(Digital Distribution Platform Comparison)
Best music distribution services:
CD Baby
TuneCore
DistroKid
AWAL
Ditto Music
Amuse
LANDR
ONErpm
RouteNote
FreshTunes
The Orchard
Digital music distributors have made placing your music on streaming platforms as simple as possible. Digital distributors, such as CD Baby, TuneCore, and DistroKid for example have provided music artists with the opportunity to get their music placed on major streaming services such as iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, Deezer, TikTok, Shazam and much more. Many of these platforms also provide essential mechanical licenses for cover songs, allowing artists to legally release and monetize these tracks. Music distribution companies can save you loads of time since you don’t have to upload your song individually to each platform, in fact, in most cases, independent artists cannot do it by themselves.
These digital platforms help get your music out to the public for listening and purchasing. Before the transition to online music distribution, a music distribution company was seen as the intermediary between an artist and a music store. This middleman would assist the artist in promoting their music, get people to purchase albums, and then take a percentage of the profits earned.
Thanks to the fast internet revolution, the music industry adapted and became more available to independent artists, which led to music distribution becoming digital. This has made the process of distributing music much simpler than ever before.
Many digital music distribution services offer both free and premium plans, catering to different needs of artists. Free plans often operate on a revenue-sharing model, while premium plans allow artists to retain 100% of their royalties, providing flexible and cost-effective solutions for artists looking to reach a global audience.
You’re probably wondering, How do digital music distribution companies differ from each other? How is an artist supposed to choose which platform to use?
Well, to find the answer to these questions, you have come to the right place. We have selected the top 11 distribution services in 2024, currently, they are the most popular music distribution platforms worldwide, and have compared each of them based on certain criteria, including pricing, fees, commissions, and distribution options. Some of them are free music distribution services, others are paid services, every music distribution service works differently. All of them distribute your music online to the music stores and major streaming platforms. Just for a clarification, These companies do not distribute music videos, only audio files and their artwork images.
By looking into these music digital distribution companies, we will be able to identify which platform is best for you to use to distribute your music.
Comparison summary of the music distribution companies listed below:
Here are the top 8 music platforms in the music industry.
1. CD Baby
Topping our list of the best music distribution companies is CD Baby.
This music distributor is the largest and oldest music distribution company. Established in 1998, the platform offers physical and digital distribution for the independent artist but also offers physical distribution as well. They review all artists’ music submissions and have partnerships with streaming giants Spotify and Apple Music. They also provide the option for physical distribution of music, as they have partnered with over 15,000 record stores. They are also seen as the preferred music provider for Apple Music, so they can make songs available to listeners in just a couple of days.
CD Baby collects all the performance royalties you’re owed worldwide as well as all your mechanical royalties for international downloads and streams that PRO’s do not collect (Performing Rights Organizations). Additionally, CD Baby provides essential mechanical licenses for cover songs, allowing artists to legally release and monetize these tracks.
CD Baby charges a one-time fee per song release with no annual fees, they, however, keep 9% of your total music distribution revenue.
They are a well respected music distribution service that any artist should look into.
Pricing:
$9.95 Dollars - Single
$29 Dollars - Album
Commission:
9% of total streaming royalties
Pros:
One time fee
150+ streaming and download services worldwide
Distributes to China as well as TikTok
They will collect all of the performance royalties you’re owed worldwide.
Cons:
No lyrics distribution
Optional additional fees
Take commissions from your royalties.
2. TuneCore
TuneCore is a New York based music distribution company that was founded in 2005. TuneCore represents roughly 10% of the 20 million songs on iTunes.
In June 2022, TuneCore made some major changes to their pricing model in order to compete with other music distribution companies such as DistroKid and CD Baby. TuneCore now offers a variety of annual subscription services to choose from. All plans, however, still allow you to keep 100% of your royalties from digital service providers.
It is important to note that Tunecore keeps 20% of your revenue earned from social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
The annual fee to distribute one album on TuneCore is more expensive than DistroKid’s entire annual fee, which provides unlimited releases! The cost can add up over time if you decide to distribute multiple albums. That being said, if you’re the type of artist who likes to keep 100% of their revenue and leans more towards quality over quantity, then TuneCore might be better suited for you, especially if your music releases are already receiving a lot of streams.
