Glossary of Music Distribution Terms
A clear reference for the industry terms and acronyms you will encounter while distributing music through DIMBER.
Know the language. Music distribution has its own vocabulary — here is what every term means in plain English.
Terms specific to DIMBER's platform are noted with DIMBER context where relevant.
A
A&R
A&R stands for Artists and Repertoire, the traditional role of scouting, signing, and developing artists. DIMBER does not provide A&R services. You bring finished music to the platform, and DIMBER handles distribution, promotion, and merch rather than talent development.
C
Content ID
Content ID is YouTube's automated system for identifying copyrighted music in user-uploaded videos and monetizing eligible uses. DIMBER registers eligible releases with Content ID so you can earn revenue when your music appears in videos across YouTube. See YouTube Music.
Cover Song
A cover song is a new performance or recording of a song that was already released by another artist or songwriter. Before you distribute a cover song, you need the correct mechanical license for the composition. See Cover songs.
DSP
DSP stands for Digital Service Provider, which means any platform that streams or sells music digitally. Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Boomplay, and Audiomack are all DSPs. DIMBER distributes to more than 150 DSPs worldwide. See DSP overview.
D
Delivery
Delivery is the process of sending your release metadata and audio files to DSPs. Once DIMBER approves your release, the platform handles delivery automatically.
E
Editorial Placement
Editorial placement means a curated playlist spot or featured placement chosen by a DSP's editorial team. DIMBER pitches eligible releases to editorial teams at no extra cost, but placement is never guaranteed because DSPs make the final decision. See DSP pitching and editorial.
G
Genre Tagging
Genre tagging is the process of assigning genre and mood labels to your release so DSPs can categorize it correctly. Accurate tagging helps platforms recommend your music more effectively and can improve discovery and editorial pitch potential.
I
ISRC
ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code, a unique identifier assigned to each individual sound recording. Every track needs an ISRC for distribution. DIMBER generates ISRCs automatically when needed. See ISRC codes.
ISWC
ISWC stands for International Standard Musical Work Code, a unique identifier for a musical composition. It identifies the underlying song itself, not a specific recording. That makes it different from an ISRC, which identifies the recorded track.
M
Master Rights
Master rights are the rights to a specific sound recording. The artist or label that paid for and controls the recording usually holds them. DIMBER artists keep their master rights.
Mechanical Rights
Mechanical rights cover the reproduction and distribution of a musical composition. These rights matter for cover songs, physical copies, and digital downloads. See Mechanical rights.
Metadata
Metadata is the information attached to your release, including track title, artist name, ISRC, UPC, release date, genre, contributors, and other release details. Accurate metadata matters because DSPs use it for discovery, royalty tracking, and editorial review.
N
Neighboring Rights
Neighboring rights are the rights of performers and producers to collect royalties when recordings are publicly performed or broadcast. These rights sit alongside songwriting and publishing income rather than replacing them. See Neighboring rights.
P
Pre-save
A pre-save is a link that lets fans save an upcoming release to their DSP library before the release goes live. When the track becomes available, it appears in their library automatically. DIMBER includes free pre-saves for every release. See Smartlinks and pre-saves.
Publishing Rights
Publishing rights are the rights tied to the musical composition, including the lyrics and melody. They are separate from recording rights and generate income through mechanical, performance, and sync royalties.
R
Royalty
A royalty is a payment you earn when your music is streamed, downloaded, or publicly performed. On DIMBER, royalty reports usually arrive with a two- to three-month delay because DSPs report earnings on their own schedule. See How royalties work.
S
Smartlink
A smartlink is a single landing page that points fans to your release across multiple DSPs. Instead of sharing separate links for each platform, you share one page and fans choose where they want to listen. DIMBER provides free smartlinks for every release. See Smartlinks and pre-saves.
Split Sheet
A split sheet is a document that records how royalties are divided among collaborators such as producers, featured artists, songwriters, and engineers. DIMBER supports split sheet configuration for collaborator payouts. See Split sheets.
Streaming Fraud
Streaming fraud is the artificial inflation of stream counts through bots, click farms, or incentivized listening. DSPs treat it as a serious policy violation, and DIMBER actively detects and penalizes fraudulent activity. See Streaming fraud.
U
UPC
UPC stands for Universal Product Code, a barcode that identifies a release as a complete product, such as a single, EP, or album. Distribution requires a UPC for the overall release. DIMBER generates UPCs automatically when needed. See UPC and barcodes.