Welcome to our FAQ Page
We understand that navigating the world of music distribution can be complex, and we’re here to provide clarity. This section is dedicated to answering the most common questions artists, bands, and labels have about the distribution process. Whether you’re a newcomer looking to get your music out there or an industry veteran seeking guidance, our goal is to offer comprehensive and straightforward answers. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Let’s demystify music distribution together.
General Information
BDM Network is a digital music distribution service that helps artists and record labels get their music onto major streaming platforms and digital stores worldwide. We focus on providing an easy and efficient way to reach a global audience.
Artists upload their music and artwork to our platform, choose where they want their music distributed (like Spotify, Apple Music, etc.), and we handle the rest. We ensure your music is properly formatted and distributed to your selected platforms.
Absolutely! We cater to both independent artists and record labels. Our platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, regardless of your experience level in the music industry.
We accept a wide range of genres. However, we do not distribute music that contains hate speech, incites violence, or violates the terms of the platforms we work with.
No, you do not need to be signed to a record label. BDM Network is open to all artists, whether you’re signed or an independent artist.
It typically takes about 3 working days from the time you submit your music to when it appears on streaming platforms. We recommend planning ahead for any release dates.
Yes, one of the advantages of using BDM Network is the ability to distribute your music globally. You can reach audiences in different countries and regions without any extra hassle.
Artists retain full rights and ownership of their music. We simply provide the service to distribute your music. Any copyrights remain with you or your label.
We offer dedicated customer support through email and our website. Our team is available to assist with any questions or issues related to our service and your music distribution.
At BDM Network, our expertise is centered exclusively on digital music distribution. We specialize in maximizing your music’s reach across various online streaming services and digital stores. For artists interested in venturing into physical formats like CDs or vinyl, we encourage you to collaborate with a dedicated physical distributor to meet those specific needs. Meanwhile, you can rely on us to expertly handle all aspects of your digital distribution, ensuring your music is accessible to a global online audience.
What sets us apart is our technical expertise. As a software company, we’ve built our online infrastructure using the best practices from the web development world, ensuring a robust, user-friendly, and efficient platform for our clients.
Account and Registration
Account creation at BDM Network begins with an artist submitting a distribution application. We meticulously review each application, focusing on the artist’s originality, music quality, and authenticity. Successful applicants will be contacted to set up their account. This ensures our network maintains high standards and supports genuinely talented artists.
Our primary criteria include originality in music, high-quality production, and honest representation of the artist’s work. We avoid distributing music that heavily relies on ‘free to use’ samples, and we expect artists to have clear rights to their content. Our goal is to support artists who bring unique and authentic music to the table.
No, we carefully select artists who meet high standards for quality and originality. This selective process ensures the integrity and reputation of our network. Accounts are created only for those whose applications are approved.
Misrepresentation refers to any form of false information related to an artist’s identity, the origins of their music, or the ownership rights of their content. We require artists to be fully honest and transparent in their applications. This means accurately representing who you are, ensuring that your music is originally yours or you have the necessary rights, and being clear about your musical journey. If an opened account is found to involve any form of misrepresentation, it will be closed immediately as we uphold strict standards for authenticity and integrity in our network.
We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse, including copyright violations and streaming manipulations. Our team monitors platform activities and enforces strict consequences for policy violations to safeguard the integrity of our service and protect the rights of our artists.
Professional recording is not a prerequisite. We evaluate the overall quality and artistic merit of your music. Exceptional talent and creativity can shine through regardless of whether the recording is made in a professional studio or a home setup.
Absolutely! At BDM Network, the size of your following is not a primary factor in our application review process. We understand that every great artist starts from somewhere, often with a small audience. What matters most to us is the quality, originality, and potential of your music. We are dedicated to discovering and nurturing talented artists, regardless of their current level of exposure. We encourage all artists, including those who are just beginning to make their mark, to apply.
A declined application is not the end of the road. We encourage artists to continue refining their music and reapply when they have further developed their skills and portfolio. Persistence and improvement are key.
While we recognize the value of feedback, the high volume of applications we receive makes it challenging to offer individualized responses. We encourage artists not to be disheartened by a rejection. Instead, use it as an opportunity to refine your artistry. Regularly review and enhance your music’s originality, production quality, and artistic expression. We welcome you to reapply when you feel your work aligns more closely with our standards, as we are always on the lookout for emerging talent.
