How to Get Your Music on Pandora
Pandora is a bit different from other music platforms. They take a curatorial approach that is more selective than streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Because of this, releasing through a distributor doesn't necessarily guarantee that it'll go live on Pandora.
But if it does, it will be another powerful way to reach new listeners — tens of thousands of people listen to and discover music on Pandora every month.
So, when releasing your music with a distributor, be sure to release on all the platforms available so that you can maximize your fanbase. Not only can LANDR Distribution submit your music to Pandora, it will get you on 150+ other platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
Release your music in 3 easy steps:
Step 1
Select the LANDR Distribution plan that best suits your needs.
Step 2
Access LANDR’s easy-to-use distribution wizard to upload your music and set up your release.
Step 3
If Pandora selects your music, you can claim your artist profile through Pandora's Artist Marketing Platform and share your releases with your followers.
Get your music on major streaming platforms
When you release through LANDR Distribution, your music is delivered to 150+ streaming platforms and stores, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, TikTok, YouTube and more. It's the best way to get your music heard by listeners around the world.
Choosing the right music distribution service
Not all music distributors are the same—some take a cut of your royalties while others will take your music down if you choose to end your subscription to their services. With a LANDR Distribution plan, you keep 100% of your royalties. Plus, even if you end your subscription, your music stays up forever.
Unlike other distribution companies, LANDR Distribution comes with a handful of additional benefits. Choosing a LANDR Distribution plan gets you access to YouTube Content ID, and a collection of promotion tools. If you upgrade to a LANDR Studio plan you also get unlimited distribution alongside unlimited AI-mastering, 40+ pro-grade plugins, access to a sample library with over 3 million samples and much more.
Make sure your music is eligible for Pandora
Master ownership
To have your music on Pandora you must own the music you've distributed. If you work with collaborators, you must credit their contributions and have their legal consent to upload music they've worked on.
Sample rights
If you've sampled any sounds or other music in your tracks, you must have legal rights to use it. If you used royalty-free samples, you already have the legal right to use those sounds. Otherwise, you'll need clearance from anyone whose music was used in your tracks.
Cover song licenses
If you're releasing a cover song to Pandora, you must obtain the proper license to upload that song. If you don't have one, LANDR offers cover song licensing for $15 USD per song.
Master your music for streaming
When you release your music to streaming platforms, it will need to be mastered to have the right loudness and balance. Mastering your tracks with an AI-mastering tool or working with a professional mastering engineer are two ways to ensure your tracks meet these standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get music on Pandora?
Pandora has a process for reviewing and approving music submitted to their platform, but they haven't publicly released details on this process or their criteria. This process may take several weeks. LANDR also has a review process for releases, but expedited review is available with our Distribution Pro plan.
How much does it cost to release music on Pandora?
LANDR Distribution and LANDR Distribution subscriptions offer unlimited releases on Pandora as part of our plans starting from just $23.99/year.
Can I publish a cover song to Pandora?
With a LANDR Distribution plan, you have the ability to upload a cover song to Pandora after paying a small one-time licensing fee. Learn more about releasing cover songs here.
What is Pandora AMP?
The Artist Marketing Platform (AMP) allows you to manage your presence as an artist on Pandora. If your release is approved by Pandora's team, you'll be able to claim your artist profile via this page. Once you do that, you'll have access to Pandora's suite of analytics, customization, and content creation tools.
What are Pandora Stories?
Pandora Stories is a feature that allows artists to create curated playlists or mixtapes paired with voice tracks. The voice tracks can offer insights and personal stories behind the music. Stories are created through Pandora's Artist Marketing Platform (AMP) and allow you to engage with your listeners in unique and creative ways.
When will I get paid for my streams on Pandora?
The amount of time it takes to get paid your first round of royalties from Pandora varies significantly. Among many other factors, it depends on how much time it takes for your music to be reviewed and approved to go live on the platform. To find out when you can expect to get paid for your releases through LANDR Distribution, take a look at this article.
How can I promote my music once it’s on Pandora?
When you have an upcoming release, you can create promotional campaigns by adding your release to a LANDR promolink, which you can find in the promotion section of your LANDR Distribution account. Use this link to promote your music to your fans and make it easy for anyone to find your tracks no matter what platform they use.
How much does Pandora charge listeners to access my music?
Pandora subscriptions start at USD $4.99 a month or $54.89 a year. Details on available pricing plans can be found here.
How do artists earn money with Pandora?
Royalties on Pandora are generated differently depending on whether the listens occur on the free tier of their service or a paid tier. Listens on the free plan generate digital performance royalties that are collected and paid out via SoundExchange. Listens on a paid plan generate recording royalties, which are collected and paid out to you by your distributor. This means that, as usual, it's recommended to collect your music royalties from all available sources, including your distributor, performing rights organization, neighboring rights organization, and others. You can learn more about collecting royalties here.
Why release music on Pandora?
Pandora is a major streaming and digital radio platform with tens of thousands of listeners per month. Since submitting your music to the platform is automatically integrated into the process of releasing your music through LANDR Distribution, it's an easy way to get your music heard by as many people as possible. We highly recommend it!
Start your release on Pandora
Get your music on Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music & 150+ other platforms.