Pricing:
$14.99–49.99 (annually) for unlimited releases.
Commission:
15%–20% (only from revenue earned through social media platforms)
Pros:
Lyrics distribution
Extra services like music publishing
You keep 100% of your royalties from DSP’s
Cons:
You have to pay an annual fee and take a commission.
There is no official payment splitting option.
3. DistroKid:
DistroKid was founded in 2013, they have become one of the more preferred choices amongst independent artists wanting to distribute music, due to their rapid rate of distribution.
DistroKid’s inexpensive and effective service can get your songs distributed in under 48 hours. Their basic plan only costs an annual fee of $19.99. This is relatively affordable compared to other distribution services. This inexpensive plan provides unlimited uploads and distribution for up and coming artists.
The downside to Distrokid is that if you don't keep paying for your annual subscription, your songs may be removed/taken down. You will also need to pay extra for features that are not included in the basic plan, such as a custom release date and a custom label name.
DistroKid collects and keeps track of the revenue generated, and takes a 0% commission from your earnings (minus taxes/fees).
DistroKid has provided a helpful payment splitting option for artists, where they can split earnings from any song/album and automatically send them out to collaborators they worked with. Collaborators will only be able to see their own earnings. Artists can also adjust revenue splits at any time and add an unlimited number of collaborators.
Pricing:
$19.99 annually for one artist
Commission:
No commission, artist keeps 100% of all earnings (minus fees).
Pros:
Affordable and quick releases
100% royalties
Payment splitting option
Cons:
Optional additional fees
Pay extra for the custom release date, label name, and additional artist.
4. AWAL
AWAL works slightly differently from the other distributors mentioned above. AWAL is a free music distribution service; however, you have to go through a review process in order to join their platform. Artists can join AWAL either through a direct referral of someone they trust or through their online A&R submission process. You will need to submit your portfolio to them to be reviewed, and if they like your music, you may be selected to join their platform.
AWAL insists that independent artists own their work from start to finish and keep creative control over their work, as well as keep 85% of the revenue earned. AWAL states that they enjoy working with artists who are already gaining a decent amount of streams. This can definitely have a positive impact on your royalty earnings.
AWAL distributes music to over 200 territories, platforms, and digital stores worldwide. Artists also have the freedom to leave the platform at any time.
Price:
Free (submit portfolio for review)
Commission:
15% commission
Pros:
Free to join
No upfront fees
Lyric and credit distribution
Cons:
Takes commission
Need to be reviewed and accepted to join.
5. Ditto Music
Founded in 2005, Ditto Music is another popular digital distributor for independent musicians. Their pricing is almost the same as Distrokid, as Ditto also charges a $19 annual fee, and you can release an unlimited number of songs.
Ditto Music is also well known for having a few extra services that most distributors do not offer. These services include Vevo channel management, assistance in music chart registration and music sync pitching opportunities.
The only downside to this is that these extra services come at an additional cost. Most additional services that Ditto offers are not included in any of their plans. You will need to pay separately for them after creating your artist account.
Ditto has also provided artists with the option to split royalty payments with anyone who deserves a slice of the pie, e.g., band members.
Price:
$19 (annual fee, one artist)
Commission:
No commission
Pros:
Inexpensive service
Artists keep 100% of royalties.
Distributes to China and TikTok
Cons:
Pay extra for certain services.
Some upfront fees
6. Amuse
Amuse is a digital distribution service that has both free and paid plans for artists to choose from. It is well-known for its free plan, under which artists keep 100% of their royalties. The free plan allows musicians to upload a maximum of 12 releases each year, with 100% of revenues going to the artist. If you wish to post more than 12 songs to Amuse in a year, you must pay for one of the two subscription plans they provide.
One disadvantage of the free plan is that it has a four-week evaluation period. That is, you must post your music release at least a month before the targeted release date. Amuse also does not allow independent musicians to use the free plan to distribute their music on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.
