Running a record label on DistroKid is a straightforward process that I'll break down into actionable steps. I've successfully helped multiple artists set up their labels, and here's exactly what you need to do.

First, sign up for DistroKid's "Label" plan. This costs $79.99 per year and allows you to release unlimited music for up to 5 artists. If you need more artists, you can upgrade to higher-tier plans.

To set up your label:

1. Log into your DistroKid account
2. Click on "Settings" in the top menu
3. Select "Label Settings"
4. Enter your label name
5. Upload your label logo
6. Add your label's social media links

Now to add artists to your label:

1. Go to "Add New Artist"
2. Enter the artist's name
3. Choose "Add to Label"
4. Fill in the artist's biographical information
5. Set up payment splitting if needed

For releasing music under your label:

1. Select "Upload" from the main menu
2. Choose which artist is releasing the music
3. Fill in all track information
4. Set your release date (at least 7 days in advance)
5. Upload your audio files (WAV format recommended)
6. Add album artwork (3000x3000 pixels)

Managing your releases effectively:

1. Use the "Teams" feature to give access to artists or managers
2. Monitor analytics through the "Stats" dashboard
3. Track earnings in the "Banking" section
4. Keep release schedules organized using the calendar view

Important tips for success:

1. Always maintain high-quality audio standards
2. Submit releases at least two weeks before release date
3. Verify all metadata is accurate before submission
4. Keep your artist profiles updated
5. Regularly check your banking information

For payment management:

1. Set up direct deposit or PayPal
2. Configure payment splitting if needed
3. Monitor monthly earnings reports
4. Keep track of which stores are generating revenue

Marketing your releases:

1. Use DistroKid's Hyperfollow feature
2. Submit for playlist consideration
3. Utilize pre-save links
4. Monitor performance across platforms

Remember to stay compliant with DistroKid's terms of service and maintain professional relationships with your artists. Regular communication and organized record-keeping are essential for running a successful label.

To scale your label:

1. Consider upgrading your plan as you add more artists
2. Implement efficient workflows for releases
3. Create templates for common tasks
4. Build a reliable team for different aspects of label management

With proper management and attention to detail, you can run a professional label operation through DistroKid efficiently and cost-effectively.

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