22 Best Music Platforms for Artists to Unlock Success

Aug 6

The advent of music streaming platforms has revolutionized the music industry, providing a plethora of opportunities for emerging artists.

With the multitude of music platforms available today, it can be daunting to determine which ones deserve your attention.

This article will guide you through the 22 top music platforms that can help you promote your music, expand your reach, and attract new followers.

Whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned artist, our list features platforms that cater to everyone aiming for a successful music career.

Advantages of Music Platforms for Independent Artists

Music platforms have significantly expanded opportunities for independent artists to showcase their talents. Artists can:

Reach audiences worldwide
Enhance their brand visibility
Upload and distribute their music
Generate additional revenue streams
Access valuable data analytics
Release music on their own schedule
Maintain creative control
Engage directly with their fan base
Connect with other musicians, producers, and collaborators

How to Select the Best Music Streaming Services

Here are some pointers to help you choose the right streaming platform for your music:
Target platforms with a large user base in your key markets
Assess the available artist tools and analytics to refine your marketing strategy
Review royalty payout structures to maximize your earnings per stream
Check if you can submit your music to playlists for greater visibility
Prioritize platforms that actively support independent artist development
Select platforms that align with your distribution preferences and goals
Choose platforms that facilitate direct interaction with your fanbase and support your promotional plans

Top Music Platforms for Artists in 2024

Here are the leading music platforms in 2024 that can help you thrive in the music industry:

1. Spotify

Spotify, a premier audio streaming subscription service with over 602 million users and 236 million subscribers across 180+ markets, is ideal for aspiring artists to gain exposure and grow their audience. The platform offers numerous opportunities, such as playlist pitching, which allows emerging artists to submit tracks directly for editors’ consideration. Spotify also provides extensive analytics and artist-friendly options to engage listeners actively.

2. TikTok

TikTok, a popular social media app with over 1 billion monthly active users, offers immense potential for music discovery and viral hits for new and established artists. Short videos on TikTok are an excellent way to showcase your music, leveraging viral trends, sounds, and playlists to reach new audiences and grow your fan base.

3. Apple Music

Apple Music, a streaming platform with over 112 million subscribers in 167 countries, offers a vast collection of over 100 million songs and extensive resources for artists looking to expand their audience. Apple’s Shazam integration allows music lovers to discover new music, and Apple Music for Artists provides valuable metrics, including precise streaming data and listener demographics.

4. Amazon Music

Amazon Music offers access to over 100 million songs through services like Prime Music or Amazon Music Unlimited. The platform also provides Amazon Music for Artists, which includes detailed analytics to help independent artists develop informed marketing strategies and engage potential fans from Amazon’s active user base.

5. SoundCloud

SoundCloud, with over 250 million tracks from 30 million artists in 193 countries, is a great platform for unsigned artists. It offers tools and resources to share music and connect with fans organically through likes, comments, and reposts. SoundCloud also provides valuable data analytics to help musicians make informed marketing decisions.

6. YouTube Music

YouTube Music offers access to official songs, albums, and music videos from an extensive catalog of over 100 million tracks. The platform provides both free ad-supported streaming and premium paid subscriptions, with features such as personalized recommendations, the ability to search for songs by lyrics, and offline listening options.

7. TIDAL

TIDAL, owned by Block, Inc., provides access to over 100 million tracks and 650,000 music videos. It offers premium features like ad-free and offline listening, unlimited skips, high-fidelity sound quality, and royalty payouts for artists and songwriters.

8. Deezer

Deezer, available in 185 countries, offers access to over 120 million tracks, exclusive features such as song recognition through Shazam, and specialized editorial content. It generates revenue through advertisements and commissioned iTunes downloads.

9. Bandcamp

Bandcamp is a top music distribution service that allows artists to sell their music directly to fans, set their own prices, retain most of the revenue, and establish connections with loyal fans.

