Running a record label on DistroKid is a straightforward process that I'll break down into actionable steps. As someone who's worked with multiple artists through DistroKid, I can guide you through the essential aspects of managing your label effectively.

Getting Started with Your Label

First, you'll need to sign up for DistroKid's Label Plan, called "Label Maker." This plan allows you to manage multiple artists under one account and costs $79.99 per year. It includes unlimited artists and releases, unlike the standard plans.

Setting Up Your Label Profile

Enter your label name
Upload your label logo
Add your label's contact information
Set up your payment details for royalty collection

Managing Artists Under Your Label

To add artists to your label:

Click on "Add New Artist"
Enter the artist's name and information
Set up individual payment splits for each artist
Manage their profiles and releases separately

Uploading and Managing Releases

When releasing music through your label:

Select the artist from your roster
Choose "Upload New Release"
Add album/single artwork
Upload audio files (WAV format recommended)
Enter metadata (titles, genres, release dates)
Set territorial rights and pricing

Royalty Management

I recommend setting up clear payment structures:

Establish royalty splits before releases
Set up automatic payments to artists
Monitor earnings through the dashboard
Export financial reports for accounting

Best Practices for Label Management

To run your label efficiently:

Keep organized documentation of all releases
Maintain a release calendar
Regular communication with your artists
Monitor performance analytics
Plan marketing strategies for each release

Quality Control

Before submitting releases:

Check audio quality (no distortion, proper mastering)
Verify all metadata is accurate
Ensure artwork meets platform requirements
Review release dates and pricing
Double-check territory selections

Marketing Your Releases

Use DistroKid's built-in tools:

Leverage pre-save links
Utilize automatic playlist submission features
Monitor streaming performance
Share analytics with artists

Financial Management

Keep your label's finances organized by:

Tracking all earnings
Maintaining separate accounts for label and artist earnings
Setting up regular payment schedules
Keeping detailed financial records

Building Your Label's Brand

Focus on consistent branding across:

Release artwork
Social media presence
Email communications
Website presentation
Artist roster curation

The key to success is maintaining professional relationships with your artists while ensuring efficient distribution and promotion of releases. Regular monitoring of performance metrics and staying organized with documentation will help your label grow sustainably.

Remember to stay compliant with music industry standards and always maintain clear communication with your artists regarding releases, promotions, and payments. This creates a professional environment that attracts and retains talent while building your label's reputation in the industry.

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