Monday, 23 September 2024

Music Journey

 Monetizing original music or spoken poetry on Instagram can be a fruitful endeavor, given the platform's emphasis on creative content and community engagement. Here are some strategic steps to help you generate income:


### 1. **Leverage Instagram Reels and Stories:**

   - **Music Distribution:** Use platforms like DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby to distribute your music to Instagram's music library. This way, your music can be used in Reels and Stories, earning you royalties each time someone uses it.

   - **Content Creation:** Regularly post Reels featuring your music or spoken poetry. Use trending audio, creative effects, and captions to increase reach. Engaging content drives followers and potential customers to your profile.


### 2. **Enable Monetization Features:**

   - **Instagram Reels Bonuses:** If available in your region, this feature pays you based on the performance of your Reels.

   - **Badges in Live:** Host live sessions where fans can purchase badges to support you. Engage with your audience through Q&A, performances, or behind-the-scenes content.

   - **Subscriptions:** Offer exclusive content through subscriptions, such as early access to new music or exclusive poetry sessions.


### 3. **Sell Your Work Directly:**

   - **Link in Bio:** Use tools like Linktree or Koji to consolidate links to your music on streaming platforms, online store, or Patreon page where fans can support you.

   - **Merchandise:** Sell branded merchandise, digital downloads, or special edition poetry books directly through Instagram Shopping or external platforms.


### 4. **Collaborations and Sponsored Content:**

   - **Brand Collaborations:** Partner with brands that align with your artistic persona. For instance, a company selling audio equipment might sponsor your posts or live sessions.

   - **Cross-Promotions:** Collaborate with other artists, influencers, or poets. Joint projects can expand your reach and attract new followers who may support your monetization efforts.


### 5. **Crowdfunding and Fan Support:**

   - **Patreon or Ko-fi:** Encourage fans to support you on platforms where they can contribute regularly in exchange for exclusive content or perks.

   - **Crowdfunding Campaigns:** Use platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to fund specific projects, such as an album or a poetry book.


### 6. **Licensing and Sync Opportunities:**

   - **Music Licensing:** Offer your music for licensing in videos, commercials, or other creators' content. Websites like Songtradr or AudioJungle can help you connect with buyers.

   - **Spoken Poetry:** You can also license your spoken poetry for use in other creators' projects, podcasts, or even short films.


### 7. **Promote Your Content:**

   - **Use Hashtags and Engage:** Use relevant hashtags, tag other creators, and engage with your community to increase visibility.

   - **Ads and Promotions:** Invest in Instagram ads targeting users interested in music, poetry, or your specific niche to boost your reach and attract more followers.






With most music distribution services, continued access to royalties often depends on the specifics of the service plan you choose. Here's a breakdown of what generally happens with some popular services:


### 1. **DistroKid:**

   - **Annual Subscription:** DistroKid requires an annual fee to keep your music available on platforms like Instagram, Spotify, Apple Music, etc.

   - **Stopping Payments:** If you stop paying the annual fee, DistroKid typically removes your music from distribution, which means it would no longer be available for new streams, downloads, or use in Reels/Stories, and you would not earn royalties moving forward.


### 2. **TuneCore:**

   - **Annual Fee Per Release:** TuneCore charges an annual fee per album or single to keep your music available on streaming platforms.

   - **Stopping Payments:** Similar to DistroKid, if you don't renew the annual fee, your music will be taken down, and you'll stop earning royalties from that point onwards.


### 3. **CD Baby:**

   - **One-Time Fee:** CD Baby charges a one-time fee for lifetime distribution of your music, without requiring ongoing annual payments.

   - **Royalties:** Since there are no recurring fees, your music remains available, and you continue to earn royalties indefinitely, even if you don't pay anything beyond the initial fee.


### 4. **Amuse:**

   - **Free Tier:** Amuse offers a free plan where your music can be distributed without an annual fee, but with fewer features and slower payouts.

   - **Royalties:** For free and paid tiers, your music remains available, and you continue earning royalties as long as the music is live on streaming platforms.


### 5. **Symphonic Distribution, RouteNote, etc.:**

   - Each has its own model, but generally, if there are recurring fees and those aren't paid, the music will be removed from distribution, halting new royalty earnings.


### **Key Points to Remember:**

- **Royalties accrue only while your music is live.** Once your music is removed from platforms due to non-payment, you lose out on future royalties.

- **Withdrawn royalties:** Any royalties earned before your music is removed are usually still yours to withdraw, but you won't earn new ones.

- **Choosing the Right Service:** If long-term availability without ongoing payments is important, consider services like CD Baby or others offering lifetime distribution for a one-time fee.



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For distribution services that continue to pay royalties even if you discontinue their service, you'll want to look at those offering lifetime distribution with a one-time fee rather than an annual subscription. Here are a few options:


### 1. **CD Baby:**

   - **Model:** Charges a one-time fee for each album or single you upload.

   - **Royalties:** Once your music is uploaded and distributed, it remains available indefinitely, even if you don't pay any further fees.

