How Do I Upload a Music Video?

Uploading a music video to HyDistro is a step-by-step process. Here’s exactly what to expect at each step.

Step 1: Video Type

Choose the type of video you’re distributing:

• Music Video — a fully produced, professionally directed visual.
• Lyric Video — animated lyrics displayed over a visual background.
• Visualizer — audio-reactive animation or static artwork visual.

Step 2: Artist Information

Add the artists credited on this video:

• Primary Artists — the main artist(s) on the video.
• Various Artists — use this if the video features multiple main artists at the video level (e.g., “Artist A & Artist B”). For on-screen features, use Featured Artists instead.
• Additional Artists — contributors with a specific credit role, such as Featured, Director, Choreographer, Producer, Performer, or DJ.

Step 3: Video Details

Fill in the video’s metadata:

• Video title and version (if it’s not the original — e.g., Director’s Cut, Live, Behind the Scenes)
• Primary and secondary genre
• Language
• Record label
• Video description and tags/keywords (used by platforms like YouTube and Vevo)
• © and ℗ copyright holders and years
• Linked Audio Track — link this video to an existing audio release using its ISRC (and UPC/EAN if applicable), so platforms correctly associate the video with the audio release
• Credits & Contributors — add crew like Director, Producer, Editor, Choreographer, etc.
• Video Flags — mark if the video contains explicit content, AI-generated content, or third-party footage

Step 4: Video File

Upload your video file. Requirements are shown on this step, and you can also optionally attach a subtitle file (SRT or VTT).

Step 5: Thumbnail

Upload a thumbnail image, or keep the frame automatically grabbed from your video. This appears as the cover image on video platforms.

Step 6: Stores & Monetization

• Select the video platforms you want to distribute to.
• Vevo distribution is included for free.
• Optionally add promotional add-ons like Video Promo+ or a YouTube Ads Campaign (charged separately at checkout).
• Confirm you own or control the rights required to monetize the video, including all audio, visuals, and any third-party footage used.

Step 7: Plan Your Release

• Choose your release date and timezone (14+ days ahead is recommended, since platforms typically take 7–14 days to process new uploads).
• Choose your distribution speed: Priority Distro (under 5 days, additional fee) or Standard Distro (7–14 days, included).
• Indicate if the video has been released before, and add the original release date if so.
• Optionally restrict the video from specific countries.
• Optionally age-restrict the video to 18+.

Step 8: Review & Submit

Review all your video details, platforms, monetization, and add-ons in one place. Confirm that all information is accurate and that you own or control all rights required, then submit your video for review.

Once submitted, you’ll be notified when the review process is complete and delivery to platforms begins.