THE BEAST

Music has always reflected technological development, from the invention of the phonograph to the emergence of modern streaming platforms. Today, the connection between music and technology has become strong, with AI writing songs, virtual reality transforming concerts into fantastical worlds, and various algorithms tailoring the sound to emotions. 

The digital evolution provides listeners with a huge number of performers, but at the same time, it can drag a new musician to the bottom of the recommendations list due to a low number of plays. Technology is also changing the music industry — now, any music distribution service will allow users to enjoy many musical compositions. 

DataIntelo identifies a surge in demand for digital distribution services and notes that artists must now adapt to faster content cycles and platform algorithms. In our expert article, we will explore how this has become possible.

New realities: how technology has transformed music distribution

Digitalization has changed the music industry. Now, creating and distributing music is a high-tech process. Users can record or access audio files from home. There is no need to send audio recordings to radio stations or production centers. You only need to use a music distribution service with a million-strong audience.  The digitization of the music industry has its advantages:

• fast distribution of tracks. The emergence of numerous music distribution platform has made it possible to listen to an extraordinary number of tracks online. Many services offer large libraries of music compositions and low entry barriers for emerging artists; 
• new monetization methods. Musicians can earn money not only from album sales but also from listening to individual songs. Sales can also take place on NFTs;
• easy access to track recordings. Modern software allows you to create high-quality sound anywhere in the world. 

Digitalization allows musicians to release albums without resorting to labels offering traditional music distribution services.

Key trends for 2025: personalization, AI, and short formats

Several new trends are currently emerging in the digitalization of the music industry. These include:

• Artificial intelligence. AI speeds up track creation, assists with mixing, and even suggests new melodies. However, neural networks cannot exist without human-generated material;
• Smart contracts and blockchain. Using blockchain in music ensures transparency and fair distribution of earned profits. Such technologies provide instant payments to performers. This approach will be useful for performers who want to keep their income under control. However, for any music distributor, this can be a challenge as the amount of funds decreases;
• Virtual concerts. Virtual and augmented reality allow concerts to be viewed in metaverses, reducing the cost of organizing shows. However, musicians need to have the skills to work with such technologies. 

Along with digitalization, the field of music distribution service is also changing. Introducing modern technologies will provide users with quick access to music compositions and musicians with profits and recognition.

What artists should do: adapting their strategy to new conditions

Innovation has made music accessible to everyone. Avoiding innovation is pointless, as new solutions will inevitably change the game's rules, so only those equipped with modern tools will have a chance. However, there is no need to abandon tried and tested methods. Some people love digital sound, while others prefer the sound of cassette tapes. Some people listen to music on vinyl but disdain modern music apps. Combining the new and the old and expanding your arsenal of tools to find your unique sound is the best strategy for music creators. 

Platforms that set the tone: where to post your music today

There are currently many platforms for digital music distribution. You can post your music compositions on MusicAlligator, CD Baby, Ditto, and TuneCore. Each platform offers unique features, from wide-reaching streaming access to specialized promotional tools. Choosing the right one depends on your goals, budget, and target audience. Some services even provide royalty collection and sync licensing opportunities for added revenue streams