By the time I uploaded this video (2 days after I filmed it), my song was already released to all the stores. Here it is on Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/0g9wiqtTNKPsdaFhjUPhDA?si=VLu0ZcMhQoqKs9eMpkBjpQ. DistroKid is FAST!
This "Cover Song Licensing" can't mean what I think it means... I can't make revenue from my drum covers uploaded to TH-cam with Distrokid, can I? 🤷♂️
Hello Brian! This is a wonderfully helpful video. Thank you so much! I am releasing my first album (not a worship album, although I do lead worship) and your video has removed all the mystery of what to expect from Distrokid. Thank you for serving us so so well by making this video. Sean
Thank you for this informative video. My question has to do with cover songs that one would play on a TH-cam channel - would we need a special license for that (in addition to the one the DistroKid offers for distribution)? How does a TH-cam channel like Cover Nation get away with doing all these covers by indie artists? Thanks.
Hey Brian. Thanks so much for the great tutorial on Distrokid. I just finished a 16 track Contemporary Christian CD and I have been trying to figure out the best way to put these songs in front of Gods' people. I also have 50 original secular tracks that I'd like to share with the world. You may have just sold me on this. Thanks again. I'm about to check out your stuff right now. AJ
Question: When you check the boxes on which platforms you want it listed in, do you have to have accounts already registered on each particular platform? eg. itunes?
@@whfjrz.withgentleaffect1904 when i released my first songs, it was send to all platforms and i had no accounts. It was created with my artist name when my first track was uploaded on the platforms ... that was your question ?
@@ChrisBessy Yeah, you don't need to have the accounts created like Chris said. When you submit your first song, the stores will create the accounts for you (and you'll be able to access the artists' page afterwards).
Then you're just singing over someone's beat (technically you steal it). What i know about song cover is you must make your beat with your own instruments but still using their composition, don't change it and you also have to use the official lyric, then you could monetize it. Don't forget to mention the original produser, songwriter, or the artist (additional) so you're technically not stealing it. In thee end, You will share the revenue with them.
You can, but you need a master lease or license because the label owns the master recording, which is what you're using. This license is more difficult to get because you have to negotiate it directly with the masters owner. So you have to share royalties with the author and the label. You're always better off if you make your own instrumentals.
Hi Bryan can i release some acustic songs and then work more on them and then release them again with Distrokid? I mean can release more versions of same songs.
I just watched this video once again. It is super helpful. Thank you Brian! You mentioned at the end that we should put forward any questions that we may have: I was wondering how one obtains the ISRC codes that Distrokid assigns to each song? Also, is it better to upload songs as Wav or MP3? I assume that Distrokid will convert them to an appropriate format for Apple Music, so perhaps it is best to use Wav so that one has an uncompressed form at the start?
I tried uploading a song I did with my keyboard studio speakers and iPhone and my iPad.. it was a wave file but it always tells me my song has 0 bytes ? Is it because I need a computer and can’t do it with my iPad ? Or is it that I need a lot more equipment than just my keyboard monitors and iPad ?
I uploaded my song a few days ago (cover song) and asked it to be released July 15th (so like 10 days apart) I've never used distrokid and was just wondering if they would get it to stores onetime? I was using this other distributor but they were impossible to get a hold of and completely messed up my release! So now im scrambling trying to figure this out!
Ia it DistroKid is better than Soundrop for release a copyrighted song cover? And what about for youtube video do we need to do anything else to upload legally?
So the cover license is $12/year per son as a one time fee. Are there also royalties deducted from DistroKid earnings account when the cover is streamed?
I read that they annually charge a 12 dollar fee each year to clear a cover song. Lets say you upload two cover songs...Does that mean they charge 24 dollars a year for the mechanical license? With CDBaby it's a one time fee of 15 dollars per song.
