Facebook has launched its Independent Artist Program, a function that allows artists and creators to distribute their music across Facebook and Instagram products such as Stories, Reels and anywhere Facebook offers a music library.
Facebook has partnered with two third-party music distribution companies – DistroKid and TuneCore – for the program, whichFB says will “help artists get their music on Facebook and Instagram quickly, seamlessly and at no cost to the artists”.
After uploading music to TuneCore and Distrokid, artists will have their music shared with Facebook and Instagram and used to create content on its products.
This includes music stickers and lyrics on Facebook and Instagram Stories, which enable people to add a soundtrack to the stories they share.
Crucially artists will also be paid when their music is used by Facebook platforms, but this is based on the terms of the chosen distributor.
TuneCore confirmed in a press release today that its artists would “get paid every time their music is used to create content across Facebook and Instagram products”.
Facebook says that partnering with DistroKid and TuneCore will further “enable people to connect and express themselves with music.”
Facebook isn’t the first big video-based social media partnership for TuneCore and Distrokid in recent months.
“When joining our Independent Artist Program, creators are backed by our outstanding distribution partners.”
Chris Papaleo, Facebook
Chris Papaleo, Music Business Development Manager, Facebook, said today: “Facebook is proud to make it easier for independent artists and creators to reach new audiences on our platform and build community through music.
“When joining our Independent Artist Program, creators are backed by our outstanding distribution partners, allowing them to get their music in front of more people, across all of our apps.”
“Music discovery and sharing is happening in very powerful ways on Facebook and Instagram.”
Philip Kaplan, DistroKid
Philip Kaplan, Founder and CEO, DistroKid, said: “Music discovery and sharing is happening in very powerful ways on Facebook and Instagram, so we’re thrilled to be able to support independent artists by ensuring that their music can be distributed through these important channels at no cost.
“This initiative is a huge benefit to indie artists everywhere and we’re excited to be partnering with Facebook on this program.”
“discovery is happening via social media and no longer solely dependent on industry executives and DJs handpicking hits.”
Andreea Gleeson, TuneCore
Andreea Gleeson, Co-head and Chief Revenue Officer, TuneCore, added: “These days we are seeing a leveling of the playing field as discovery is happening via social media and no longer solely dependent on industry executives and DJs handpicking hits.
“With the popularity of short form videos, Facebook Stories and Instagram Reels are two important platforms on which fans are finding songs and artists, with careers being made when songs go viral.
“The Facebook Independent Artist Program provides an even greater gateway for indie artists from around the world to be heard.”
