Music Video Distribution Q&A
Music video distribution:
questions, answered.
Rive Video Promotion is America's first and most experienced music video distribution company, founded in 1994. Music video distribution means getting your video professionally prepared and placed onto actual channels, networks, retail screens, DJ pools, and OTT platforms — not just uploaded to YouTube. Below are the specific distribution questions artists, bands, and labels ask us most.
What music video distribution actually is.
What is music video distribution?
Music video distribution means getting your video professionally prepared, submitted and distributed for placement on actual channels, networks, shows, outlets, screens and platforms where real audiences are watching … not just uploading it to YouTube or social media.
Why do I need music video distribution?
In 2026, organic reach on YouTube and social platforms is extremely low. Rive Video distributes your music video to retail stores, DJ & VJ Pools, national broadcast, regional broadcast, and major OTT platforms (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Google TV, Pluto TV, etc.). This is how independent artists and bands get genuine airplay, exposure, and visibility beyond the algorithm.
How is Rive Video different from just posting my video on YouTube or boosting it on social media?
YouTube and social media are now primarily advertising platforms with very limited organic reach. Boosting gives temporary spikes that disappear when the budget runs out. Rive Video provides strategic distribution to built-in audiences on retail screens, Curated Retail /DJ/and VJ Pools, national and regional broadcast networks, and connected TV platforms. We focus on real placements in front of real audiences, not on vanity metrics.
What platforms — and how fast you'll see placements.
What platforms does Rive Video distribute to?
We distribute to:
- Retail Video Pools (over 7,400 brands and locations including major retailers, malls, restaurants, gyms)
- DJ & VJ Pools (nightclubs, casinos, arenas, bowling alleys, cruise ships)
- National & Regional Broadcast (BET, MTV, Revolt TV, TEMPO Networks, CMT, Fuse, Music Choice, Stingray International, and many others)
- Major OTT & Connected TV platforms (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Google TV, Pluto TV, Chromecast)
- Music media networks (journalists, magazines, bloggers, playlist curators, reaction channels)
How long does it take to see results?
Most placements begin within 2-6 weeks, depending on the season or programming cycles. OTT placements often appear first, followed by regional broadcast, Music Pools, and National broadcast rotations. We provide placement reports.
Do you guarantee airplay or specific placements?
We cannot guarantee specific placements because all final decisions rest solely with programmers and curators. However, with over 30 years of industry relationships, we only accept videos we believe have strong placement potential and will give you honest feedback upfront.
How to submit — and what we need.
How do I get started with Rive Video?
The easiest way is to submit your video at rivevideo.com/submit. We'll review it and provide honest feedback on distribution potential at no cost.
What do I need to submit?
For best results, we need:
- HD Master QuickTime (1920 x 1080)
- Clean WAV + an MP3
- Completed info sheet (fill out online at rivevideo.com/get-started)
- Typed lyrics
- Song credits
- Artist Bio
- Streaming and social links
- Five press-approved photos + single cover artwork
- Your contact info (label/management email & phone)
What it costs — and whether older videos qualify.
How much does distribution cost?
Pricing is project-based and depends on the scope. We offer flat-fee packages with no hidden fees. Contact us for a custom quote tailored to your video and goals.
Can you distribute older or legacy/ catalog videos?
Yes. We successfully distribute both new releases and legacy videos. Many artists revive their catalog videos through strategic distribution and do see renewed interest.
Different question?
Have a different question? See the full FAQ.
The Q&A above is distribution-specific. Our FAQ covers the broader questions artists, bands, and labels ask us — genres, who we work with, what's included in our promotion packages, campaign timing, and more.
Still have questions?
Call us. We answer the phone.
Still have questions? Call us directly at (908) 601-1409 or (908) 455-8999. We are a real company with a real team to discuss your specific project.