Hi there COOL video Thanks for the info. I did a cover of a DURAN DURAN song. i used the original recording including one part vocal. The rest of the vocals are mine. What should i do since i want to release the song but without being sued? I usually distribute through Distrokid
How do I release a remix with distro kid? If I sample someone else’s song and I want to release a song I made using that sample who can provide a service to obtain rights to use the sample in exchange for royalties or a flat fee?
distrokid creates an account for you and then later you can claim access to that account, this is the link for complete info: artists.spotify.com/faq/access?ref=claimflow#how-do-i-claim-my-artist-profile-before-my-first-release-goes-live
Can Distrokid cover the songs using just the Melody? I own 2 Yamaha Keyboard and I play by ear. I don't sing though. I don't suppose Distrokid has a Sync License for youtube videos?
Thank you Brian for sharing this information with us. I have a basic DistroKid account. I have released (so far) one EP through them. My question is, how do you market and get the word out that you have music released? I'm not really interested in making money on songs I've released, so my price can be zero (except on iTunes). I'm getting ready to release another album or 2 EP's in the near future, and I would like it available to anyone but don't know what channels to promote this.
So confused of Distrokid ... If u wanna upload classical music to iTunes/ Apple Music u have to choose a different genre Like uploading an epic orchestral track and it's categorized in Jazz lol
What i know about song cover is you must make your beat with your own instruments but still using their composition, don't change it snd you also have to use the official lyric, then you could monetize it. Don't forget to mention the original produser, songwriter, or the artist (additional) so you're technically not stealing it.
What about remixes? Distrokid says I probably cannot upload them. Wth does that mean? I have permission from all parties involved. But there is no option for remixes. Help!!!
Great Vid, thnx. I’m curious? Why would you Not sign Up for the extra service during the Song Upload? They are Super cheap and offer you a chance to make more Income, which in turn helps you get out more music and find your passion? Just curious :) . Thnx
thanks for this informative video! Does it work the same for instrumental covers? (since there are no lyrics copyrights involved...?) And how much would you get out of spotify plays of covers? as I only found the calculator for originals and nee to work out if I will make enough money in the end after paying everything else upfront. Thank you!
How long DISTROKID takes to upload covers , when I upload my music it doesn’t takes that long . But recently I made 2 covers songs and it’s been more than a week and it’s not on any platform yet ?
I can take a beat of a famous song and make a remix and upload to spotify? Is it legal? Someone told me that i can pay 12$ a year and than distrokid will do it
Interesting video thank you. Let me come at this from the other direction. I am a composer who does not want anyone covering my tracks (without my permission). I am very nervous that TH-cam is becoming a lawless state. I am confused how so many TH-camrs are selling covers of other artists tracks. I had always assumed this was illegal without the copyright owners permission? I think you have covered it providing all cover artists are honest declaring who the composer is. Any advice would be gratefully appreciated. Thank you and Best wishes
Dude, this is SOOOO Amazing! Thanks for doing this! Do you have to enter bank account numbers for the payout to go to or do they cut you a check and send it in the mail once a year or quarter?
I have a question: if you have songs by different projects you have played on in the past and wrote the majority of songs for - how do you go about that on distrokid? Can I upload an album's worth of songs for 'Band XYZ' and then also upload songs from another band I was in like 'Band LMNOP'? Or do I have to be one artist and upload the songs as if I was the artist and not specify the projects the songs belonged to originally? Know what I mean?
Hey Brian! Thanks for uploading this vid, super helpful. Quick question though. Did you switch the music over from other distributors (I use tunecore currently) to distrokid?
When you want to upload a cover song(a song which is already sung by another musician) using distrokid there's an amount of 12 dollars you need to pay.so my question is when I decide to delete my cover song will the 12 dollars be refunded or not? Please help I really want to know
How curious that you put out this video. I just started writing/recording music again (inspired by a fellow worship team mate who has two albums on Google play). My stuff is really...just instrumental (I totally don't sing). I wonder if that kind of thing appeals to others.
You never know. But remember - whether it's instrumental or vocal songs - there's so much 'out there' that you're better of winning the lottery than hoping someone likes your instrumental and wants to buy it.
Is it possible to release your song to different services at different times without paying extra? For example say I want to release a song on Itunes first, and then a month later put it on Spotify?
