Are you a budding music artist aiming to kickstart a successful career with unique, catchy songs? Discover the ideal way to distribute your music without breaking the bank or wasting time.
Explore music distribution services—online platforms helping you upload of your music to popular streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, YouTube, and more.
These services enable global reach, revenue generation, and offer insights into your music’s performance.
However, not all distribution services are the same. Some include hefty fees, revenue cuts, poor distribution quality, limited support, and restrictive terms.
How do you choose the right service for your needs? Our blog post compares the best music distribution services and best free music distribution out there in 2024, highlighting features like music promotion tools, pros, and cons and pricing.
Ready to elevate your music career? Keep reading.
Key Takeaways – Best Music Distribution Services
- Digital music distribution involves uploading your music to a service who distributes it globally on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, allowing you to earn royalties and gain fans.
- Key factors to consider include platform reach, costs, speed of distribution, customer support, and added promotion tools. Choose based on your goals and budget.
- DistroKid and TuneCore are affordable options for beginning artists, while CD Baby, Ditto and AWAL offer more promotion features for higher fees.
- Services like DistroKid, Horus and UnitedMasters (free plan) allow keeping 100% of royalties, while others take a commission percentage.
- Newcomers may prefer simple services like DistroKid, while serious artists seek full-service labels like AWAL for career development support. Research suits your stage and ambitions.
What is Digital Music Distribution?
Digital music distribution is the process of making your music available to the public to stream or download on music stores and streaming platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music, YouTube, and more.
By using a music distribution service, you can get your music onto these platforms and earn royalties from your streams and sales. You can also reach a global audience and get analytics on your music performance.
Digital music distribution is the successor to traditional music industry distribution networks that stocked physical releases at retailers across a regional market. But unlike physical distribution, digital distribution does not require you to manufacture, ship, or store any physical copies of your music.
You only need to upload your music files and cover art to a digital distribution service, and they will take care of the rest.
It is the service that makes it possible to put your music on the shelf for sale and get paid for it. It is also the service that helps you discover and connect with other artists and listeners who share your musical taste.
How To Choose The Best Music Distribution Service
Choosing a music distribution company is not a one-size-fits-all decision. They all have different features, pros, and cons that may suit your needs and goals better or worse. Therefore, you should consider the following factors when choosing one.
Reach: The wider your music spreads, the more ears it reaches and the more potential fans you gain. Look for a service that distributes to all the streaming services and stores like Spotify and Amazon Music, but also consider ones popular in your specific genre. Like hip-hop musicians would prioritize getting your music on Spotify and YouTube, while classical composers might focus on Apple Music and iTunes.
Cost: Everyone loves saving money, especially artists! Compare fees and commission structures. Some services like Distrokid charge a flat annual fee, while others take a percentage of your earnings. Think about what works best for your budget and career goals.
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Speed and Efficiency: You don’t want your music stuck in distribution limbo! Choose a service with a fast and reliable process, ideally getting your tracks online within 24 hours. Avoid companies known for delays or errors.
Support: When things get confusing, you need someone to guide you. Look for a distributor with responsive and friendly customer service, offering options like dedicated account managers, live chat, or phone support. Don’t settle for being left on hold!
Promotion: Getting your music heard isn’t just about putting it online. Choose a service that offers marketing tools like playlist pitching, pre-save campaigns, and social media integration. Some even offer opportunities like sync licensing or label deals, giving your music an extra boost.
Control and Rights: Your music is your creation, and you deserve to control its destiny. Ensure the distributor handles your publishing and licensing rights fairly and transparently. Some even offer publishing administration, collecting and distributing your royalties.
Remember, the best music distribution platform is the one that aligns with your needs and goals. Take your time, research your options, and choose the one that’ll help you conquer the music world!
Why You Should Trust Me
You might be wondering why you should trust me and my advice on music distribution services. After all, there are many other blogs and websites that talk about the same topic. How do you know that I’m not just making things up or promoting some services over others?
Well, the answer is simple: I’m a musician myself, and I distribute my own music using these services. I have first-hand experience and knowledge of how they work, what they offer, and what they lack. I’m not just a blogger or a marketer, I’m a user and a customer.
I have been distributing my music online for over 15 years, and I have tried different services along the way. I started with TuneCore, then switched to CD Baby, and finally settled on DistroKid. I have seen the pros and cons of each service, and I have learned a lot from my mistakes and successes.
I’m not saying that I’m an expert or that I know everything about music distribution. I’m still learning and improving, just like you. But I’m sharing my honest opinions and insights based on my personal journey and research. I’m not sponsored or affiliated with any music distribution service, and I’m not trying to sell you anything. I’m just trying to help you make the best decision for your music and your career.
So, if you’re looking for a trustworthy and reliable source of information and advice on which music distribution services are best to release music, you’ve come to the right place.
Comparison of the 8 Best Music Distribution Services in 2024
TuneCore Music Distribution
TuneCore provides an affordable option for artists to release their music digitally. Artists can distribute single songs or full albums through TuneCore to over 150 online stores and streaming services worldwide.