Distribution and Platforms
We distribute your music to a wide range of leading digital music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, YouTube Music and many more. Our goal is to maximize your music’s reach and exposure. If you interested in full list of digital stores, visit this link
We ensure a fast delivery of your release to stores, typically within 48 hours. It’s important to understand that ‘delivered to store’ signifies the start of the process and not the immediate appearance of your release on streaming platforms. Each store has its unique processing time—some may make your release available within a few hours, while others might take several days. While this processing time is beyond our control, we usually see releases going live on most platforms within 2 to 3 working days. Rest assured, we do everything possible to expedite this process, ensuring your music reaches your audience promptly.
Yes, you have the flexibility to select which platforms you want your music to be distributed to. This allows you to target your releases according to your audience’s preferences.
Yes, if you decide to remove your music from certain platforms, you can request this through our platform, and we will facilitate the removal process.
We offer global distribution, meaning your music can be accessed by audiences around the world. However, availability might vary slightly between platforms due to their regional policies.
You will receive a confirmation from us once your music is successfully distributed. Additionally, you can monitor the status of your distribution through our platform.
Yes, you can distribute cover songs, provided you have obtained the necessary licenses or permissions required for the use of someone else’s music.
As an artist, you retain all rights to your music. BDM simply facilitates distribution. Royalties earned from streaming and downloads are collected and paid out to you according to our payment terms.
If you notice any issues or discrepancies with your music on any platform, contact our support team immediately. We will work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
If a digital store rejects your music, we will notify you along with the reason for the rejection. You can then make necessary adjustments and resubmit your music for distribution.
For collaborative projects, all involved artists should be properly credited in the metadata. The revenue generated from such releases is distributed to the main account holder, who is responsible for further distribution among collaborators.
While we primarily focus on audio music distribution, we do offer a unique integration with Vevo for distributing music videos. Vevo is a leading music video platform known for hosting a wide array of music videos from both established and emerging artists. By distributing your music videos through our Vevo integration, you can tap into a vast audience, enhancing your visibility and reach. This service allows your videos to be showcased alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry, providing a significant platform for exposure and audience engagement. For more information on how to utilize this feature and the specific requirements for Vevo submissions, please contact our support team.
Royalties and Payments
The revenue from streams and downloads is calculated based on the rates set by each platform. These rates can vary depending on factors like the country of the stream, the user’s subscription type, and the platform’s overall royalty pool. We collate this data to calculate your total earnings.
We distribute royalties to artists on a monthly basis. After your music is live on platforms, they track its performance (streams and purchases) and report these numbers back to us. We then calculate your earnings, deduct our commission, and distribute the remaining revenue to you.
There’s an initial three-month delay for the first royalty payment to ensure accuracy. This period allows streaming platforms and stores to confirm the number of streams and purchases, and to ensure there are no artificial streams. After this verification, regular monthly payments commence.
BDM Network takes a 20% commission from the revenue generated by your music. This commission covers the costs of distribution, platform management, and other services we provide. There are no hidden fees or additional charges.
The only deduction from your royalties is our 20% commission. There are no hidden fees or additional costs. However, be aware that transaction fees, such as bank transfer fees, may apply depending on your chosen payment method.
Our platform includes detailed analytics and reports. These tools allow you to see the performance of your music across different platforms, track your earnings, and understand where your music is most popular.
Yes, you can earn royalties from your music being played in public venues, including radio broadcasts. These royalties are typically collected by Performance Rights Organizations (PROs). To receive these earnings, you’ll need to be registered with a PRO in your region or country. BDM Network specializes in digital distribution and manages earnings from digital platforms like streaming services and online music stores. For earnings outside of digital music distribution, such as radio play and public performances, you will need organization that specialize in those areas. By doing so, you can maximize your earnings from both digital streams through BDM Network and non-digital performances through the appropriate PROs. This dual approach ensures comprehensive coverage and maximization of your music’s earning potential.
We have a minimum threshold for royalty payments. For specific details on this threshold, please refer to your agreement with BDM Network or contact our support team.
You can update your payment and banking information directly in our platform. It’s crucial to keep this information up to date to ensure you receive your payments without any delays.
Currently, BDM Network does not offer advances on future earnings. Payments are strictly based on actual revenues generated and reported by the platforms.
Yes, you can choose to receive payments in a different currency. However, keep in mind that currency conversion rates and fees may apply.
If you choose to leave BDM, any outstanding royalties earned up until your departure will be paid out according to the regular payment schedule. After leaving, you will no longer earn royalties through our platform.
Yes, royalties earned are considered income and may be subject to taxation depending on your country’s tax laws. We advise consulting with a tax professional to understand any tax obligations related to your music earnings.
Support and Issues
You can reach our customer support through multiple channels: live chat on our platform, email, or social media. We aim to make it as convenient as possible for you to get the help you need.