They just publish the music, for copyright demand you've to make it for yourself. In case if you're confidence enough that your song will blow up and people would clam it, yah u should apply for copyright.
If I upload a cover, let it sit there for 1 year. Pay the $12, then remove it after the year, will anyone who bought it still have access to their purchase? I'm not interested in paying $12 every year for life. Thanks for any help or advice.
Let’s say you release music under an artist account then later on you decide to make a label account is that a good or bad decision ? I want to be signed to my own label. Can you transfer your songs from your artist account to your label account? Do you fully own your songs on your artist account vs your label account? What’s the difference if I want to get a label account how can that affect me?
KarimReslan ok so let’s say I register under an artist account then switch to a label account will it say in the online stores my label name ? Can I put my songs under my own label even after I put it out? On distrokid but in general as well ? Like register a label name and put my songs on it months after the song dropped ?
By the time I uploaded this video (2 days after I filmed it), my song was already released to all the stores. Here it is on Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/0g9wiqtTNKPsdaFhjUPhDA?si=VLu0ZcMhQoqKs9eMpkBjpQ. DistroKid is FAST!
Bro plzz make a video on how to play lead in guitar
There's plenty of videos on youtube that teach lead guitar. Have you tried searching that?
CAN U SELL THE COVERING WORLDWIDE OR ONLY IN THE US ? BECAUSE THE LICENSING IS FOR THE US: WHAT IF I WANNA SELL IT IN SOUTH AMERICA
This "Cover Song Licensing" can't mean what I think it means...
I can't make revenue from my drum covers uploaded to TH-cam with Distrokid, can I? 🤷♂️
Hello. What happens when I use a free beat downloaded online. Can I still record over it and sell on distrokid?
Didn't know it was this simple to license covers! Good to know, thank you.
You're awesome, thank you! I'm so excited to release my first cover worship song now that I have a good way of doing it legally!
you're an angel bro! this is by far the best tutorial about distrokid! straight to the point! bravo!!! thanks!!
Thank you for this, we are about to release our first single. This helped a lot.
Great info! Is their cover licensing still working properly in 2019?
Hello Brian! This is a wonderfully helpful video. Thank you so much! I am releasing my first album (not a worship album, although I do lead worship) and your video has removed all the mystery of what to expect from Distrokid. Thank you for serving us so so well by making this video. Sean
Thanks for walking through the details, Brian! Very helpful review of the service.
Thank you for this informative video. My question has to do with cover songs that one would play on a TH-cam channel - would we need a special license for that (in addition to the one the DistroKid offers for distribution)? How does a TH-cam channel like Cover Nation get away with doing all these covers by indie artists? Thanks.
Thanks for the advice!! Does this mean its ok to have the cover track played on radio etc?
Thank you so much Brian, take care as you seems a bit tired, pray for you
Thanks man. Ready to jump in now!
Hi Brian, I Fall is no longer available on spotify.. can you check it out? I don't know what went wrong.
Hey Brian. Thanks so much for the great tutorial on Distrokid. I just finished a 16 track Contemporary Christian CD and I have been trying to figure out the best way to put these songs in front of Gods' people. I also have 50 original secular tracks that I'd like to share with the world. You may have just sold me on this. Thanks again. I'm about to check out your stuff right now. AJ
How long does Distrokid take to get the irsc code for a cover
Question: When you check the boxes on which platforms you want it listed in, do you have to have accounts already registered on each particular platform? eg. itunes?
Minus Pinto Good question and no one seems to answer this question , even on other Distrokid questions.
@@whfjrz.withgentleaffect1904 when i released my first songs, it was send to all platforms and i had no accounts.
It was created with my artist name when my first track was uploaded on the platforms ... that was your question ?
@@ChrisBessy Yeah, you don't need to have the accounts created like Chris said. When you submit your first song, the stores will create the accounts for you (and you'll be able to access the artists' page afterwards).
What about if I use the Chorus and write my own verse? is it still the same process?
Can you use the Cover Song deal for backing tracks? Thanks.
Thanks for this video. Greetings from Spain!!
Can the cover song have the original beat but have my own lyrics?
