Support
Music Distribution Support and Help Center
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Forward?
Forward is a digital music distribution platform for record labels and artists of any size. We distribute your music to over 40 streaming platforms worldwide, and provide enterprise-grade tools for analytics, royalty management, anti-piracy protection, and AI content detection.
How does digital music distribution work?
You upload your releases through our dashboard — tracks, artwork, metadata, and credits. After our content review process, we deliver your music to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, Tidal, and 35+ more. You track performance and earnings in real time from your account.
How much does Forward cost?
We offer two annual plans: Standard at €19.99/year and Professional at €49.99/year. Both plans let you keep 100% of your royalties with no hidden fees for distribution, uploads, or storage.
How do I get paid for my music?
Earnings from every platform are consolidated in your wallet inside the dashboard. You can withdraw via bank transfer or PayPal once you reach the minimum threshold of €50. Detailed statements break down earnings by release, platform, and territory.
What is Shield?
Shield is our integrated anti-piracy system. It continuously scans the web for unauthorized copies of your music, automatically sends DMCA takedown notices, and tracks every infringement case. You can monitor scan results, takedown progress, and resolution status directly from your dashboard.
What is Authio?
Authio is our proprietary AI content detection engine with 99.42% accuracy. It analyzes audio to determine whether content is human-made or AI-generated, using an ensemble of 13 specialized detection models. This technology helps protect the integrity of your catalog and the wider music ecosystem.
What is the Promo Pool?
The Promo Pool is a curated feedback system where labels can submit releases to vetted DJs, curators, and tastemakers before or after release. Recipients rate and provide feedback on tracks, giving you valuable insights and potential playlist placements.
How do Smart Links and Pre-saves work?
Smart Links generate a single URL that directs fans to your release on their preferred streaming platform. Pre-save campaigns let fans save your upcoming release to their library before launch day, maximizing first-day streams and algorithmic visibility.
How do contracts work on Forward?
Our contracts system lets you create agreements between your label and artists, specifying revenue splits per track. Collaborators receive an email invitation to review and sign digitally. All contract history is stored as an immutable audit trail.
Can I switch to Forward from another distributor?
Yes, it's a straightforward process. Upload your catalog to our platform and we'll deliver it to all digital services. Your existing streaming numbers and listener data remain intact.
How long does it take for my releases to reach stores?
We recommend uploading content 3-4 weeks before your target release date. Our content review process takes 1-2 business days, after which your release is delivered to stores.
What is the Content Review process?
Every release goes through a quality check covering audio quality, metadata accuracy, artwork specifications, and compliance with store guidelines. This ensures your music meets the standards required by all major platforms.
What kind of analytics does Forward provide?
Our Daily Stats dashboard shows streams, revenue, and trends broken down by platform, territory, release, and artist. Role-based access ensures label owners see their full catalog while artists see only their own releases, including collaborations.
How does artist management work?
Labels can add and manage artists from the dashboard, assign them to releases, set up revenue splits, and manage their profiles. Artists get their own login with access to their releases, earnings, and contract history.
Can I run promotional campaigns?
Yes. Our Campaigns tool lets you create and send targeted email campaigns to promote new releases, announce tours, or share updates with your audience — all from within the dashboard.
What if my release is rejected?
You'll receive an email notification explaining the reason for rejection. You can make the necessary corrections and resubmit directly from your dashboard. Common reasons include incorrect metadata, low-quality artwork, or audio issues.
Is Forward's service open to individual artists?
Our platform is designed primarily for record labels, but individual artists can also use it by creating a label name for their releases. This label name will appear on all digital stores and streaming services.
What if I want to terminate my distribution agreement?
If you decide to leave, we'll remove your catalog from our service and all digital partners within 90 days. You can also choose to remove specific releases or territories without terminating your entire agreement.
Enquiry
Alternatively, you can fill out the enquiry form below.
Music Distribution Support for Record Labels
Forward Digital provides dedicated support for record labels and independent artists using our music distribution platform. Get answers about distributing to Spotify, Apple Music, Beatport and 40+ streaming stores. Our support team helps with royalty reporting, DMCA takedowns, catalog management, and artist payouts. Browse our frequently asked questions or contact our Artist Support Specialists directly.