Our goal is to respond to every query within 24 hours. However, during peak times or for complex issues, it may take us a bit longer to provide a detailed response.
Our knowledgeable support team can assist with a wide range of issues, including technical problems, account queries, distribution concerns, and general inquiries about our services.
Currently, our primary support language is English and Croatian. We are working on expanding our language offerings to better assist our diverse user base.
Our support team is highly experienced and knowledgeable about the music industry and digital distribution. They are well-equipped to provide professional assistance and advice.
If you experience a technical issue, please contact our support team immediately through live chat, email, or social media. Providing details of the issue will help us resolve it more efficiently.
While our support team primarily handles technical and account-related queries, they can offer basic guidance on promotion and marketing strategies. For more in-depth advice, we recommend consulting with marketing professionals.
For general information, tutorials, and useful resources, visit our Help Center. There you can find a wealth of information to assist you. Registered users can also open support tickets directly in the Help Center for more personalized assistance.
Our support team is available from 9 AM to 8 PM. This schedule helps us provide efficient support while covering the most active hours for our users globally.
When you contact us through email or the Help Center, you’ll receive an automatic confirmation that your request has been received. We’ll follow up with a personalized response within our working hours.
We address all support requests based on the order they are received and the urgency of the issue. Our team is dedicated to ensuring fair and timely responses to all our users.
Currently, our primary support channels are live chat, email, and social media. We do not offer phone support, but our live chat is a great option for quick assistance during working hours.
We regularly train our support team and monitor performance to ensure high-quality, consistent support. Our goal is to provide the best possible service to our artists and labels.
YouTube Content ID
YouTube Content ID is a system that allows content owners to identify and manage their content on YouTube. As a part of our distribution service, BDM Network offers access to YouTube Content ID, enabling artists and labels to monetize their music on the platform.
Access to YouTube Content ID is not automatic. Artists and labels need to apply for it through our platform. This process helps us ensure that only those knowledgeable and responsible about using Content ID are granted access.
We evaluate applications based on several criteria, including the artist’s or label’s track record, understanding of Content ID, and a commitment to using it responsibly. Our aim is to prevent misuse and ensure a fair ecosystem.
Restricting access is a measure to prevent the abuse of Content ID. Misuse of this system can lead to false copyright claims and other issues that harm the broader YouTube community.
When you submit your music to Content ID system, it will be compared to a database of audio files to identify any matches and ensure that you, as the copyright owner, receive proper payment for your work. This way, your earnings are protected, and you’ll receive credit for your music even if others use it.
Responsible use involves accurately claiming content that you own the rights to and not over-claiming. It’s important to understand the distinction between valid and invalid claims to avoid potential conflicts and misuse.
Any form of Content ID abuse, including false claims or mismanagement, will result in immediate termination of your account with BDM Network. We have a strict policy to uphold the integrity of our services and the rights of all creators.
We provide guidelines and resources to help our users understand and effectively use YouTube Content ID. Our support team is also available to assist with any questions or concerns regarding Content ID usage.
Monetizing cover songs using Content ID can be complex, as it requires rights to the underlying composition. We advise caution and recommend seeking legal advice or our support team’s assistance in such cases.
Earnings from Content ID claims are reported in your BDM Network account, where you can track the performance and revenue generated from your music on YouTube.
If you wish to grant permission for someone to use your music in their video or directly monetize your video through AdSense, you can easily request a whitelist with a few clicks.
Whitelisting allows you to exclude specific videos or channels from Content ID scans. This means that Content ID will not claim your music on these channels. However, it is important to note that whitelisting will not affect your overall revenue, and BDM Network will still monetize your music on channels that have not been whitelisted.
As part of our white label music distribution service, videos claimed on your behalf may be attributed to either ‘[Merlin] NueMeta’ or ‘[Merlin] BDM Network.’ This specific setup is designed to accommodate our white label clients who are prospective Merlin partners. NueMeta’s role in this arrangement meets Merlin’s specific requirements, thereby ensuring that our services are in full compliance with their partnership standards.
White-Label Service
White label music distribution refers to a service provided by a music distribution company that allows other businesses or individuals to rebrand and sell their music distribution services as their own, under their own company name or brand. The company providing the white label service handles all of the behind-the-scenes work.
White label music distribution has several advantages:
- Branding Flexibility: White label music distribution allows you to distribute music under your own brand name and customize the look and feel of your platform.
- Cost-effective: White label solutions are often more cost-effective than creating your own music distribution platform from scratch, as you don’t need to invest in development, hosting, and maintenance.
- Easy Implementation: Implementing a white label music distribution solution is often quicker and easier than building your own platform from scratch.