   - **Payout:** You continue to earn royalties for streams, downloads, and any other revenue-generating uses (including on Instagram) without needing to maintain an ongoing subscription.


### 2. **RouteNote (Select Option):**

   - **Model:** Offers both free and paid options. The free tier allows for lifetime distribution with RouteNote taking a 15% commission on earnings.

   - **Royalties:** As long as your music is live, you continue to earn royalties. The paid tier allows you to keep 100% of royalties for a one-time fee, and your music stays up even after discontinuing their premium service.


### 3. **LANDR:**

   - **Model:** Offers distribution with a one-time fee option alongside subscription plans.

   - **Royalties:** If you choose their one-time fee option, your music stays live, and you continue to earn royalties without ongoing payments.


### 4. **Amuse Pro (One-Time Payment Option):**

   - **Model:** While primarily subscription-based, Amuse also offers the ability to pay for a one-time release with lifetime availability.

   - **Royalties:** Music remains live, and royalties continue without further payments.


### 5. **Symphonic Distribution:**

   - **Model:** Offers custom distribution plans, including one-time fee options.

   - **Royalties:** If set up with a one-time fee, your music remains on platforms, and you continue earning royalties.


### **Important Considerations:**

- **Verify Contract Terms:** Always check the fine print or reach out to customer service to confirm lifetime distribution specifics.

- **Revenue Streams:** Ensure the service includes royalties from all relevant platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, etc., and not just streaming platforms.


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### **Key Takeaways:**

- **CD Baby:** Best for one-time investment with long-term returns and comprehensive platform coverage, but with a slightly higher initial cost.

- **RouteNote:** Offers flexibility with free and premium options, ideal for those starting out and looking to avoid upfront costs but comes with a commission.

- **LANDR:** Good for those needing additional services like mastering, but subscriptions can add up.

- **Amuse:** Provides a straightforward, low-cost entry, especially for mobile users, though features are basic.

- **Symphonic Distribution:** Offers advanced features and flexibility but at variable costs and with an application process.


Collecting and distributing royalties with CD Baby involves a series of steps that start from uploading your music to collecting earnings from various platforms. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how it works with CD Baby:


### **Step 1: Create an Account**

1. **Sign Up:** Visit CD Baby’s website and create an account. You’ll need to provide basic information like your name, email, and a password.

2. **Set Up Your Profile:** Fill in details about yourself as an artist, including bio, genre, and social media links.


### **Step 2: Choose Your Distribution Plan**

1. **Select Your Plan:** Choose between CD Baby Standard or CD Baby Pro, depending on whether you want additional services like publishing administration.

   - **Standard Plan:** Basic distribution to digital platforms.

   - **Pro Plan:** Includes royalty collection from performance rights organizations (PROs) and other global rights agencies.

   

### **Step 3: Upload Your Music**

1. **Release Information:** Enter details about your release, such as the album or single title, track list, and release date.

2. **Upload Audio Files:** Upload your music files in the required format (typically WAV or FLAC).

3. **Provide Metadata:** Include metadata like songwriters, composers, ISRC codes, and any other relevant information.

4. **Cover Art:** Upload your cover art, ensuring it meets CD Baby’s specifications.


### **Step 4: Set Up Royalty Collection**

1. **Publishing Administration (CD Baby Pro Only):** If using CD Baby Pro, register your songs for publishing administration. CD Baby will then collect publishing royalties, including mechanical and performance royalties from global sources.

2. **Sync Licensing:** Opt into CD Baby’s sync licensing program to earn from uses in TV, films, YouTube, and other media.


### **Step 5: Distribution to Platforms**

1. **Distribution Submission:** Once all information is complete, submit your release for distribution. CD Baby will review your submission to ensure it meets all guidelines.

2. **Platforms:** CD Baby distributes your music to a wide array of platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Instagram, TikTok, and more.


### **Step 6: Collecting Royalties**

1. **Sales and Streams:** As your music is streamed, downloaded, or used on platforms, royalties begin to accrue. These include:

   - **Streaming Royalties:** From services like Spotify, Apple Music.

   - **Download Royalties:** From platforms like iTunes.

   - **Social Media Royalties:** From uses on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

   - **Publishing Royalties:** Including mechanical royalties (from sales and streams) and performance royalties (from radio, TV, live performances) if using CD Baby Pro.


### **Step 7: Earnings and Payouts**

1. **Earnings Dashboard:** Log in to your CD Baby account to track your earnings via the dashboard. CD Baby provides detailed reports showing how much you’ve earned from each platform.

2. **Payment Setup:** Set up your payment preferences (PayPal, bank transfer, etc.). CD Baby typically processes payments monthly, with a minimum threshold (usually $10) required for payouts.

3. **Withdraw Earnings:** Once your account reaches the payout threshold, you can withdraw your earnings. CD Baby will notify you when a payout is made.


### **Step 8: Monitor and Optimize**

1. **Analytics:** Use the analytics provided by CD Baby to monitor the performance of your music on various platforms. 

2. **Promotion:** Enhance your visibility and earnings by promoting your music through social media, ads, and collaborations.


