Brussels, 19th September 2025

Independent labels face a fundamental challenge: how do you gain visibility within streaming platforms when you’re competing against major label resources and algorithmic black boxes? With on-platform algorithms playing an increasingly important role, understanding the mechanics that drive on platform engagement and success has never been more important. 

Join the next Digital Forward webinar (9th October) from CMU and IMPALA where we will explore how independent labels can leverage streaming platform tools to market releases. While playlist placement often dominates the conversation, success on DSPs requires an understanding of an often complex and confusing ecosystem of algorithmic signals, distributor relationships and platform specific tools.

Join CMU’s Sam Taylor and a panel of expert practitioners from across the digital music ecosystem to cut through the myths and uncover what actually drives streaming growth for indie labels. This session provides practical frameworks for working with, rather than against, the streaming platforms that dominate music consumption.

We will cut through platform marketing myths to provide clear frameworks for deciding which tools deserve investment, how to leverage distributor relationships effectively, and when human-curated playlists matter more than algorithmic ones. For labels seeking to move beyond hoping for playlist placement and build systematic
approaches to platform marketing, this report provides the roadmap for working within rather than against – the streaming ecosystem. Stay tuned for more info about the registration.

Earlier this year, we published the first in our three-part digital marketing series for independent record labels, focusing on Mastering Off-Platform Strategies. Members can access the report and webinar recording here.

About IMPALA
IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents over 6000 independent music companies in Europe. 99% of Europe’s music companies are small, micro and medium businesses and self-releasing artists. Known as the independents, they are world leaders in terms of innovation and discovering new music and artists – they produce more than 80% of all new releases and account for 80% of the sector’s jobs. IMPALA’s mission is to grow the independent music sector sustainably, return more value to artists, promote diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access, inspire change, and increase access to finance. IMPALA works on a range of key issues for its members and started a new co-funded work programme as an EU cultural network in 2025. IMPALA runs various award schemes and has a programme aimed at businesses who want to develop a strategic relationship with the European independent sector – Friends of IMPALA