Want to distribute your music globally and keep control of your career? Here’s a quick guide to the 7 best music distribution platforms for independent artists, including their pricing, features, and benefits.
Quick Overview:
- DistroKid: Unlimited uploads for $19.99/year. Artists keep 100% royalties. Tools like Hyperfollow and Playlist Spotlight included.
- TuneCore: Tiered plans starting at $22.99/year. Offers detailed analytics and music publishing services.
- CD Baby: One-time fees starting at $9.99 per release. Handles both digital and physical distribution.
- AWAL: No upfront fees, but takes 15% commission. Selective platform with career development tools.
- Ditto Music: Starts at $19/year. 100% royalties to artists and includes label services.
- Amuse: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $19.99/year with faster delivery and advanced tools.
- LANDR: Combines AI mastering with distribution. Plans start at $23.99/year, offering 85–100% royalties.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Platform | Cost | Revenue Split | Key Features | Distribution Reach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DistroKid | $19.99–$79.99/year | 100% to artist | Unlimited uploads, royalty splits | 150+ stores |
| TuneCore | $22.99–$49.99/year | 100% to artist | Royalty reports, publishing services | 150+ stores |
| CD Baby | $9.99/release | ~91% to artist | Digital + physical distribution | 150+ stores |
| AWAL | No upfront fees | 85% to artist | Selective, career growth tools | 200+ stores |
| Ditto | $19–$89/year | 100% to artist | Label services, playlist pitching | 200+ stores |
| Amuse | Free–$59.99/year | 100% to artist | Mobile-first, Fast Forward analytics | 35+ stores |
| LANDR | $23.99–$44.99/year | 85–100% to artist | AI mastering, mechanical royalties | 75+ stores |
Choose the platform that aligns with your goals, whether it’s frequent releases, detailed analytics, or career growth tools.
Best Music Distributor for Indie Artists: DistroKid vs. TuneCore, CD Baby, & Symphonic
1. DistroKid
DistroKid is one of the biggest digital music distributors, managing about a third of global music releases . Its subscription-based model allows artists to upload as much music as they want while keeping 100% of their earnings.
Pricing Plans
DistroKid offers three main pricing options:
| Plan | Annual Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Musician | $19.99 | Single artist, unlimited releases |
| Musician Plus | $35.99 | Custom release dates, Spotify stats |
| Label | $79.99 | Manage multiple artists, team access |
Tools and Features
DistroKid provides a range of tools to help artists grow their audience and manage their music. Some standout features include:
- Hyperfollow: A tool for pre-save campaigns.
- Playlist Spotlight: Helps artists promote their music to a wider audience.
- Vizy Video Generator: Creates shareable video content for social media.
The platform also makes collaborations easier by automatically splitting royalties among all contributing artists.
Optional Add-Ons
DistroKid offers additional features for a fee:
- Shazam & Siri Recognition: $0.99 per song/year
- Store Maximizer: $7.95 per album/year
- YouTube Content ID: $4.95 per single (plus 20% of ad revenue)
- Cover Song Licensing: $12 per single/year
For advanced audio distribution, such as Tidal Master/MQA, the costs are $8.99 per single or $17.99 per album .
"I’ve been working with DistroKid for over 7 years. They make it quick & easy to get my royalties. Don’t need a label when I’ve got DistroKid." – Powfu, Independent artist
Performance and Support
DistroKid ensures fast delivery to online stores, making it a great choice for artists who release music frequently. However, customer support can lag during busy times . Despite this, its user-friendly interface and range of features make it an excellent option for independent creators.
Stay tuned as we dive into how TuneCore stacks up in terms of features, pricing, and support.
2. TuneCore
TuneCore is a leading music distributor that lets artists keep 100% of their digital store earnings . Since being acquired by Believe Digital, the platform has expanded its offerings and reach .
Pricing Structure
In 2022, TuneCore introduced a tiered pricing model:
| Plan | Annual Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| New Artist | Free | Upload up to 3 tracks to social platforms |
| Rising Artist | $22.99 | Unlimited releases, artist verification |
| Breakout Artist | $39.99 | Store automator, daily trends report |
| Professional | $49.99 | Promotional tools, custom label name |
Distribution and Revenue
Artists using TuneCore can distribute their music to over 150 digital stores and streaming platforms . While artists keep all earnings from digital stores, TuneCore takes a 20% cut from social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram .
