Digital music distribution is the process that takes a recording from your master file to Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, TikTok and every other streaming and download service. Andina Music is an independent music distributor: we prepare your release, deliver audio and metadata to each digital service provider (DSP), collect the platforms’ reports and pay out the royalties your music earns, wherever your listeners are.
What a music distributor does
Streaming platforms don’t accept music directly from every artist. They ingest catalogs from distributors and labels with delivery agreements. A distributor handles the technical and administrative side: audio format, identifier codes, metadata, artwork, release dates, delivery, updates, takedowns and royalty collection. With Andina Music you also keep your rights: we only receive the authorizations needed to distribute and administer your content under your agreement, with no transfer of ownership of your master recording or your composition.
How music distribution works with Andina Music
Sign up
Create your account at app.andinamusic.com with your artist or label name and confirm your email. A member of our team reviews each release within 1 to 2 business days and tells you if anything needs fixing before it goes out to the platforms. Already releasing with another distributor? See how to switch distributors.
Prepare the release
Upload your audio in WAV or FLAC, a 3000 × 3000 px cover and the metadata (titles, artists, credits, genre, language). We assign ISRC and UPC codes at no extra cost if you don’t have them.
Delivery, reports and royalties
We deliver the release to the platforms you choose on the date you set. Afterwards you receive reports by platform and territory and the royalties are paid out under your agreement.
Where your music gets delivered
Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook (through Meta), SoundCloud and more than 150 stores and services, including regional platforms such as Yandex Music and Zvuk. Browse the full list of platforms, or read the platform-specific guides on how to get your music on Spotify and distribute to Apple Music.
ISRC, UPC and metadata: what every release needs
- ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) identifies each recording. It’s the code platforms use to count streams and assign royalties to that track. Read what an ISRC is.
- UPC (Universal Product Code) identifies the whole product: single, EP or album. The difference is explained in ISRC vs UPC.
- Metadata: title, primary artist, featured artists, songwriters, producers, genre, language, explicit flag, label and release date. Consistent metadata is what keeps your artist profile unified and your royalties correctly assigned. Full guide: music metadata.
Release dates and delivery times
Once a release is approved it usually goes live within 24 to 72 hours on the main platforms; TikTok and Instagram can take up to five business days. Schedule your release two to three weeks ahead: it leaves room to fix any review notes and to pitch the track to Spotify’s editorial playlists, which requires the release to be delivered at least seven days before the release date. If you want the whole timeline, follow the music release checklist.
Royalties and reports
Each platform reports consumption and revenue with a one- to two-month delay. Andina Music consolidates those reports in your dashboard and pays royalties under your distribution agreement. Periods, territories and payments are detailed in music royalties and reports.
Your rights
Your rights remain yours. Andina Music only receives the authorizations needed to distribute and administer your content under your agreement. There is no transfer of ownership of the master recording or the composition, and no exclusivity over your work.
Related services
- Music distribution for artists: releases, verified artist profiles and support for independent projects.
- Music distribution for labels: several artists and catalogs with reports by project.
- YouTube Content ID: monetize and protect eligible recordings in third-party videos.
- Switch music distributor: move your catalog while keeping ISRC and UPC codes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a record label to distribute my music?
No. Independent artists can release under their own name or under a label name of their choice.
Which audio formats do you accept?
WAV or FLAC, 16 or 24 bit, 44.1 kHz or higher. MP3 files don’t meet the platforms’ requirements.
Can I choose which platforms to release on?
Yes. You can deliver to the full network or select platforms per release.
How long does it take for my music to go live?
Usually 24 to 72 hours after approval on Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer. We recommend scheduling releases two to three weeks in advance.
Do I keep my rights?
Yes. We only receive the authorizations needed to distribute and administer your content under your agreement.
Where is Andina Music based and who can sign up?
Andina Music LLC is based in Fort Pierce, Florida, and works with artists and labels worldwide. Support is provided by email in Spanish and English.
Start distributing your music
Create your account (free, no card required) and upload your first release when it is ready. Independent artists, producers and record labels are welcome, wherever you are.
