Creating Your Account
Sign up as an artist, label, or producer. Complete your profile with accurate information for royalty payments.
- Click "Get Started" on the homepage
- Select your account type (Artist/Label/Producer)
- Enter your full legal name (must match bank account)
- Add your SA ID number for tax compliance
- Verify your email address
Tip: Use your legal name, not your stage name, for tax purposes.
Setting Up Bank Details
Configure your South African bank account to receive royalty payouts. Minimum payout is R500.
- Go to Account > Bank Details
- Select your bank from the dropdown
- Enter your account number and branch code
- Choose account type (Cheque/Savings/Business)
- Enter your SA ID number for SARS compliance
Tip: Supported banks include FNB, ABSA, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Capitec, and more.
Your First Release
Learn how to prepare and upload your music for distribution to 150+ platforms.
- Prepare your audio files (WAV 16/44.1kHz or FLAC)
- Create cover art (3000x3000px, square, no text/URLs)
- Click "New Release" from your dashboard
- Fill in release details and upload files
- Add track metadata and ISRC codes
- Submit for review
Tip: Schedule your release at least 3 days in advance for optimal delivery.
Audio File Specifications
Ensure your audio meets DSP quality standards to avoid rejection.
- Format: WAV or FLAC (lossless only)
- Sample Rate: 44.1kHz or 48kHz
- Bit Depth: 16-bit or 24-bit
- Max File Size: 500MB per track
- No clipping or distortion
- Properly mastered for streaming platforms
Tip: Use -14 LUFS integrated loudness for optimal streaming quality.
Cover Art Requirements
Your cover art must meet strict specifications for all DSPs.
- Dimensions: Minimum 3000x3000 pixels
- Ratio: Perfect square (1:1)
- Format: JPG or PNG
- Color Mode: RGB (not CMYK)
- No URLs, barcodes, or contact info
- No explicit content on cover
- Max file size: 10MB
Tip: Use high-quality images. Blurry or pixelated art will be rejected.
Metadata Best Practices
Accurate metadata ensures your music is discoverable and properly credited.
- Use proper capitalization (Title Case for titles)
- No featured artists in the main title field
- Use the "Featuring" field for guest artists
- Accurate genre selection improves playlist placement
- Language field helps with regional recommendations
- Composer and producer credits are essential
Tip: Consistent artist names across releases help build your brand.
Release Timeline
Understanding the distribution process from submission to going live.
- Day 0: Submit your release for review
- Day 1-2: FFP Radio reviews your submission
- Day 3: Approved releases sent to DSPs
- Day 4-7: DSPs process and queue your release
- Release Date: Music goes live on all platforms
Tip: Submit at least 2 weeks before your desired release date for major platforms.
Understanding Royalties
How you earn money and when you get paid.
- Streaming: Paid per stream (varies by platform/country)
- Downloads: One-time payment per purchase
- FFP Radio Fee: 15% of gross revenue (Free plan: 15%, Pro: 0%)
- Your Share: 85-100% depending on plan
- Minimum Payout: R500 via EFT to your SA bank
- Payment Cycle: Monthly, 45-60 days after month end
Tip: Upgrade to Pro for 100% revenue share and faster payouts.
SAMPRA & SAMRO Registration
Maximize your earnings by registering with South African collection societies.
- SAMPRA: Needletime rights (performance royalties)
- SAMRO: Publishing rights (composition royalties)
- RISA: ISRC code allocation
- Register as both performer and composer
- Keep your membership active and updated
- Submit setlists for live performance royalties
Tip: These royalties are separate from streaming revenue and can add significant income.
Playlist Pitching
How to get your music on editorial playlists and grow your streams.
- Submit at least 3 weeks before release
- Write a compelling pitch (under 500 characters)
- Highlight what makes your song unique
- Mention any press coverage or achievements
- Target playlists that match your genre
- Follow up politely if no response
Tip: Thursday/Friday releases perform best for playlist consideration.
Social Media Strategy
Build your audience and drive streams through social media.
- Create pre-save links before release
- Post teaser content on TikTok and Instagram
- Use relevant hashtags (#Amapiano #SAHipHop)
- Collaborate with other SA artists
- Share behind-the-scenes content
- Engage with fans in comments and DMs
Tip: TikTok is the #1 driver of music discovery in South Africa right now.
Release Strategy
Plan your releases for maximum impact and audience growth.
- Release singles 4-6 weeks before an EP/Album
- Drop on Thursday or Friday for chart eligibility
- Build a release calendar 3 months ahead
- Coordinate with music video releases
- Plan social media content around each drop
- Consider seasonal trends (summer anthems, etc.)
Tip: Consistent releases (monthly singles) build momentum better than sporadic drops.