- Access to a Wider Range of Features: White label music distribution providers typically offer a range of features such as automatic metadata tagging, royalties calculation, and reporting, which you can take advantage of.
- Technical Support: White label music distribution providers usually offer technical support to help you with any issues you may encounter.
- Access to a Global Network: Many white label music distribution providers have established partnerships with music stores, streaming platforms, and other outlets, allowing you to distribute your music to a wider audience.
There can be several reasons to work with BDM Network for your music distribution needs:
- Experience: BDM Network has extensive experience in the music industry and understands the ins and outs of music distribution.
- Global Reach: BDM Network’s global reach can help distribute your music to a large audience worldwide.
- Tailored Services: BDM Network offers tailored services to meet each artist’s specific needs and can help maximize your music’s exposure and revenue potential.
- Access to Partners: BDM Network has established partnerships with leading music platforms, providing access to the most prominent streaming and distribution channels.
- Support: BDM Network provides ongoing support to help you navigate the complex music industry and make the most of your music distribution.
- Royalty Collection: BDM Network has an effective royalty collection system in place to ensure that you get paid for the use of your music.
Overall, working with BDM Network can help simplify the music distribution process, maximize your reach and revenue potential, and provide peace of mind knowing that your brand is in good hands.
Certainly, you have complete control over your distribution service, your brand identity, and your clients.
As a music distributor, you will be responsible for selecting the artists and music you distribute. You will oversee the process of opening accounts for your clients, conduct quality control to ensure all releases meet the DSPs guidelines and be responsible for paying out your clients using the method of your choice. But don’t worry our team is always available to answer any questions and provide assistance with any tasks.
Access to multiple admin accounts is included in your monthly plan. However, the number of accounts may be limited based on the type of plan you have selected. If you require additional admin accounts, you may want to consider upgrading to our Enterprise plan.
If you choose our Basic plan, we charge 10% fee. This fee covers all the necessary costs, leaving you with most of your earnings. However, if upgrade to Premium or Enterprise plans, we do not take cut of your earnings.
If managing every aspect of music distribution seems overwhelming, BDM Network is here to simplify the process for you. Our service is designed for flexibility, allowing you to focus on what you do best, whether that’s marketing or another aspect of your business. We can take care of client management, quality checks, and artist payouts, reducing your operational workload. You maintain control over your client relationships, while we support the behind-the-scenes work for a manageable monthly fee. This way, you can concentrate on growing your business without getting bogged down in day-to-day operational details.
Working with BDM Network can open up opportunities for a Merlin deal. Because our platform allows you to run a full-fledged music distribution service with ease, providing you with the experience and resources to meet the requirements set by Merlin.
Merlin Network is an organization that focuses on digital music licensing and represents independent music labels and distributors worldwide. It was founded in 2008 and has grown into a significant player in the digital music industry, with over 20,000 members in over 60 countries.
Merlin offers various services to its members, including negotiating with digital music platforms to ensure proper licensing and fair compensation for independent music. Additionally, members have access to data and insights that can help them make informed business decisions. The organization also advocates for independent music’s interests in the broader music industry, promoting fairness and respect.
Merlin has played a crucial role in creating a fair and competitive digital music landscape for independent music. It helps to ensure that independent labels and distributors have the same opportunities and resources as significant labels, regardless of genre or artist status. The network’s diverse membership includes independent labels and distributors across all music genres, ranging from up-and-coming artists to established industry veterans.
Working with Merlin Network offers several benefits to independent music labels and distributors. Here are some of the key advantages:
Access to digital music services: Merlin negotiates deals with digital music services on behalf of its members, giving independent labels and distributors access to major streaming platforms and other distribution channels.
Fair compensation: Merlin works to ensure that independent music is appropriately licensed and that members receive fair compensation. This helps to level the playing field for independent labels and distributors in the music industry.
Data and insights: Merlin provides members with access to data and insights that can help them make informed business decisions, such as information on music consumption patterns and emerging trends.
Advocacy: Merlin advocates for the interests of independent music in the broader music industry, promoting fairness and respect for independent labels and distributors.
Support and community: Merlin provides a supportive community for independent labels and distributors, helping members connect with other industry professionals and share knowledge and resources.
Overall, working with Merlin Network can help independent labels and distributors gain access to digital music services, receive fair compensation, access valuable data and insights, and become part of a supportive and knowledgeable community.
Yes, we can deliver releases to your contracts if you are a Merlin member, and the best thing is that You will still have the option to use our platform, or if you prefer building your platform, our APIs can help you with that.
Yes, the setup fee for starting and customizing the platform to your brand is 153.75€, a one-time payment.
Have more questions?
We’re here for you, send us a message, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.