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ALERA Blog

Music Industry Insights

Expert guides, tips, and strategies to help you navigate the ever changing music business and grow your career as an independent artist.

Industry Feb 7, 2026

How Much Do Artists Earn Per Stream in 2026?

Updated per-stream pay rates for Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and more. See what 1K to 1M streams actually pays.

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Education Feb 6, 2026

How to Copyright Your Music: Complete Guide for Independent Artists

Everything you need to know about protecting your songs—automatic copyright, registration, Content ID, and handling infringement.

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Guide Feb 5, 2026

How Much Does Music Distribution Cost in 2026?

Compare pricing across DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, and ALERA. Learn about hidden fees and find the best value for your music career.

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Education Feb 2, 2026

Sync Licensing 101: How to Get Your Music in TV, Film & Ads

One placement can change everything. Here's how independent artists are getting their music on screen.

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Marketing Jan 31, 2026

TikTok Music Marketing: What's Working in 2026

The platform has evolved. Here's what actually drives streams, builds fanbases, and creates breakthrough moments for independent artists.

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Guide Jan 29, 2026

How to Get on Spotify Playlists: A Complete Guide for 2026

Everything you need to know about editorial pitching, algorithmic playlists, and independent curators to grow your streams.

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Growth Jan 20, 2026

How to Build a Fanbase Without a Record Label in 2026

Labels don't build fanbases anymore. Artists do. Here's the playbook for growing a loyal audience entirely on your own terms.

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Industry Jan 15, 2026

2026 Music Distribution Trends: What Independent Artists Need to Know

The landscape is shifting. Discover the key trends shaping 2026: AI tools, social commerce, superfan monetization, and more.

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Strategy Dec 10, 2025

Music Release Strategy: Singles vs Albums vs EPs in 2026

Should you release singles, an EP, or a full album? Build a release strategy that actually grows your audience.

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Marketing Nov 15, 2025

Building Your First Fan Email List as an Independent Artist

Stop renting your audience from social media. Learn how to build a direct connection with fans that you actually own.

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Industry Oct 30, 2025

Generative AI in Music: A Guide for Independent Artists in 2026

Navigate the AI revolution in music with confidence. Learn how to use AI tools ethically, protect your rights, and stay ahead of the curve.

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Guide Sep 16, 2025

The 5 Best Music Distribution Services for Independent Artists in 2025

Compare the top music distribution platforms including pricing, features, and which one is right for your career stage.

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Education Aug 8, 2025

How Music Streaming Royalties Really Work

Demystify streaming payouts with this comprehensive guide to how Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms calculate your royalties.

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Comparison Jul 25, 2025

ALERA vs. DistroKid: Which Music Distributor is Right for You?

An honest, detailed comparison of two popular distribution platforms to help you make the best choice for your music career.

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Guide Jul 11, 2025

Switching Music Distributors? A Step-by-Step Guide

Everything you need to know about moving your music catalog to a new distributor without losing streams or playlist placements.

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Tutorial Jun 30, 2025

The Ultimate Guide: How to Upload Your Music to Spotify

A comprehensive step-by-step guide to getting your music on Spotify, from choosing a distributor to optimizing your artist profile.

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