New Features
The "Release Tracker" tool is one of TuneCore’s latest additions, designed to simplify tracking releases . Key benefits include:
- Real-time updates on release status
- A visual timeline for tracking progress
- Notifications for submission, review, and approval stages
- Custom promotional visuals to engage fans
Publishing Services
TuneCore also offers Music Publishing Administration through Sentric . For a one-time $75 setup fee , the service manages global royalty collection. Artists pay a 15-20% commission for sync licensing, which is notably lower than competitors charging up to 40% .
"What I thought was impossible became a reality for me by working with TuneCore… I recommend TuneCore to every artist I meet because I trust them with my creative work and they are helping me achieve my goals and build my legacy." – AdELA
Analytics and Reporting
TuneCore’s analytics platform provides detailed insights into sales and performance . Features include:
- Daily trends reports (available with Breakout and Professional plans)
- Country-specific performance metrics
- Revenue advance options based on streaming history
- Detailed royalty tracking
CEO Andreea Gleeson highlighted TuneCore’s focus on transparency:
"As part of TuneCore’s goal to demystify the music business and provide artists with greater visibility into the distribution process, we have developed a tool that not only gives our artists information about their releases but also supplies them with shareable promotional materials" .
These tools and insights make TuneCore a strong choice for independent artists looking to take control of their music careers.
3. CD Baby
CD Baby has helped distribute over 20 million songs and served more than 2 million independent artists . What makes it stand out is its ability to handle both digital and physical distribution, including in-house CD manufacturing and vinyl pressing .
Distribution Network and Services
CD Baby works with more than 150 digital platforms, including big names like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and TikTok . It also holds the distinction of being the first non-label company to distribute music to iTunes , solidifying its early role in the digital music space.
Pricing Structure
CD Baby charges a one-time fee for each release:
| Release Type | Standard Fee | Pro Package |
|---|---|---|
| Single/Album | $9.99 | $49.98 |
| Commission Rate | 9% (streaming/downloads) | Same as standard |
| Additional Revenue Share | 30% (social platforms) | 40% (sync placements) |
Need a UPC code? That’s an extra $5 for singles or $20 for albums .
Revenue Collection Services
CD Baby helps artists collect royalties through a variety of channels:
- Performance Royalties: Global collection via SoundExchange .
- Mechanical Royalties: Covers international downloads and streams .
- Sync Licensing: Offers opportunities for placements in TV, film, and video games .
- Social Platform Monetization: Collects revenue from platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram .
Artist Tools and Support
CD Baby provides a range of tools and services to support independent artists:
- Audio Mastering: Affordable, automated mastering options plus connections to professional engineers .
- Physical Distribution: Includes CD manufacturing and vinyl pressing .
- Fan Engagement Tools: Features designed to help artists connect with their audience .
- Customer Support: Offers live chat and a detailed help center .
Notable Achievements
Since its launch in 1998, CD Baby has paid out over $1 billion to independent artists . Its ability to offer both digital and physical distribution makes it a strong option compared to platforms that focus solely on digital .
Quality Control
CD Baby reviews every release before distribution to ensure professional quality. While this process can take a few weeks , it guarantees a polished presentation. This attention to detail sets CD Baby apart, though the next platform takes a very different approach worth examining.
4. AWAL
AWAL is a curated platform that focuses on helping artists grow their careers over the long term. To join, artists need to go through an A&R submission process or receive a direct referral.
Distribution Model and Revenue Structure
AWAL operates on a commission-based model with no upfront fees. Artists keep 85% of their earnings, while AWAL takes a 15% commission. There are no binding long-term contracts, but the platform does not offer automatic payment splitting for collaborators.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | No fees |
| Revenue Split | Artists keep 85% |
| Commission | AWAL takes 15% |
| Contract Type | No long-term commitments |
| Payment Splitting | Not available |
Tiered Artist Development System
AWAL organizes its services into three levels:
- AWAL Core: The starting point for most artists, providing essential distribution tools and analytics. Entry is through A&R submission or referral.