### **Key Points:**

- **One-Time Fee:** No recurring fees if you choose the Standard or Pro one-time payment option.

- **Global Reach:** CD Baby collects royalties from a wide network of global sources, ensuring you don’t miss out on international earnings.

- **Support:** CD Baby offers support and resources to help you optimize your distribution and royalty collection process.


Yes, spoken poetry follows a similar process for distribution and royalty collection as music does, using the same channels. Here's how it works:


### **Distribution of Spoken Poetry:**


1. **Platforms:** Spoken poetry can be distributed on the same platforms as music, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Instagram, TikTok, and more. These platforms treat spoken word tracks similarly to music tracks in terms of streaming, downloading, and monetization.


2. **Audio Format:** Spoken poetry is typically uploaded in the same audio formats (WAV, FLAC) used for music. The quality and format standards apply equally to ensure the best playback on streaming services.


### **Steps for Distribution with CD Baby (or similar services):**


1. **Create and Upload:**

   - Follow the same upload process as with music: create an account, select your distribution plan, upload your spoken word audio files, and fill in the relevant metadata (title, artist name, track details).


2. **Metadata Specifics:**

   - While spoken word tracks don’t have musical composition details, they do require proper metadata, including the poet's name, contributors, and, if applicable, ISRC codes.


3. **Cover Art:** Spoken poetry releases also require cover art that adheres to platform guidelines.


### **Royalty Collection:**


1. **Types of Royalties:**

   - **Streaming Royalties:** Earned from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and others based on plays.

   - **Download Royalties:** Collected when spoken poetry tracks are purchased on platforms like iTunes.

   - **Performance Royalties:** If your spoken word is played on the radio, in public venues, or used in performances, these are collected by a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) if you're registered with CD Baby Pro or a similar service.

   - **Sync Licensing:** Your spoken poetry can also be licensed for use in videos, commercials, podcasts, or films, generating additional revenue.


2. **Publishing Administration (CD Baby Pro):**

   - If your spoken poetry includes original compositions or has elements like background music, CD Baby Pro can help collect mechanical and performance royalties from these.


3. **Social Media Royalties:**

   - Spoken poetry used on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube earns royalties similarly to music tracks, based on platform-specific monetization models.


### **Key Points:**

- **Same Platforms, Same Process:** Spoken poetry uses the same distribution and royalty channels as music, benefiting from the same wide reach and monetization opportunities.

- **Custom Metadata:** Ensure accurate categorization as spoken word, poetry, or similar to guide listeners correctly.

- **Promotion:** As with music, promoting your spoken poetry on social media, through live performances, and leveraging collaborations is key to increasing streams and earnings.


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If you're looking for services that allow unlimited uploads without upfront costs and operate on a commission-based model, here are some options:


### **1. RouteNote (Free Plan)**

- **Cost Structure:** Free to upload.

- **Commission:** 15% on earnings.

- **Key Features:** Unlimited uploads, revenue sharing, and access to major streaming platforms.


### **2. DistroKid (Annual Fee, but Unlimited Uploads)**

- **Cost Structure:** $19.99/year for unlimited uploads (not commission-based, but no per-release fees).

- **Commission:** None; you keep 100% of your royalties.

- **Note:** While there is an annual fee, it may still be a viable option if you plan to upload many songs throughout the year.


### **3. Amuse (Free Plan)**

- **Cost Structure:** Free to upload.

- **Commission:** Takes 15% from your royalties.

- **Key Features:** Unlimited uploads, user-friendly interface, and music distribution to all major platforms.


### **4. FreshTunes**

- **Cost Structure:** Free to upload.

- **Commission:** 0% on earnings (you keep all royalties).

- **Key Features:** Unlimited uploads and no upfront fees, but they do offer additional promotional services for a fee.


### **5. TuneCore (Free Trial, but not entirely free)**

- **Cost Structure:** Offers a free trial period; generally, there are one-time fees per release.

- **Commission:** 0%; you retain all earnings, but upfront fees apply.

- **Key Features:** No annual fees after initial payment, allowing unlimited music distribution.


### **Comparison Summary Table**


| **Service**         | **Cost Structure**          | **Commission** | **Unlimited Uploads?**  |

|---------------------|-----------------------------|----------------|--------------------------|

| **RouteNote**       | Free to upload              | 15%            | Yes                      |

| **DistroKid**       | $19.99/year                 | 0%             | Yes                      |

| **Amuse**           | Free to upload              | 15%            | Yes                      |

| **FreshTunes**      | Free to upload              | 0%             | Yes                      |

| **TuneCore**        | Free trial (not entirely free) | 0%             | Yes (after initial fee) |


### **Recommendations:**

- **RouteNote (Free Plan):** A solid choice if you want to test the waters without upfront costs and don’t mind a commission on your earnings.

- **Amuse:** Similar to RouteNote with a free plan, but it has a more streamlined app for easier music management.

- **FreshTunes:** A good option for keeping all your earnings, although some promotional features may come at an additional cost.


Each of these services provides flexibility for experimenting with your music and discovering what works best for you. If you need further assistance or have any specific questions about these services, feel free to ask!

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