Direct Upload Services
LabelGrid offers direct upload integrations for platforms that support API-based content posting. These integrations provide more control and faster delivery than traditional DDEX distribution for certain platforms.
What Are Direct Upload Services?
Direct upload services use platform APIs to post your content directly, rather than sending metadata through DDEX feeds. This approach offers several advantages:
- Faster delivery - Content appears almost immediately after upload
- More control - Configure pricing, privacy settings, and presentation options
- Better scheduling - Schedule posts for specific times
- Platform-specific features - Access features not available through DDEX
Available Integrations
| Platform | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bandcamp | Upload releases with pricing and download options | Selling music directly to fans |
| SoundCloud | Post tracks with clips or full-length audio | Promotional content, previews, clips |
| YouTube | Create auto-generated track videos | Visual presence on YouTube |
How It Works
Each direct upload service follows the same basic workflow:
- Connect your account - Authorize LabelGrid to post on your behalf
- Select content - Choose releases or tracks to upload
- Configure settings - Set pricing, privacy, and presentation options
- Schedule or post - Queue for immediate delivery or schedule for later
- Monitor status - Track delivery progress in the queue
Direct Upload vs DDEX Distribution
| Aspect | Direct Upload | DDEX Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery speed | Near-instant | Days to weeks |
| Pricing control | Full control | Limited or none |
| Content type | Releases or individual tracks | Releases only |
| Scheduling | Precise time control | Date-based |
| Monetization | Platform-native | Aggregator splits |
| Best for | Promotional content, direct sales | Streaming royalties |
Note: Direct upload services are complementary to DDEX distribution. Many labels use both: DDEX for streaming platforms and direct upload for fan engagement and promotion.
Platform-Specific Guides
- Bandcamp Integration - Upload releases with pricing and download options
- SoundCloud Integration - Post tracks with promotional clips
- YouTube Integration - Create auto-generated track videos
Accessing Direct Upload Features
Direct upload features are available in the Distribution section of LabelGrid:
- Click Distribution in the main navigation menu
- You’ll see tabs at the top: Distribution All, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, YouTube, Video, Transcoder
- Click the platform tab (Bandcamp, Soundcloud, or YouTube) to view the queue
- Use the queue page to manage uploads and access account settings
Understanding the Tabs
| Tab | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Distribution All | View all DDEX distribution deliveries |
| Bandcamp | Manage Bandcamp uploads and accounts |
| Soundcloud | Manage SoundCloud posts and accounts |
| YouTube | Manage YouTube video uploads and accounts |
| Video | Monitor video generation jobs (filtered view of transcoder) |
| Transcoder | View all audio/video processing jobs (FLAC, MP3, clips, videos) |
The Video and Transcoder tabs show processing queues for media conversion:
- Video tab filters to show only video generation jobs (for YouTube, Instagram, etc.)
- Transcoder tab shows all processing jobs including audio formats (FLAC, MP3, clips) and videos
Note: Direct upload features may require specific subscription plans. Contact support if you don’t see these options in your account.
Managing Accounts
Each platform requires account authorization before you can post content:
Adding an Account
- Go to Distribution > [Platform] > Accounts
- Click Add Account
- Enter the required credentials or complete OAuth authorization
- Save the account
Account Status
Connected accounts show their connection status:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| OK | Account is connected and ready to use |
| Error | Connection issue - check credentials |
| Pending | Awaiting authorization or verification |
Managing Queues
The queue shows all pending, processing, and completed uploads:
Queue Statuses
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Waiting to be processed |
| Processing | Currently uploading |
| Complete | Successfully posted |
| Failed | Error occurred - check message |
| Cancelled | Cancelled by user |
Queue Actions
- Retry - Re-attempt failed uploads
- Cancel - Cancel pending uploads
- Archive - Remove completed items from view
- Delete - Permanently remove items
Posting Rules and Throttling
To prevent platform rate limiting, LabelGrid supports posting rules:
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Unlimited | No throttling |
| 1 per hour | Maximum one post per hour |
| 1 per day | Maximum one post per day |
| 1 per week | Maximum one post per week |
Posting rules are set per account and help ensure your account stays in good standing with the platform.
Related Guides
- Distributing a Release - Standard DDEX distribution
- Monitoring Deliveries - Track delivery status
- Supported Stores - Full list of distribution outlets
Need Help?
If you have questions about direct upload services, contact our support team.