Learn how to set up and promote pre-save campaigns that convert. Covers platform options like DistroKid HyperFollow and Feature.fm, campaign setup, promotion tactics, email collection, and conversion optimization for independent musicians.
Email marketing for musicians explained—how to grow a list, write emails fans actually open, and generate more release-day revenue than social media ever will.
Learn how to recruit, manage, and incentivize a street team to promote your music at the grassroots level. Covers digital and physical tactics, task ideas, management tools, and how to measure results in 2026.
Taylor Swift's fanbase didn't happen by accident. This guide breaks down the specific strategies behind 20 years of audience loyalty that any independent artist can apply.
Drake has held a top-10 Spotify position for over 15 years. This guide breaks down the specific career decisions that drive that kind of longevity and how independent artists can apply the same thinking.
Master every stage of music marketing, from pre-release strategy and playlist pitching to TikTok promotion and email campaigns. A step-by-step guide built for independent artists who want real results without a label budget.
Complete guide to SubmitHub for independent artists. Learn how to pitch to curators, get real feedback, and build your fanbase through targeted submissions.
TikTok continues to be one of the most powerful platforms for music promotion, here are some practical music promotion strategies in 2026.
Independent artists spent an estimated $280 million on playlist submission and promotion services in 2025. Most of it produced little return. This guide breaks down which promotion services actually work and which to avoid.
Threads has matured into a genuine platform for conversation-driven music promotion. Here is how independent artists are using it to build community, drive engagement, and reach listeners who are done with Instagram's algorithm.
Music Gateway is a UK-based all-in-one platform for independent artists founded in 2013 by Jon Skinner. Originally built as a sync licensing marketplace, now offers distribution, playlist promotion, mastering, royalty collection, and sync brief pitching. Freemium model with Premium at $9.99/month and Pro at $19.99/month. Trustpilot rating of 4.5 across 4,000+ reviews as of April 2026.
dig dis! is a German music distributor founded in 2006, focused on labels rather than individual artists. Offers free registration with three different plans available as monthly or yearly subscriptions. Has direct contracts with iTunes, Apple Music, Beatport, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, Amazon, Traxsource, Deezer, Pandora, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and more. Provides the free digdis.app for label management with tools for release creation, promotion campaigns, sales analytics, financial statements, real-time chart tracking, revenue splits, and smart links. ISRC codes cost 0.75 EUR each, EAN/UPC codes cost 1.00 EUR each. Gives 365 days of full control. WARNING: charges a 30 EUR fee per release if you leave their service. Best for labels that want a dedicated label-focused distributor with integrated management tools.
Downtown Artist & Label Services is a US-based full-service music distribution and marketing company, part of Downtown Music Holdings. Now part of Virgin Music Group alongside FUGA, CD Baby, Ingrooves, and Songtrust after Universal Music Group acquired Downtown Music Holdings for $775M in February 2026. Offers distribution, bespoke marketing solutions, project management, and funding for entrepreneurial artists, labels, and their partners. Artists retain ownership of masters and full creative control. Provides white-glove distribution, DSP promotion, account management, hands-on A&R support, enhanced analytics, split pay, and complete audio and video asset management. Preferred partner status at all key DSPs. Not open-signup. Curated roster with application required. No public pricing. Downtown Music Holdings serves 1.7 million clients in 145+ countries with 23 million music assets in catalog. Best for established artists and labels seeking white-glove service with global reach.
