Releasing Music Is Now for Everyone
In the past, releasing music required going through a record label or management agency, but today even independent artists can register their music on streaming platforms worldwide.
The history of music distribution mirrors the history of digital transformation. Up through the 1990s, record distribution worked through a triangular structure of CD factories, physical distribution networks, and record stores, and it was nearly impossible for an independent artist to break into that system. When iTunes began selling individual tracks in 2003 and Spotify popularized streaming in 2008, the distribution structure changed fundamentally. DistroKid introduced a groundbreaking model in 2013 that distributed unlimited music for $19.99 a year; TuneCore and CD Baby were already in the market, but DistroKid's price decisively lowered the barrier to entry for independent artists. Today, more than 60,000 new tracks are uploaded to Spotify every day, and a substantial share of them are independent artists' music. The domestic music market has a different structure. Individuals cannot register directly on Melon, Genie, or VIBE; you have to go through a distributor like Kakao Entertainment or Dreamus Company, or an indie-friendly small distributor like Sound Republica or Music&New. If you register your work with KOMCA before release, the performance royalties generated from streaming, broadcast, and live performance are automatically collected, creating an additional income stream beyond distribution revenue.
Comparing the Major Domestic Distributors
| Distributor | Characteristics | Artist Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Kakao Entertainment | Melon·Kakao ecosystem | Centered on large and mid-to-small agencies |
| Dreamus Company | Genie Music affiliate | Mid-to-small agencies |
| Music&New | Indie-friendly | Indie and individual artists |
| OhMyMusic | Small-scale indie distribution | Individuals and small acts |
| Sound Republica | Indie domestic and overseas distribution | Indie artists |
Comparing Overseas Digital Distribution Services
| Service | Fee Model | Revenue Split | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| DistroKid | $19.99/year (unlimited) | 100% to artist | Cheapest |
| TuneCore | $9.99/track per year | 100% to artist | Easy individual management |
| CD Baby | $9.95/track (one-time) | 91% to artist | Registry registration included |
| Amuse | Free plan available | Various split models | Mobile app focused |
Release Prep File Checklist
Audio Files
WAV 16bit 44.1kHz (mastering complete) or WAV 24bit 44.1kHz
- MP3 320kbps (required by some distributors)
- -14 LUFS or lower, True Peak -1dBFS or lower
Image Files
- Album cover 3000×3000px or larger
- Format: JPEG or PNG
- 72–300dpi (requirements vary by distributor)
Metadata
- Track title (Korean/English)
- Artist name (official stage name or real name)
- Album name (same as track name if a single)
- Release date (must be submitted to the distributor in advance)
- Genre (up to 2)
- Lyrics (required on domestic platforms)
- Copyright information (lyricist, composer)
The Release Procedure
[Step 1] Prepare the finished mastered file [Step 2] Produce the album cover design [Step 3] Choose a distributor and sign/register [Step 4] Submit at least 2–4 weeks before the release date (Domestic distribution: 2 weeks before / Overseas distribution: 3–4 weeks before) [Step 5] Platform review and approval [Step 6] Automatic release on the release date
In Closing
The final step of releasing music is distribution, but first you need a finished track of mastering quality. After preparing a mastered file that meets the delivery standard of WAV 44.1kHz/16bit or higher, -14 LUFS, and True Peak -1dBTP or lower, along with a 3000×3000px album cover, you need to submit it to the distributor 2 weeks before the desired release date for domestic distribution, and 3–4 weeks before for overseas distribution. DistroKid's $19.99 a year is the cheapest overseas distribution option, and to include domestic platforms like Melon and Genie, the realistic approach is to additionally use a domestic distributor such as Sound Republica.
The Complete Guide to Overseas Release & Global Distribution | The Complete Album Artwork & Cover Design Guide | The Complete Music Marketing Guide | The Complete Music Copyright Guide | The Complete Music Video Production Guide | Streaming Algorithm & Exposure Strategy Guide | Indie Music Distribution Methods Guide