Amuse, as previously noted, offers two priced options. The Boost Plan and the Pro Plan are also available. The Boost plan is $24.99 per year, while the Pro plan is $59.99 per year. The Boost plan is best suited for independent musicians that wish to release more than 12 songs each year and reach a larger audience on social media sites such as Tik Tok and Instagram, among others. The Pro plan, on the other hand, is designed for more professional artists who work as part of a team or who manage numerous artists.
If you compare the services of Amuse to DistroKid, for example, DistroKid is by far more popular as they distribute more music than Amuse. That being said, Amuse has the option of a free plan, whereas DistroKid does not. Amuse also does not have any additional fees like DistroKid does.
If you're just starting out or if you are already gaining some serious streams, Amuse is a decent option for every type of music artist.
Price:
Free
$24.99 (Boost Plan: Annually)
$59.99 (Pro Plan: Annually)
Commission:
No commission
Pros:
Artists keep 100% of royalties.
Payment splitting option
A free plan is available.
There is no need to continue a paid plan to keep the songs live.
Cons:
Long review time on the free plan
Some hidden fees
Does not distribute to China
There is no option for lyrics distribution.
7. LANDR
LANDR is a convenient and well known music distribution company and is a popular choice amongst independent music artists. This creative digital distribution platform built for musicians is famous for the multiple services available to artists, such as music distribution, AI mastering, plugin subscriptions, and sample packs.
LANDR has come out with an all-in-one subscription service, where artists can access all of their services in one plan. The yearly subscription costs $12.50 per month. If you, however, decide that you want to only use one of their many services, e.g., the mastering service, you will have to purchase a plan just for that specific service, as LANDR has different plans for the different services they offer.
Regarding music distribution, LANDR has 3 different pricing plans available: pay-as-you go, complete, and unlimited.
Their basic ‘pay as you go’ plan is priced at $9 per single release and $29 per album or EP. Unfortunately, there is a 15% commission on royalties earned if you select this plan.
LANDR also provides artists the opportunity to split royalty payments automatically and has promised to never take your music releases down, Even if you decide to cancel your plan, you will still keep earning 85% of your streaming royalties.
Pricing: (Distribution)
Pay as you go (no annual fee)
Complete: $20 per year
Unlimited: $89 per year
Commission:
15% commission on the ‘Pay as you go’ plan.
There is no commission on the Complete and Unlimited plans.
Pros:
Split royalty payments option
Continue earning royalties even after canceling a plan.
Access to other services
Able to release music in 2 days
Cons:
Takes commission
Upfront fees
No free plans
8. ONErpm
ONErpm is one of the very few music distribution companies that charges no fees at all! They do, however, take a 15% commission, but if that doesn’t bother you so much, then this platform could be for you. There are also no registration, subscription, or distribution fees when using their service.
The self-service platform provides artists with the opportunity to upload and distribute an unlimited amount of music and music videos without spending a dime. The DIY music distribution company is also a fully established record label.
ONErpm also provides additional services to artists, such as promotional, accounting, marketing, and analytical tools. They want artists to have full control over the distribution of their own music.
Pricing:
Free (no fees)
Commission:
15% commission as an unsigned artist
Pros:
It’s free!
No hidden or upfront fees
Payment splitting option
Lyric distribution
Additional free tools and services
Cons:
It takes a 15% commission.
No customer support via live chat Conclusion:
9. RouteNote
RouteNote offers musicians a range of choices for distributing their music; they can opt for either the free and premium plans. With the Free plan from RouteNote, musicians can easily share their music on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music without having to pay any fees in advance; instead, they just pay a 15% commission on royalties earned. This option is perfect for artists looking to connect with an audience without having to make an initial financial commitment. The Premium subscription option allows artists to retain the entirety of their royalties by paying a fee or an annual fee determined by the release's size.
The company has a network for distributing content and collaborates with platforms like Spotify and Apple Music to make music widely available on popular streaming services such as Deezer and Amazon, as well as YouTube Content ID and others. This extensive reach allows artists to connect with an audience easily.
The interface is really easy to use for artists to upload their music tracks and schedule release dates while organizing their collection efficiently. However, the approval process may seem a bit slow for some users on the tier in comparison to distribution services; at times, it might take a couple of weeks before the music gets published online.
