Are you an independent artist looking to distribute your music on streaming platforms? UnitedMasters is a digital music distribution service that allows independent artists to release their music without signing away their rights. But how long does it take for UnitedMasters to upload your music?
According to UnitedMasters, if you’re a SELECT artist, you can select a release date within 10 days. However, if you select a date within 7 days of submission, the exact date is not guaranteed, but your release should be live in music services within 1-2 days after it is approved. So, if you’re in a rush to release your music, it’s best to plan ahead and give yourself enough time for the submission and approval process.
It’s also important to keep in mind that each streaming platform has its own set of criteria for accepting music. To ensure your release goes smoothly on all platforms, UnitedMasters recommends giving at least 3-4 weeks of lead time for song delivery. This will also ensure that your release is mapped to the correct artist profile. Additionally, UnitedMasters supports 16-bit or 24-bit .wav or .flac files with sample rates of 44.1, 48, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz. For the best quality, they recommend 24 bit .wav files at a sample rate of 192 kHz.
Understanding United Masters
What Is United Masters?
United Masters is a digital music distribution platform that allows independent artists to upload and distribute their music to major streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and more. The platform was founded in 2017 by Steve Stoute, a former record executive, and aims to empower artists by giving them control over their music and royalties.
Unlike traditional record labels, United Masters allows artists to keep 100% of their royalties and retain ownership of their master recordings. The platform also provides artists with data and analytics on their music, as well as opportunities for brand partnerships and sync licensing.
How United Masters Works
To upload music to United Masters, artists must first create an account and connect their PayPal account for royalty payments. Once their account is set up, they can upload their music and select the streaming services they want to distribute to.
According to United Masters’ support page, if an artist is not a SELECT artist, they must upload their release at least 10 days in advance to ensure a smooth release on all platforms. However, if an artist is a DEBUT artist, they will not be able to select a specific release date.
In addition to distribution, United Masters offers resources and tools for artists to promote their music and grow their fanbase. This includes access to marketing and advertising services, as well as opportunities for playlist placement on streaming services.
United Masters provides a valuable platform for independent artists to distribute their music and take control of their career. With its user-friendly interface and focus on empowering artists, it’s no wonder why United Masters has quickly become a popular choice for independent musicians.
Uploading Music on United Masters
If you’re an artist looking to distribute your music, United Masters is a great platform to consider. In this section, we’ll go over the step-by-step process and the required materials to upload your music on United Masters.
Step-by-Step Process
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Sign up for a United Masters account. You can do this by visiting their website and clicking on the “Sign Up” button. Follow the prompts to create your account.
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Once you’ve created your account, you’ll need to upload your music. To do this, click on the “Upload” button and select the song or album you want to upload. Make sure your files meet the format requirements outlined by United Masters.
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Choose a release date. United Masters requires that you choose a release date at least 10 days in advance to ensure a smooth release process.
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Confirm that everything looks good and agree to the terms. Once you’ve done this, you can submit your release.
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After you’ve submitted your release, United Masters will review it to make sure everything is in order. If everything checks out, your release should be live in music services within 1-2 days after it is approved.
Required Materials
To upload your music on United Masters, you’ll need the following:
- High-quality audio files in WAV or FLAC format
- Cover art that meets United Masters’ requirements
- Metadata for your release, including title, artist name, track numbers, and more
- A release date that is at least 10 days in the future
Make sure you have all of these materials ready before you start the upload process to ensure a smooth and efficient release.
Timeframe for Music Upload
If you’re planning to release your music on UnitedMasters, it’s important to know how long it will take for your music to be uploaded. The timeframe for music upload can vary depending on several factors, including the size of your files, the number of tracks in your release, and the quality of your metadata.
Factors Affecting Upload Time
Here are some factors that can affect the time it takes to upload your music to UnitedMasters:
- File size: The larger your files, the longer it will take to upload them. Make sure to compress your files before uploading them to UnitedMasters to reduce upload time.
- Number of tracks: If you’re uploading a full album with multiple tracks, it will take longer to upload than a single track.
- Metadata quality: The quality of your metadata can affect the time it takes to upload your music. Make sure your metadata is complete and accurate to avoid any delays.
Average Upload Time
On average, it takes about 24-48 hours for UnitedMasters to upload your music once you’ve submitted it. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.
It’s important to note that if you’re not a SELECT artist, you must upload your release at least 10 days in advance. This allows for enough time for UnitedMasters to review and process your release. If you’re a DEBUT artist, you will not be able to select a specific release date.
the timeframe for music upload on UnitedMasters can vary depending on several factors. However, on average, it takes about 24-48 hours for your music to be uploaded once you’ve submitted it. Make sure to compress your files, ensure your metadata is complete and accurate, and give yourself enough time to upload your release to avoid any delays.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Uploading music to UnitedMasters is a simple and straightforward process, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues that artists may encounter and how to troubleshoot them.
1. Metadata Formatting
Metadata is the information that describes your music, such as the title, artist name, and album artwork. UnitedMasters requires specific formatting for metadata, and any errors can cause delays in the upload process. Here are some tips for formatting your metadata correctly:
- Use proper capitalization and spelling for titles and artist names
- Use high-quality images for album artwork
- Include the correct release date and genre
If you’re having trouble with metadata formatting, double-check the requirements on UnitedMasters’ website and make sure your files meet the guidelines.
2. Audio File Formatting
UnitedMasters accepts a variety of audio file formats, but they must meet certain requirements. Here are some tips for formatting your audio files correctly:
- Use a high-quality audio file format, such as WAV or FLAC
- Make sure your files are not corrupted or damaged
- Check the bit rate and sample rate to make sure they meet UnitedMasters’ requirements
If you’re having trouble with audio file formatting, try converting your files to a different format or using a different software program to export them.
3. PayPal Connection
Before you can upload music to UnitedMasters, you need to connect your PayPal account. This allows you to receive payments for your music. If you’re having trouble connecting your PayPal account, make sure you’re using the correct login information and that your account is in good standing.
If you’re still having trouble, try contacting UnitedMasters’ customer support team for assistance. They can help you troubleshoot any issues you’re experiencing and get your music uploaded as quickly as possible.
By following these tips and troubleshooting common issues, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free upload process on UnitedMasters.
Conclusion
UnitedMasters offers a fast and efficient way to release your music on various streaming platforms. As a SELECT artist, you can select a release date within 10 days, and your release should be live in music services within 1-2 days after it is approved. However, it is recommended to give at least 3-4 weeks of lead time to ensure your release goes smoothly on all platforms and to ensure that your release is mapped to the correct artist profile.
Before uploading your music, make sure you have connected your PayPal account, which is required for payment processing. Uploading your music on UnitedMasters is simple and fast. Once you have ensured your PayPal is connected, go to the “Music” section of your UnitedMasters profile, which is located on the left-hand side of the screen.
It is also important to note that UnitedMasters offers sync licensing opportunities that can generate additional revenue for your music. The sync fees will be determined by various factors, including the brand partner, media usage, territory, and nature of the licensor’s usage, term, and more. UnitedMasters’ highest fees will come from syncs for broadcast, TV, film, and one-off customer opportunities, with smaller fees attached to social, online placements.
UnitedMasters is a great option for independent artists looking to release their music on various streaming platforms and potentially generate additional revenue through sync licensing opportunities. With its user-friendly interface and efficient release process, UnitedMasters is definitely worth considering for your next music release.