I think you'd need permission from the artist or label to strip any portion of the original work. Then it'd be a "derivative work."
Then you're just singing over someone's beat (technically you steal it).
What i know about song cover is you must make your beat with your own instruments but still using their composition, don't change it and you also have to use the official lyric, then you could monetize it.
Don't forget to mention the original produser, songwriter, or the artist (additional) so you're technically not stealing it. In thee end, You will share the revenue with them.
You can, but you need a master lease or license because the label owns the master recording, which is what you're using. This license is more difficult to get because you have to negotiate it directly with the masters owner. So you have to share royalties with the author and the label. You're always better off if you make your own instrumentals.
Hi Bryan can i release some acustic songs and then work more on them and then release them again with Distrokid? I mean can release more versions of same songs.
But what are those channels that release your music? Why is nobody asking this?
the option that makes your music stay forever- does the one time fee affect all of your songs or only one?
@Worship Tutorials Can I ask if I can upload karaoke version in Distrokid?
For covers what if i wrote the song but the music is from a producer we call that "mixtapes" in hiphop
These Tutorials Are Awesome...
Thx
I just watched this video once again. It is super helpful. Thank you Brian! You mentioned at the end that we should put forward any questions that we may have: I was wondering how one obtains the ISRC codes that Distrokid assigns to each song? Also, is it better to upload songs as Wav or MP3? I assume that Distrokid will convert them to an appropriate format for Apple Music, so perhaps it is best to use Wav so that one has an uncompressed form at the start?
Nice Video😍
can u upload music from a video if u get a decent sound? and how would you do it?
Can I release a remix or is there any issue with that?
do you think is recomended for dancehall or lest say reggae artis?
i just see on the distrokid page that I must pay 12 euros/an when i want upload a cover song ?
Hey Brian, how is ur experience with Distrokid thus far? Are u happy with it? R u from the US or are u dealing with the Tax witholding issue?
I tried uploading a song I did with my keyboard studio speakers and iPhone and my iPad.. it was a wave file but it always tells me my song has 0 bytes ? Is it because I need a computer and can’t do it with my iPad ? Or is it that I need a lot more equipment than just my keyboard monitors and iPad ?
Do you copyright your original songs before uploading? If not, why? Thanks so much!
I uploaded my song a few days ago (cover song) and asked it to be released July 15th (so like 10 days apart) I've never used distrokid and was just wondering if they would get it to stores onetime? I was using this other distributor but they were impossible to get a hold of and completely messed up my release! So now im scrambling trying to figure this out!
Will they let you upload from mobile phone?
Yessir
So if you used Multitracks.com for stems and recorded your own vocals to a cover, that wouldn't be allowed via Distrokid?
Ia it DistroKid is better than Soundrop for release a copyrighted song cover?
And what about for youtube video do we need to do anything else to upload legally?
So the cover license is $12/year per son as a one time fee. Are there also royalties deducted from DistroKid earnings account when the cover is streamed?
When you enable to be uploaded to TH-cam, where does it go? Do you recommend starting a new TH-cam channel for a new music project? Thanks yall
I hope it goes to my channel and you it gets a lot of views :)
Question: Can they (or CDBaby) take care of the royalties for a physical CD release as well? And is it the same 9.1¢ per track per sale?
So, do they collect the mechanical and publisher royalites for the songwriter?
Hello Is there a difference between a cover song and a remake of a song? Sorry I am new to this legal jargon.
I read that they annually charge a 12 dollar fee each year to clear a cover song. Lets say you upload two cover songs...Does that mean they charge 24 dollars a year for the mechanical license? With CDBaby it's a one time fee of 15 dollars per song.
Nice
I know I'm 2 years behind but I can't like change like 8 bars of it? Switch it with my own words
Very informative We are going through CDBaby at the present.
How do you do a cover song and collect the royalties for it like your version of the song
Great job Brian
Great informative video. 😊
Do you know how the royalties for covers are? How much (precentage) does the guy that covers get ?
