How BandLab Direct Distribution Really Works

Gary Whittaker

🎧 How BandLab Direct Distribution Works (And What You Need to Know)

If you're a paid BandLab user, you might’ve seen the option to distribute your music directly to streaming platforms. But once you hit submit, it’s not always obvious what happens next.

Where does your music go? How are royalties handled? Is there a dashboard?

Here’s a full breakdown of how BandLab’s direct distribution works—so you can track, earn, and plan your next release with clarity.

✅ What Platforms Does BandLab Distribute To?

BandLab distributes your music to over 20 major platforms, including:

  • Spotify

  • Apple Music

  • YouTube Music

  • Amazon Music

  • TIDAL

  • Deezer

  • Pandora

  • TikTok / Instagram

  • Facebook / Meta Audio Library

  • SoundCloud, KkBox, LINE Music, Tencent Music, and more

This means you don’t need a third-party distributor. If you’re already a BandLab member, distribution is included in your monthly fee. No extra cost per release. No additional store setup.

🛠️ How to Track Your Release

After you submit your release:

  1. Check the Distribution Dashboard on the BandLab website.

    • You’ll see the current status (Processing, Live, etc.)

    • This is not always accessible in the app, so use a desktop browser for full control.

  2. Monitor royalties in the “My Earnings” Dashboard

    • This section tracks money earned per release

    • Updates after BandLab receives streaming reports (expect a ~3-month delay)

💰 Royalties and Payment

Here’s how BandLab handles royalties:

  • You keep 100% of streaming royalties while your BandLab Membership is active

  • If your membership lapses, BandLab still keeps your tracks live—but they take a 20% share on future royalties

  • Streaming platforms typically report royalties to BandLab 3 months after the play

  • Payouts happen monthly (second half of the month)

  • You need to earn at least $5 to trigger a payout

  • Set up payments via PayPal, bank deposit, or wire using Tipalti (in your BandLab account settings)

You don’t need to request a payout each month—BandLab pays automatically once thresholds are met.

📌 Other Notes and Limitations

A few things to know before releasing:

  • Don’t upload unlicensed cover songs or copyrighted samples

  • Make sure your cover artwork follows guidelines (no links, no explicit visuals, correct resolution)

  • Fastest release turnaround: ~5–7 business days

  • For scheduled releases, submit at least 14 days ahead of your target date

  • Reporting is delayed; earnings won't show up right after the song goes live

🎯 Final Thoughts

BandLab’s direct distribution is a strong option for DIY artists who already use the platform to create music. It’s included in the membership price, and the lack of per-release fees makes it especially useful for high-frequency creators.

Just keep in mind: no real-time analytics, delayed payouts, and some reporting limitations. But for $14.99/month, you get a direct pipeline to the major DSPs—and you keep 100% of your royalties while subscribed.

🎒 Tools to Help You Plan Your Next Release

If you’re planning to take full control of your music releases, these free tools can help:

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