- AWAL+: For artists with growing momentum, this tier includes personalized account support, marketing funding options like video production, and advanced analytics.
- AWAL Recordings: This highest level offers full label services, including global marketing campaigns, extensive funding, A&R support, radio promotion, and sync licensing opportunities.
Artist Support Services
AWAL provides a range of tools and services to help artists succeed, including:
- Detailed streaming analytics and audience insights
- Professional A&R guidance for career development
- Support for international market expansion
- Access to sync placement opportunities and playlist promotion
"We’re doubling down, investing in teams and technology around the globe to power independent artists with ownership, freedom and control. Without compromise." – AWAL
Selection Criteria
AWAL’s A&R team evaluates artists based on several factors, including the quality of their work, fan engagement, ability to stand out, a supportive team, and a strong brand identity.
What Makes AWAL Different?
AWAL emphasizes artist ownership and creative freedom. According to the platform, "At every stage, every AWAL artist owns their work, keeps creative control, takes home the lion’s share of revenue, and sidesteps long-term contracts."
While AWAL maintains a selective approach, artists who qualify gain access to personalized support and resources designed to help them grow their careers and reach a global audience. Next, we’ll take a closer look at how Ditto Music stacks up in terms of services and value.
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5. Ditto Music
Ditto Music is a global distribution platform that combines affordability with wide-reaching distribution, covering over 160 digital music stores worldwide. Back in January 2007, Ditto Music made history by helping the Essex band Koopa secure the first UK Top 40 chart hit by an unsigned band with "Blag, Steal & Borrow." This achievement even earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records .
Distribution Features and Pricing
Ditto Music offers three simple subscription plans, each billed annually:
| Plan | Annual Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $19 | 1 artist, unlimited releases |
| Pro | $59 | 2 artists, unlimited releases, sync licensing |
| Label | $89 | 3+ artists, unlimited releases, all features |
One of Ditto’s biggest perks? Artists keep 100% of their royalties on all plans . The platform also simplifies royalty splits, allowing collaborators to set up free accounts and access their earnings directly .
Tools and Services for Artists
Ditto Music provides a range of tools designed to help artists promote their music and grow their careers:
- Free Pre-Save Smartlinks for every release
- Real-time performance tracking through a mobile app
- Playlist submission opportunities
- YouTube Content ID and Official Artist Channel setup (available with the Pro plan)
- Chart registration
- Lyric uploads
Release Scheduling and Requirements
Artists must schedule releases at least 10 days in advance . While this lead time may require some planning, it ensures smooth processing and distribution across Ditto’s extensive network.
"Being independent I want to be in charge of how I push my music out there. Ditto helped me keep control & still stay a boss." – Sarkodie, Artist, Ghana
Key Benefits
Ditto Music provides several standout features:
- Music stays in stores even if payments lapse
- Free addition of music to new platforms as they launch
- Vevo music video distribution
- Certified YouTube monetization
- Access to professional promotional services
Artist Support and Development
Ditto Music goes beyond distribution by offering PR services, social media support, and playlist pitching to help artists grow their careers . Its non-exclusive agreements allow artists to maintain full control of their music while accessing professional assistance when needed.
"With Ditto, I get to stay in control of my own music, but also get professional support when I need it." – LOVAD, Artist, Sweden
6. Amuse
Amuse ranks among the top five DIY distributors worldwide by release volume , offering modern tools and straightforward pricing tailored for independent artists.
Distribution Features and Pricing
Amuse provides three subscription levels to suit varying needs:
| Plan | Monthly Cost (Billed Annually) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic distribution, standard delivery time |
| Boost | $1.67 ($19.99/year) | Unlimited releases, Fast Forward, 5-day delivery |
| Pro | $5.00 ($59.99/year) | Multiple artist profiles, custom label, 24h support |
Artists retain 100% of their royalties and rights with all plans . However, Boost users incur a 15% fee for YouTube Content ID services .
