Catalog management vs. distribution: what’s the difference?
Music catalog management and music distribution are distinct but interconnected processes within the music industry. Both are necessary if you want to get your recorded music in front of audiences and effectively collect royalties from a range of sources.
Any artist’s success in the modern music industry demands managing music rights, unique identifiers and other codes, and works and recordings. Once you have your music organised, you can earn the royalties you deserve when your music is distributed.
The professionals at MusicTeam® are here to break it down.
Key Takeaway:
- Music catalog management involves managing the backend organization of music for efficient royalty tracking and rights management.
- Music distribution focuses on delivering music to audiences through various channels in order to access audiences and collect royalties.
It can be tricky to understand the difference between these two services at first glance. Let’s start by taking an in-depth look at music catalog management.
Music catalog management: metadata management and proof of ownership
Music catalog management focuses on organizing, maintaining, and optimizing a collection of music that you have created, recorded or participated in. Basically, it includes all activities related to the proper documentation of your music assets.
Key aspects include:
- Metadata management: Compiling and organising accurate and detailed metadata for each work and recording, including ISWCs and ISRCs.
- Ownership and rights management: Making sure you have a record of the copyright ownership shares (both on the musical work and sound recording).
- Catalog organisation: Securely storing and organising musical works,recordings and releases making them accessible for licensing, sync placements, or distribution. This also involves regularly adding new works to the catalog.
Music catalog management is highly important for anyone considering a career as an artist. It is the first step, and also an ongoing tool, for taking administrative control over your music assets and verifying that they are properly maintained and monetized.
How music catalog management helps you get paid what you are owed
If you have an organised and accurate music catalog, you are in a better position to get paid what you are owed, because all necessary metadata, ownership, and distribution information will be available to you and to other industry players in one convenient, easy-to-access location.
Music catalog management significantly impacts any artist’s royalties in five key ways:
1. Accurate metadata during registration
Each work or recording must be registered with the correct metadata, which means assembling all information in one place, from composer and performer names to music unique identifiers, is crucial for collecting royalties from various sources.
2. Maximized royalty streams
A well-managed catalog allows artists to optimize income from multiple royalty streams and collect mechanical royalties and performance royalties, as well as revenue from synch licenses.
3. No lost royalties
Catalog management helps prevent royalties from falling into the “black box,” a term used for unclaimed or misattributed payments due to disorganization or disputes over ownership.
4. Licensing deals and catalog leverage
A well-organized catalog makes it easier to negotiate licensing deals for sync placements or other uses, which can significantly boost an artist’s income while increasing the visibility of their work. Artists with well-maintained catalogs also have greater leverage when negotiating contracts with record labels, distributors, or investors, as a catalog provides transparency and demonstrates a solid understanding of their rights.
5. Long-term revenue stability
A music catalog as a whole is a valuable asset that can generate consistent income over time while effectively adapting to shifting industry trends.
Music distribution: delivery, marketing and royalty collection
Now let’s move on to the next term: music distribution. This service is the process of delivering recorded music to consumers through various channels. It focuses on making music accessible to listeners and generating revenue. Music distribution is more consumer-facing than catalog management and focuses on bridging the gap between creators and their audiences.
Key aspects of music distribution include:
- Delivery to platforms: Distributing music to streaming services (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music), online stores (e.g., iTunes), social media platforms, and physical retailers.
- Accessibility: Making sure music reaches a target audience via either a digital or physical medium.
- Royalty collection: Handling royalties generated from streams, downloads, or sales.
- Marketing support: In some cases, distributors provide marketing services to promote music releases.
- Contracts with record labels: Signing agreements with record labels may also be part of the distribution service.
How music distribution helps you get paid
Music distribution helps generate royalties when your music is purchased or streamed on different platforms. Distribution is the service that gets your art out there.
Here’s how music distribution helps you earn an income from your music:
1. Access to revenue streams
Distributors make an artist’s music available on streaming platforms and in digital stores so that it can be played and generate royalties. Without proper distribution, artists cannot tap into these revenue streams.
2. Royalty collection and payouts
Distributors often act as intermediaries, collecting royalties from platforms and passing them to artists.
3. Royalty splits
The terms of distribution agreements significantly affect how much an artist earns. Some independent music distributors like MusicTeam® allow artists to retain 100% of their streaming royalties. In contrast, traditional distributors may take a percentage as commission, reducing the artist’s share.
4. Playlist placements and exposure
Some distributors or label-services companies can assist with playlist placements and marketing, which can increase streams and, consequently, royalties. Remember, always do due diligence to verify whether your numbers are earned legitimately. Streaming fraud, in which artificial methods are used to inflate streaming numbers (such as using bots or automation or repeatedly streaming your own music) can result in penalizations like removal of your content on streaming platforms, account suspensions with your distributors and/or loss of royalties.
MusicTeam® offers music catalog management and distribution services worldwide
MusicTeam® offers professional music catalog management and distribution services so you can get paid what you are owed. Distribution revenue is key to a successful music career, but you should also register your music to collect everything you are owed. We’ll help you manage everything from metadata to music registrations and more.
Join now to access full support and tailored assistance for navigating the music industry. Our platform streamlines the entire process so you can get your music heard and earn the royalties you deserve. Sign up today!
