud (www.soundcloud.com) – Free uploads with limited reach.
Steps to Distribute Your Song:
- Sign up for a distributor.
- Upload your WAV file, artwork, and song details.
- Choose your release date (give yourself at least 2-4 weeks for promo!).
Step 5: Create Cover Artwork
Your cover art should meet distributor requirements:
- Size: 3000×3000 pixels
- Format: JPG or PNG
- No text issues: Avoid copyrighted images or unreadable fonts
Design Options:
- Free: Use Canva (www.canva.com) or Adobe Express.
- Paid: Hire a designer on Fiverr (www.fiverr.com) or 99designs.
Step 6: Market Your Release
Social Media & Promo Strategies
- Announce your song with teaser videos or behind-the-scenes footage.
- Post countdowns and pre-save links.
- Submit to Spotify Playlists via Spotify for Artists (artists.spotify.com).
- Use TikTok and Instagram Reels to create buzz.
If you need help strategizing your release, The Song Spot offers artist development services to guide you through planning your next single!
Step 7: Collect Your Royalties
Types of Royalties & Where to Collect Them
- Performance Royalties (Public Plays) – Collected by PROs like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC when your song is played on the radio, in venues, or performed live.
- Mechanical Royalties (Streams & Sales) – Paid out when your song is streamed or downloaded. Your distributor may collect these, but services like SongTrust (www.songtrust.com) help ensure worldwide collection.
- Digital Performance Royalties – Collected by SoundExchange (www.soundexchange.com) when your song is played on internet radio (like Pandora or SiriusXM).
Sign Up for Royalty Collection Services
- ASCAP/BMI/SESAC – Collect performance royalties from radio, live venues, and TV.
- SoundExchange – Collects royalties from digital radio streams.
- SongTrust – Helps songwriters collect worldwide publishing royalties, including mechanical royalties from international markets.
Monetize on YouTube
- Enroll in YouTube Content ID via your distributor or AdRev (www.adrev.net).
- If eligible, join the YouTube Partner Program.
Step 8: Plan Your Next Steps
Now that your song is live, keep the momentum going!
- Plan a follow-up single or music video.
- Perform at open mics or live-stream performances.
- Engage with fans on social media and respond to comments.
If you’re ready to take your music career to the next level, The Song Spot’s recording studio can help you craft your next release with professional production and guidance.
Final Thoughts
Releasing your first song is a huge accomplishment! The more prepared and strategic you are, the better your song will perform. Take your time, plan ahead, and enjoy the journey.
At The Song Spot, we offer a variety of recording studio packages to fit different budgets and artistic needs. Whether you’re looking for a simple demo recording, a fully produced single, or even an EP, our team can help bring your vision to life. We also provide mentorship programs to guide independent artists through the recording and release process, ensuring you’re set up for success.
If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to us! We’ll help you map out your first single, from songwriting and recording to distribution and promotion. Let’s make your next release your best one yet!Happy Releasing! 🎶