Artists pay a one-time fee for each release. In return, they receive all royalties earned from streams and downloads on platforms, minus small platform fees. This makes TuneCore a cost-effective choice for occasional releases.
TuneCore’s store coverage is comprehensive, including major services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Distributing music broadly helps artists find new fans.
Artists can also access additional promotion features from TuneCore for extra costs, such as playlist pitching and lyric transcription services.
However, TuneCore does not offer unlimited or free distribution. Musicians must pay per release uploaded. Fees for extra promotion add up over time as well. TuneCore also provides less of its own marketing support compared to competitors.
While simple to use for a single release, TuneCore may not be the best fit for artists wanting frequent releases or long-term promotion strategies due to costs. But it remains a good starting point for affordable digital distribution.
CD Baby Music Distribution
CD Baby offers a comprehensive one-stop solution. Artists and labels can distribute digital music files and access physical CD production/sales through CD Baby.
The platform provides tools like royalty splitting and marketing features like website creation and emails. Artists pay for distribution via single, annual, or custom plans.
CD Baby has extensive store coverage. However, pricing can be higher than some competitors. The various options may overwhelm new artists as well. Lower-cost plans offer limited customer support.
Overall, CD Baby works best for established artists wanting full control over distribution and promotion. Its fees and structures cater less to those on a budget or just starting out.
DistroKid Digital Distribution
DistroKid takes pride in transparency and affordability. For a low annual fee, artists can release an unlimited distribution of songs and albums digitally each year.
Artists keep 100% of their streaming royalties earned. Distribution happens quickly to online stores and apps via DistroKid’s wide network.
While basic, this service focuses on getting music out there. It lacks physical distribution or advanced promotional features. As such, DistroKid may not meet the needs of artists wanting more comprehensive tools.
For musicians prioritizing value and straightforward digital distribution, DistroKid offers a cost-effective solution. Its simplicity works well for artists working with a limited budget.
Ditto Music Distribution
Ditto offers annual subscription plans starting at $25.46 per month. Artists receive dedicated account support.
The platform distributes to over 150 global stores and royalty collects worldwide. Artists can promote through official playlists and gain exposure to new international fans.
While beneficial for ambitious artists, costs may be higher than basic distribution alone. Success using promotional features varies. Some find the interface less user-friendly than competitors.
For musicians seeking promotion assistance and fans abroad, Ditto’s services are worth considering despite higher expenses compared to other options.
AWAL Music Services
AWAL offers distribution through major label Sony Music. It aims to help artists build sustainable careers long-term with resources like mentoring and custom promotion support.
Artists receive full distribution and access mentoring, plus potentially royalty advances and reporting tools.
While the personalized approach benefits serious artists, monthly membership fees are higher than some competitors. Beginners may prefer simpler options before investing at this level.
LANDR Music Platform
LANDR provides a unique bundle of AI-powered mastering, distribution, and basic marketing tools. It aims to offer all key independent services together competitively priced.
Artists gain distribution worldwide and full royalty accounting. Creative song finishing and website/social promotion add convenience.
As an all-in-one solution, individual tools like marketing may lack depth compared to specialists. Mastering quality varies from pro studios. Support also falls short of focused competitors.
In summary, LANDR streamlines the essentials affordably but likely has limitations for advanced promotion or recording skills. Still, its bundled solution simplifies workflow for newcomers.
Horus Music Distribution
Horus focuses on transparency with flat fees for per-release distribution plans. It distributes individual songs/albums globally to stores and streaming apps.
Artists receive their full royalties after platform cuts. Basic analytics and royalty splits are also available. Pricing is affordable without subscriptions.
While simple and cost-effective for occasional releases, Horus lacks extras like marketing or mastering. Support pales in comparison to full-service brands.
For budget-minded artists prioritizing ownership on individual releases, Horus ensures straightforward, good value distribution.
UnitedMasters
UnitedMasters offers either 100% royalty retention with upfront fees or 90% splits for free distribution. An unlimited number of releases can be uploaded worldwide to over 150+ outlets.
Artists gain access to promotions, deals and marketing support. Analytic tools provide insights. An application reviews artists for acceptance.
As a feature-rich platform, UnitedMasters remains selective. Some services, including YouTube monetization carry extra charges.
Musicians seeking exposure without compromising ownership may find UnitedMasters’ flexible, innovative approach a strong option.