Hi there COOL video Thanks for the info. I did a cover of a DURAN DURAN song. i used the original recording including one part vocal. The rest of the vocals are mine. What should i do since i want to release the song but without being sued? I usually distribute through Distrokid
But what if you don’t want DistroKid to upload a video to youtube, because you want to do it on your own channel
you can select for distrokid to not auto upload to their various artists channel.
What is that channel that uploads the songs on TH-cam?
How do I release a remix with distro kid? If I sample someone else’s song and I want to release a song I made using that sample who can provide a service to obtain rights to use the sample in exchange for royalties or a flat fee?
For releasing music on spotify or different service should i had to have spotify accounts or other stuff
Use distrokid or tunecore
distrokid creates an account for you and then later you can claim access to that account, this is the link for complete info: artists.spotify.com/faq/access?ref=claimflow#how-do-i-claim-my-artist-profile-before-my-first-release-goes-live
How to get mechanical license on old songs through them.
Can Distrokid cover the songs using just the Melody? I own 2 Yamaha Keyboard and I play by ear. I don't sing though. I don't suppose Distrokid has a Sync License for youtube videos?
Is this just in the USA or worldwide. I am from Guyana south America. Only English specking country in south america
What if I want to put a video clip on youtube with the song ill be posting
As for the annual payment, does that mean that if you don't pay after a year then the songs come off the platforms?
I have a question do I have to pay the 12 fee in the precise moment when I upload the cover song to get delivered ??????
Thank you Brian for sharing this information with us. I have a basic DistroKid account. I have released (so far) one EP through them. My question is, how do you market and get the word out that you have music released? I'm not really interested in making money on songs I've released, so my price can be zero (except on iTunes). I'm getting ready to release another album or 2 EP's in the near future, and I would like it available to anyone but don't know what channels to promote this.
So confused of Distrokid ... If u wanna upload classical music to iTunes/ Apple Music u have to choose a different genre
Like uploading an epic orchestral track and it's categorized in Jazz lol
Is it also legal/possible to re record a local artist song? Just wondering? Thanks
Can I sing differently on the cover and can I change words on the cover song? Would love to hear your answer. Great video content!
Then, it's not cover anymore, it'll be new song that you just singing over beat of another song, you stole the beat from others song
What i know about song cover is you must make your beat with your own instruments but still using their composition, don't change it snd you also have to use the official lyric, then you could monetize it.
Don't forget to mention the original produser, songwriter, or the artist (additional) so you're technically not stealing it.
What about remixes? Distrokid says I probably cannot upload them. Wth does that mean? I have permission from all parties involved. But there is no option for remixes. Help!!!
No remixes. You can't release if you sample the original creator. You need to cover everything by yourself
Please help me out with this one!! I've done a cover mashup of two worship songs, I don't know how to legitimately upload this???
Do songs in public domain count as “covers”?
Great Vid, thnx. I’m curious? Why would you Not sign Up for the extra service during the Song Upload? They are Super cheap and offer you a chance to make more Income, which in turn helps you get out more music and find your passion? Just curious :) . Thnx
thanks for this informative video! Does it work the same for instrumental covers? (since there are no lyrics copyrights involved...?) And how much would you get out of spotify plays of covers? as I only found the calculator for originals and nee to work out if I will make enough money in the end after paying everything else upfront. Thank you!
How long DISTROKID takes to upload covers , when I upload my music it doesn’t takes that long . But recently I made 2 covers songs and it’s been more than a week and it’s not on any platform yet ?
YEA THATS MY QUESTION TO
@@WilnerPierre it takes longer but it works. The others cover I’ve updated has taken less time after the first one
Ok sounds great 😊 Thank You 🙏🏿
How long does it takes to obtain the irsc code from distrokid for a cover song 🎧
@@WilnerPierre oh I haven’t tried that . Interesting
@@Marchuevoreal Yea I upload a cover a few days ago on distrokid I’m waiting for the irsc code I haven’t gotten it as yet
Very informative. Thanks for sharing.
How is it handled if a song is public domain, like Amazing Grace or It Is Well With My Soul?