Pricing:
Offers both a Free plan (15% commission) and a Premium plan ($10+ per release with 100% royalties).
Commission:
Free plan - 15%; Premium plan - 0%
Pros:
Unlimited uploads, access to major platforms, flexible pricing, and good customer support.
Cons:
Slower approval process on the free plan.
FreshTunes
FreshTunes is a music distribution platform that provides a free music distribution solution for artists to share their music on streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music without any initial fees or cuts in earnings – giving artists the full 100% of their royalties instead of taking a commission like many other services do. This feature makes it especially appealing to solo musicians and up and coming artists who are keen on trying out music distribution risk free.
The platform offers a network for distributing music to digital platforms worldwide to help artists reach a wider audience effortlessly and efficiently through an easy to use interface that caters to artists of all levels of expertise. However, FreshTunes falls short compared to premium distributors in terms of providing access to niche and platforms that could expand its reach further.
Other Services Offered
Fresh Tunes stands out for its free distribution services. Also offers a range of paid options such, as mastering services and promotional assistance to help artists enhance the quality and visibility of their music.
Pricing:
Free, unlimited distribution.
Commission:
0%
Pros:
Completely free distribution, weekly payouts, access to streaming data.
Cons:
Limited advanced features and customer support.
The Orchard
The The Orchard is a music distribution and marketing firm known for its collaboration, with artists and labels as well as established acts in the industry scene.. What makes The Orchard unique is its ties to Sony Music; Sony acquired a majority share in the company back in 2012 before taking ownership later on.. Being associated with Sony grants The Orchard access to a widMoreover,e array of industry resources and opportunities that are usually beyond reach, for independent distribution companies.
With the collaboration, with Sony Music in place, The Orchard expands its reach to streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and Amazon across countries and regions. This broad global outreach is advantageous for artists to increase their visibility and explore markets worldwide. Moreover partnering, with Sony enhances artists visibility on a platform, enabling them to compete with label artists at an international level.
Creating awareness and advertising efforts.
The Orchard doesn't just handle distribution – it also offers marketing and promotional assistance that can compete with record labels support systems! Through its marketing teams efforts and services, like creating tailored campaigns and securing playlist placements and sync licensing deals for artists along with Sony Music industry knowledge and resources make The Orchard a strong partner, for artists looking to expand their audience reach and elevate their brand presence.
Data Analysis
The Orchard offers a range of data and analytics services that give artists real time information, about their streams and revenue figures in detail for analysis and decision making purposes. It provides artists with the opportunity to comprehend their audience implications, for their marketing plans and business choices by leveraging Sony Music resources that offer insights to support successful campaigns and grasp the worldwide music scene effectively
Pricing:
Varies (Invitation-based, often with a commission structure)
Commission:
Varies
Pros:
Extensive marketing support, global reach, and sync licensing opportunities.
Cons:
Exclusive, with strict acceptance criteria for artists.
So what is the best music distribution company, you may ask?
Overall, each digital distributor has its own pros and cons compared to others. The only way you will know which music distribution company is best for you is by looking at your own current situation as an artist, and trying to figure out which of the best music distribution companies can provide you with services that can help grow your career.
If you are on a tight budget, and royalty cuts don’t matter to you at this point, then platforms with free services such as ONErpm, Amuse, or AWAL may be the best music distribution service for you. If you are, however, an already established artist that is already gaining a decent amount of streams, and decide you might want a music distribution service that also has additional services available for artists, then DistroKid or LANDR may be better suited to you.
It all really comes down to which music distribution service best fits your needs as an artist. If you are the kind of artist that already generates lots of streams, then you might consider working with a music distribution company that takes a one time fee and lets you (the artist) keep all the rights.
What's Next?
Once you have selected a music distribution service, you can now use a music submission platform like One Submit to expose and promote your music. We help artists submit music to Spotify playlists as well as help artists send music to radio stations, YouTube channels, music blogs, TikTok Influencers and even labels!
Every song submitted receives a review by a curator in the same genre as your music. If they like your music, they will add it to their playlist, channel, blog etc.
It really is as simple as that!
Good luck
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