Announcing the Unchained Music Beta launch
Unchained Music is launching their beta music distribution app, allowing artists, including new artists and indie artists, to put their music on Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and over 200+ other digital platforms. 100% Free.
Driven by Web3 and DeFi NFTs, Unchained Music has created a platform unlike any other legacy music distributors or extractive industry players. This system is accessible to all musicians no matter where they’re from in the world, and brings down the barrier to entry into the music industry by making distribution, music marketing, professional services, and worldwide collaboration possible within a tokenized ecosystem that connects both indie artists and industry professionals.
Distribute your music to 200+ digital music platforms click here.
The Values of the Best Music Distribution Platform
Transparency
It comes as no surprise that the music industry isn’t transparent, and this creates issues for new and developing artists with the ‘how’ to progress in their career. We default towards transparency for the user and the community whenever possible.
Artist first
Ever since the beginning of the streaming revolution, the artist’s share of revenue from their music has consistently decreased as middlemen have flourished. We believe there is a balance to be struck between the artist and the industry, and this is why we craft no loss systems wherever possible.
Community focused
Music is about lifting each other up. We aim to create a creative and supportive community through the promotion of events focused on artists within the ecosystem, soliciting regular feedback from users, and building a platform that helps developing artists as much as established industry professionals. Join the Discord Here.
The launch of this beta also reflects a broader movement within the independent music community. As artists build their careers across major streaming services, social channels, and global networks, the need for distribution services that operate without exploitation has never been clearer. Many creators now expect full visibility into their principal royalty amount, a fair system for royalty capture, and the flexibility to build a music career without surrendering ownership.
The Process of a Leading Distribution Platform
Because the beta marks the foundation of a long-term roadmap, the team has been intentional about ensuring that every workflow feels familiar to creators of all experience levels. Whether an artist is releasing their first single or managing a catalog of multiple genres, the onboarding process is designed to mirror what artists already use in their day to day digital careers, including uploading music videos, preparing promotions, and keeping track of activity across social media platforms.
On the surface, Unchained Music’s distribution platform will be indistinguishable from any other music distribution platform, requiring zero knowledge of Web3, NFTs, or blockchain. Users will create a user profile which they will confirm via email, then log in to the platform. At this point, they will fill out their user profile, upload their track(s), artwork, track metadata, release date, etc, in accordance with the content guidelines of each digital platform. Unchained Music will then submit their track for distribution to 200+ streaming platforms and digital stores, including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube, as well as content libraries for TikTok, Instagram, and other social platforms.
This streamlined workflow removes many of the barriers that typically slow down digital music distribution. Rather than relying on outdated interfaces or multi-step approval systems, artists can move from upload to delivery across major streaming platforms with clarity and ease. This simplicity is essential for independent artists, who often manage their own metadata, artwork, timelines, and promotional assets while balancing the demands of day to day life.
Once submitted, distributed, and released, royalties and payments will be collected on behalf of the artist, a DeFi NFT will be minted on the Polygon chain (only upon the first royalty distribution for a given artist), and 100% of the royalties collected beyond the locked amount will be able to be withdrawn by the artist in fiat. This payout will initially be available in 120 different fiat currencies, in 196 countries across the globe.
This distribution model is built not only for transparency but also for fairness. Unlike platforms that rely on hidden fees, unpredictable adjustments, or complex policies, Unchained Music allows artists to maintain full ownership while ensuring that their principal royalty values remain clear and accessible. This creates a reliable system where creators can understand how their payouts function and track the trajectory of their releases over time.
Top Platforms for Musicians: Key Players and Statistics for Fan Engagement and Exclusive Content
In today’s dynamic music landscape, independent musicians have a wealth of platforms for musicians at their disposal to distribute, promote, and monetize their music. Understanding the top platforms for musicians is essential to making informed decisions that align with your goals, whether that’s reaching new fans, maximizing revenue, or building a loyal fanbase.
Spotify remains the dominant streaming service globally, boasting over 696 million monthly users, including 280 million premium subscribers as of 2024. It offers powerful tools like Spotify for Artists, which provides detailed audience insights, playlist pitching opportunities, and analytics to track progress. Its editorial playlists and algorithm-driven recommendations make it one of the best music platforms for discovery and engagement. However, artists should note that Spotify’s average royalty payout ranges between $0.003 and $0.005 per stream, which means consistent releases and strong promotion are crucial to generating meaningful income.
Apple Music stands out for its premium listening experience, featuring high-quality audio formats such as Spatial Audio and Lossless Audio. With approximately 93 million paying subscribers, Apple Music offers higher per-stream payouts, averaging around $0.01, making it a lucrative platform for artists targeting committed listeners. While it lacks a formal pitch tool, its curated editorial playlists and integration within the Apple ecosystem provide excellent exposure. Apple Music is ideal for artists focusing on polished productions and genres like pop, R&B, jazz, and classical.
Amazon Music leverages its integration with Amazon Prime and Alexa devices, reaching an estimated 80 million users, primarily within Prime households. Its payout rates range from $0.004 to $0.007 per stream. Amazon Music’s focus on mood-based playlists and algorithmic stations makes it a strong platform for catalog-friendly genres such as acoustic, jazz, and worship music. The platform’s analytics offer valuable audience insights, including device usage and location data, helping artists refine their marketing strategies.