Table – Music distributor list
| Feature | TuneCore | CD Baby | DistroKid | Ditto Music | AWAL | LANDR | Horus Music | UnitedMasters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | From Free 20% commission Per release $19.99 (single) – $34.99 (album ≥ 13 tracks) | 9% commission Per release $9.99 (single) – $39.99 (album ≥ 13 tracks) | $22.99/year (Musician plan) – $89.99/year (Ultimate plan for 100 artists) | Annual (£19 – $319) | Free – $19 – $149/year | Per Release: Single Release: $9 one-time fee. EP/Album Release: $19 one-time fee. Unlimited Plans: Basic: $23.99 per year. Pro: $44.99 per year. Studio: $143.88 per year. | Unlimited (£20 – £400 /Year) | Free – 10% commission $59.99 per year |
| Artist Royalty Share | Free Plan – 80% Paid Plan – 100% | 91% | 100% | 100% | Free: 85% / Paid: 100% | Per release – 85% Unlimited – 100% | 100% | 90% – 100% |
| Stores Covered | 150+ | 150+ | 150+ | 150+ | 100+ | 150+ | 150+ | 150+ |
| Features | Split sheets, pre-saves, advanced reporting | CD stores, physical distribution, marketing tools | Unlimited releases, playlist pitching, YouTube monetization, lyric uploads | Playlist pitching, video distribution | Artist development, label services, royalty advances | Mastering, mastering templates, marketing tools | Custom pricing, lyric video creation | Artist development, distribution deals, playlist pitching |
| Music video distribution | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Best For | New independent artists, single releases | Physical & digital distribution, established artists | Unlimited releases, budget-conscious | Playlists, marketing, international reach | Label services, career development | Mastering & distribution, all-in-one solution | Budget-conscious, flexible pricing | Artist development & deals, playlist support |
Best Free Music Distribution Services
Unlike paid services, the best free music distribution services do not charge you any upfront or recurring fees to upload and distribute your music. You can also keep most or all of your royalties, depending on the service you choose.
However, free services are not without their drawbacks and trade-offs. You might have to compromise on some aspects of your music distribution, such as quality, speed, support, or options. Therefore, it is important to compare different free services and find the one that suits your needs and goals best.
To help you with that, we have compiled a list of some of the most popular free music distribution services and their features, benefits, and limitations. Here is a brief overview of each service:
- RouteNote: RouteNote offers unlimited uploads and distribution to over 200 stores and streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and SoundCloud. You can also monetize your music on YouTube and SoundCloud, and get cover song support. RouteNote takes a 15% commission from your royalties, but you can switch to a premium plan and keep 100% of your earnings for a small fee.
- Amuse: You can keep 100% of your royalties and access some advanced features, such as team accounts and fast lane releases. However, Amuse has some limitations, such as a limit of 12 releases per year, a 4-week processing time, and poor customer service. You can upgrade to a pro plan to remove these restrictions and get more benefits.
- Soundrop: Soundrop is a free service that specializes in distributing cover songs and original music. You can upload and distribute unlimited tracks and albums, and get cover song support and licensing. Soundrop takes a 15% commission from your royalties, but you do not have to pay any upfront or recurring fees. However, Soundrop does not offer YouTube or SoundCloud monetization, and has limited features and analytics.
- Fresh Tunes: Fresh Tunes is another free service that lets you upload and distribute unlimited music to over 150 stores and platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and TikTok. You can also get cover song support and licensing, and keep 100% of your royalties. However, Fresh Tunes does not offer YouTube or SoundCloud monetization, and has limited features and analytics. You can pay for some extra services, such as promotion and verification.
- Stem: Stem is another selective service that requires you to apply and get approved. If you get accepted, you can upload and distribute unlimited music to over 50 stores and platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud, and Instagram. You can also get YouTube, SoundCloud, and Instagram monetization, publishing royalty collection, and royalty splits. Stem takes a 5% commission from your royalties, but you do not have to pay any upfront or recurring fees.
- SongTradr: SongTradr is a free service that offers unlimited uploads and distribution to over 200 stores and platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and TikTok. You can also get sync licensing and publishing royalty collection. However, SongTradr charges a fee for the Pro plan, which gives you more features and benefits, such as higher sync payouts, faster processing, and priority support. SongTradr does not offer cover song support.
- Indiefy: Indiefy is a free service that offers unlimited uploads and distribution to basic stores and platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Deezer. You can also get custom release date and basic support. However, Indiefy does not offer YouTube or SoundCloud monetization, cover song support, or publishing royalty collection. You can upgrade to a premium plan to get more features and benefits, such as next-level stores, scheduled releases, and royalty splits.
- Boost Collective: Boost Collective is a free service that offers unlimited uploads and distribution to next-level stores and platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and TikTok. You can also get scheduled releases, ASAP release, pre-saves, multiple artists, team accounts, royalty splits, and fast lane support. However, Boost Collective does not offer YouTube or SoundCloud monetization, cover song support, or publishing royalty collection. You can pay for some extra services, such as promotion and verification.
Please note that some of the previous services such as AWAL, Unitedmasters, and Tunecore have a free plan also (with limitations).
Conclusion – Best Music Distribution Services
Choosing the best music distributor for your needs can be tricky. You need to compare different services based on their pricing, features, benefits, and drawbacks. You also need to consider your goals, budget, and preferences as an artist.
In this blog post, we have compared some of the most popular music distribution services, such as TuneCore, CD Baby, DistroKid, Ditto Music, AWAL, LANDR, and Horus Music. We hope this comparison has helped you understand the differences and similarities between them.