10. Pandora

Pandora, owned by SiriusXM, provides a personalized music and podcast listening experience using proprietary Music Genome Project® and Podcast Genome Project® technology. In the US, Pandora is the top digital audio advertising platform.

11. Anghami

Anghami offers a music streaming platform covering the Middle East and North Africa, with access to more than 57 million licensed Arabic and international tracks. The platform offers free and paid services, including offline playback and lyrics viewing.

12. CD Baby

CD Baby is an online music distribution platform helping independent artists add their music to streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify, and TikTok. Artists retain complete control of their work without member fees and can track their sales performance.

13. iHeartRadio

iHeartRadio, owned by iHeartMedia, provides access to live stations, podcasts, and music playlists, leveraging iHeartMedia’s radio network. Artists can promote their music and reach new listeners globally.

14. ReverbNation

ReverbNation assists musicians with digital distribution services, promoting tracks on platforms like Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon while retaining 100% of their rights and royalties. It also provides sales reports to Nielsen SoundScan.

15. TuneCore

TuneCore offers music distribution, publishing, and licensing services, helping independent artists get their music on major streaming sites and retain 100% of their rights for a low annual fee. Artists can also track their release status and split royalties with collaborators.

16. Amuse

Amuse is a free music distribution service that helps new artists with smart funding, licensing deals, and music promotion. Paid plans offer additional features, and eligible users can access quicker payouts.

17. AWAL

AWAL, acquired by Sony Music Entertainment, offers various music services to independent artists, including marketing, distribution, funding, and playlisting. Artists maintain ownership of their work and retain creative control.

18. Ditto

Ditto Music provides distribution, publishing, and record label services, helping artists deliver music to over 160 digital platforms. Artists retain 100% ownership of their royalties and can promote tracks and access real-time data.

19. Instagram

Instagram, with over 1 billion active users, allows musicians to connect with fans and promote their music through photos, videos, and Stories. Artists can announce new releases and run targeted ads to reach new listeners.

20. Mixcloud

Mixcloud offers free audio content distribution for DJs, radio hosts, and podcasters, with over 20 million active users. Artists can benefit from legal live-streaming, unlimited uploads, and detailed profile statistics.

21. United Masters

United Masters helps artists distribute their music to popular streaming services and provides data analytics, marketing tools, and creative services. Artists retain ownership of their work and master recording rights.

22. 8tracks

8tracks offers an extensive collection of user-created playlists, showcasing diverse music genres and moods. The platform provides tools for artists and fans to discover and curate music.

Conclusion

The digital age has transformed the music industry, offering artists more opportunities to distribute, promote, and monetize their music globally. Aspiring and established musicians can now maintain ownership of their music and enjoy greater creative freedom.

For new musicians looking to enter the music industry, MRNA Music House offers the best music promotion services, including Spotify campaigns, to help you get started.

Edward Morton

Edward Morton is a passionate music blogger known for his insightful reviews and eclectic taste. With a background in both classical music and modern production, Edward brings a unique perspective to his writing, blending technical knowledge with a deep appreciation for all genres. He started his blog, "Norton's Notes," in 2015, quickly gaining a dedicated following for his honest, detailed critiques and his ability to uncover hidden gems in the music world.

Edward grew up in a musical family in Seattle, where he learned to play the piano and guitar at a young age. His love for music led him to study music theory and composition at the University of Washington. After graduating, he worked as a freelance music producer, which gave him an insider's view of the industry and fueled his desire to share his insights through writing.

Edward's writing is known for its eloquence and depth, often exploring the emotional and cultural contexts of the music he reviews. He is a regular contributor to several well-known music magazines and websites, and his work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and NPR Music.

In addition to his writing, Edward is an avid vinyl collector and hosts a weekly podcast where he interviews musicians and industry insiders. His ability to connect with artists and convey their stories has made his podcast a favorite among music enthusiasts.

Outside of his professional life, Edward enjoys hiking in the Pacific Northwest, attending live concerts, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. His passion for music and his commitment to sharing it with the world continue to inspire his readers and listeners alike.