DTC or Direct To Consumer is the best way to promote your music because you cut out the middle man.
Now that physical CDs are no longer widely available, the primary method for promoting your music is through streaming platforms, which typically necessitate collaboration with a distribution company such as DistroKid, TuneCore, United Masters, Empire, CD Baby, among others.
With most of these companies, you are required to pay a monthly or annual fee. The company collects your royalties, takes their share, and then pays you. However, you might consider eliminating the middleman by reaching out directly to your consumers, or more importantly, your fans and followers.
The good news is that you can do this by establishing your own website with a custom domain name. You can collaborate with a web designer to create your own site, where you can upload your music, videos, merchandise, and any other information you want your fans to know about you.
While there is nothing wrong with having your music available on distribution sites, promoting your website and directing traffic to your domain gives you a greater opportunity to receive your royalties directly.