PeterGregg I was going to ask the same question- also, what if you have a track that uses more than one song? Like a medley, for example
Hey there!! What if I dont know who wrote a song I want to upload through Distrokid. Its not a popular song and I just listened to it once.
My songs got rejected because i put my artist name to label name section. Should i leave it blank or just put my real name? Can you help me?
I would ask DistroKid support about that
Writing 'Independent' there will do ✔️
I can take a beat of a famous song and make a remix and upload to spotify? Is it legal? Someone told me that i can pay 12$ a year and than distrokid will do it
can you use distrokid to upload your music to youtube ?
Interesting video thank you. Let me come at this from the other direction. I am a composer who does not want anyone covering my tracks (without my permission). I am very nervous that TH-cam is becoming a lawless state. I am confused how so many TH-camrs are selling covers of other artists tracks. I had always assumed this was illegal without the copyright owners permission? I think you have covered it providing all cover artists are honest declaring who the composer is. Any advice would be gratefully appreciated. Thank you and Best wishes
Dude, this is SOOOO Amazing! Thanks for doing this! Do you have to enter bank account numbers for the payout to go to or do they cut you a check and send it in the mail once a year or quarter?
Hi Brian, does the cover license work remixes too? All my vocals, the same melody as the original song, just my lyrics?
Its 12$ for unlimited remixes or 12$ per one remix so if i upload 2 remixes than i need to pay 24$ a year?
I have a question: if you have songs by different projects you have played on in the past and wrote the majority of songs for - how do you go about that on distrokid? Can I upload an album's worth of songs for 'Band XYZ' and then also upload songs from another band I was in like 'Band LMNOP'? Or do I have to be one artist and upload the songs as if I was the artist and not specify the projects the songs belonged to originally? Know what I mean?
it wont let me select a release date. why is that?
hi, do i need a llc if i upload covers?
Hey Brian! Thanks for uploading this vid, super helpful. Quick question though. Did you switch the music over from other distributors (I use tunecore currently) to distrokid?
When you want to upload a cover song(a song which is already sung by another musician) using distrokid there's an amount of 12 dollars you need to pay.so my question is when I decide to delete my cover song will the 12 dollars be refunded or not? Please help I really want to know
thanks for that detailed review!
How curious that you put out this video. I just started writing/recording music again (inspired by a fellow worship team mate who has two albums on Google play). My stuff is really...just instrumental (I totally don't sing). I wonder if that kind of thing appeals to others.
You never know. But remember - whether it's instrumental or vocal songs - there's so much 'out there' that you're better of winning the lottery than hoping someone likes your instrumental and wants to buy it.
iFall. Chorus sold separately
God bless you.
Man you got questions to answer !! 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
Is it possible to release your song to different services at different times without paying extra? For example say I want to release a song on Itunes first, and then a month later put it on Spotify?
epiphoneboy2000 hmm good question. Send DistroKid an email. They’ll let you know.
If it's an original do you need to get copyright for your song or do they help with that too
They just publish the music, for copyright demand you've to make it for yourself. In case if you're confidence enough that your song will blow up and people would clam it, yah u should apply for copyright.
If I upload a cover, let it sit there for 1 year. Pay the $12, then remove it after the year, will anyone who bought it still have access to their purchase? I'm not interested in paying $12 every year for life. Thanks for any help or advice.
I'm working on old hymns on acoustic guitar (solo instrumental). Do I need to get permission from anyone? Copyright?
Very helpful thanks
Let’s say you release music under an artist account then later on you decide to make a label account is that a good or bad decision ? I want to be signed to my own label. Can you transfer your songs from your artist account to your label account? Do you fully own your songs on your artist account vs your label account? What’s the difference if I want to get a label account how can that affect me?
R E N N A M I G H T Y yes, I do that, I manage 4 other artists in my RecordLabel plus I manage myself too, I love distrokid man.
KarimReslan ok so let’s say I register under an artist account then switch to a label account will it say in the online stores my label name ? Can I put my songs under my own label even after I put it out? On distrokid but in general as well ? Like register a label name and put my songs on it months after the song dropped ?