YouTube Music benefits from the massive reach of YouTube’s video platform, with over 165 million subscribers worldwide. It serves as a hub for music discovery through official audio releases, music videos, Shorts, and user-generated content. YouTube Music’s payouts average between $0.002 and $0.003 per stream, but artists can increase revenue through Content ID monetization and video views. The platform’s analytics tools provide detailed data on demographics, watch time, and traffic sources, making it invaluable for artists who combine strong visual storytelling with their music.
TikTok has transformed music promotion through its short-form videos and viral trends, boasting over 1.59 billion monthly users. While TikTok’s direct payout per stream is not the primary revenue source, its power lies in exposure, driving streams and chart success across other platforms. TikTok’s SoundOn distribution service allows independent artists to upload music directly and earn royalties. Genres with catchy hooks and trend-friendly beats, such as pop, hip-hop, and EDM, thrive here. TikTok’s emphasis on short form videos and trending sounds makes it a vital tool for artists aiming to engage fans and build a viral presence.
SoundCloud remains a great platform for emerging and niche artists, offering a community-driven environment with over 40 million artists worldwide. Its monetization features, including SoundCloud Pro, allow artists to earn revenue while benefiting from direct fan engagement through comments and reposts. SoundCloud is particularly strong for electronic, hip-hop, and remix cultures, providing a creative space for experimentation and growth.
Bandcamp offers an artist friendly model focused on direct sales and fan loyalty. It allows musicians to sell music, merchandise, and exclusive content while keeping a larger share of revenue compared to traditional platforms. Bandcamp’s pay what you want pricing and periodic Bandcamp Fridays, where the platform waives its fees, make it an attractive option for artists seeking to generate income through direct fan support.
These platforms represent just a portion of the ecosystem available to independent musicians. Choosing the right platforms for musicians depends on your unique goals, genre, and audience. Many artists find success by leveraging multiple platforms simultaneously, combining the broad reach of mainstream platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music with the niche appeal of SoundCloud or Bandcamp. Additionally, integrating social media platforms such as Instagram Reels and TikTok into your release strategy can amplify fan engagement and drive traffic to your music.
Ultimately, the best approach involves understanding each platform’s strengths, utilizing available analytics to track progress, and crafting a release strategy that maximizes your music’s exposure and monetization potential. With the right platforms for musicians and tools, independent artists can build sustainable careers and connect meaningfully with fans worldwide.
The Roadmap for Distribution Services and Direct Sales
In future iterations of the platform, Unchained Music will be adding label functionality, label services, a peer to peer marketplace, as well as deploy their own ERC-20 token.
To learn more, read the docs.
As the platform evolves, artists can expect to see more advanced distribution workflows, expanded analytics, and additional tools that help them navigate the increasingly competitive digital landscape. Many of these updates will focus on improving direct communication channels between creators and their audience, enabling deeper fan connections without the bottlenecks traditionally associated with a label or centralized company.
Final Thoughts on the Best Digital Music Platforms
Unchained Music is a game changing platform that offers musicians full control over their music, enabling them to distribute their tracks on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube without relying on traditional labels. By offering free distribution and empowering artists to keep a larger share of their royalties, Unchained is helping to break down barriers in the music business.
With its artist first approach, Unchained supports both independent musicians and established performers by providing access to a global audience, all while ensuring transparency and fair treatment. Whether you're looking to promote your music, engage with fans, or even explore new ways to monetize through streaming royalties and digital downloads, this platform is here to help.
As the platform continues to grow, Unchained is focused on fostering a community of passionate artists who can connect, collaborate, and unleash their creativity, all while gaining the resources they need to succeed. The upcoming features, like label services and advanced tools for discovery, promise even more opportunities for musicians to expand their reach and succeed on their own terms.
Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting your music career, Unchained offers the tools, expertise, and innovation you need to take your music to the next level. Join the generation of musicians already benefiting from this platform and start distributing your music, building your fanbase, and getting paid for your art.
FAQ
What is Unchained Music's mission?
Unchained Music's mission is to offer musicians complete control over their music distribution and career. The platform provides a free way for artists to distribute their tracks on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more, eliminating the need for middlemen.
How can I get started with Unchained Music?
To get started, sign up for the beta by creating a user profile. After confirming your email, you can upload your music, artwork, and metadata. Unchained Music will then handle the distribution of your music to over 200+ streaming platforms and digital stores.
Do I need to know about Web3 or NFTs to use Unchained Music?
No, Unchained Music is built to be accessible to all artists. You don’t need any knowledge of Web3, NFTs, or blockchain to get started. Simply focus on your musical talent and creation, and Unchained handles the technical side.
How does Unchained Music support independent musicians?
Unchained Music empowers independent musicians by giving them direct access to distribution and royalties without relying on traditional labels. The platform is designed to help artists gain exposure, reach listeners globally, and connect with fans in a more transparent way.
How does Unchained Music help me track my music’s performance?
Unchained Music collects royalties on your behalf and provides data so you can track the performance of your releases across streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, helping you understand how your music is being discovered and heard by listeners.
Can I promote my music on social media through Unchained Music?
Yes, Unchained Music helps you distribute your content to social platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, where you can engage with your fans and promote your music to a broader audience.
How do I get paid for my music?
Unchained Music ensures that 100% of the royalties collected beyond a locked amount are available for withdrawal in flat. These payments are available in 120 different currencies across the globe, giving you direct access to the income generated from your music.