Advanced Tools and Analytics
Amuse’s Fast Forward tool analyzes 65 billion data points to provide early access to earnings . This feature has been especially helpful for musicians on tight schedules:
"We recently got asked really late notice to do this great gig in London. Danny and I are based in Belfast, and as musicians, it’s usually very hard to jump on opportunities like this when you don’t have a chance to plan for it. But the Fast Forward option popped up the very same day and helped us pay for flights and gear rental, it totally saved us." – Kris Platt from Blue Americans
Distribution Network and Protection
Amuse distributes music to 35 digital outlets . It also offers tools to safeguard releases, including Stream Check, ISRC Management, and built-in Presave Links.
Collaboration and Revenue Sharing
For royalty splits with collaborators outside the platform, Amuse charges a 15% fee . This structure allows artists to stay in control of their music:
"Staying independent is essential for me! Amuse provides the flexibility to assemble my own team and work with people who fuel my creativity. This enables me to protect my artistic vision and maintain complete control over my music." – SARU, joined Amuse in 2021
Success Stories
Amuse has supported releases for well-known names like Lil Nas X, Yot Club, and Black Eyed Peas . Independent artists have also achieved notable milestones:
"In 2020, I released my first project with Amuse because they understand artist ownership in a way no other platform does. A short 18 months later, we’re approaching a million streams, ALL INDEPENDENT. Thank you Amuse." – Ben Kenobe, joined Amuse in 2020
Up next, we’ll dive into LANDR Distribution to round out our top seven list.
7. LANDR Distribution
LANDR has been helping independent artists since 2014 by combining AI-powered mastering with music distribution. This combination makes it a go-to platform for creators looking for an all-in-one solution .
Distribution Features and Pricing
LANDR offers three subscription options, each tailored to different needs:
| Plan | Annual Cost | Key Features | Royalty Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Limited distribution | 85% artist / 15% LANDR |
| Basic | $23.99 | Unlimited releases; 150+ stores | 100% artist |
| Pro | $44.99 | All Basic features + mastering credits | 100% artist |
All plans include YouTube Content ID, but LANDR takes a 20% cut from YouTube revenue . Even if you cancel, your tracks stay live, though royalties revert to an 85/15 split .
Advanced Tools and Services
LANDR’s AI mastering stands out for its quality . The platform also offers:
- High-quality mastering services
- Sample packs for music creators
- Sync licensing opportunities
- Tools for collaboration
- Mechanical royalty collection
Additionally, LANDR simplifies managing rights and sharing revenue, making it easier for artists to focus on their music.
Rights Management and Platform Support
LANDR’s rights management tools streamline revenue splits and royalty collection. The platform is especially helpful for artists without publishing deals, as it handles mechanical royalties for them . Plus, its user-friendly interface and customer support set it apart from competitors .
Distribution Network
With access to over 150 online music stores, LANDR doesn’t just distribute your music – it also integrates mastering, production, and royalty management tools to make the process seamless .
Platform Comparison
This section breaks down the main differences between platforms in terms of features, pricing, and global reach.
Core Features and Pricing Structure
Pricing structures differ widely, from annual subscriptions to one-time release fees. Here’s a quick look at the key features for each platform:
| Platform | Annual Cost | Revenue Split | Key Feature | Distribution Reach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DistroKid | $22.99–$39.99 | 100% to artist | Distributes 1/3 of global music | 150+ stores |
| TuneCore | $22.99–$49.99 | 100% to artist | Detailed royalty reports | 150+ stores |
| CD Baby | $9.99 per release | ~91% to artist | One-time payment model | 150+ stores |
| AWAL | Commission-based | ~85% to artist | Selective artist roster | 200+ stores |
| Ditto Music | £20/year | 100% to artist | Includes label services | 200+ stores |
| Amuse | $25–$60/year | 100% to artist | Mobile-first approach | 35 stores |
| LANDR | $23.99–$149/year | 85–100% to artist | AI mastering integration | 75+ stores |
Market Reach and Global Distribution
Beyond pricing, global distribution is a key consideration. Platforms vary significantly in their ability to reach emerging markets. For example, RouteNote claims to cover 95% of the world’s music market .
| Region | Top Platforms | Key Services |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | Horus Music, RouteNote | Tencent, NetEase, Xiami |
| Latin America | ONErpm | 300M daily views |
| Global | DistroKid, TuneCore | All major streaming platforms |
Advanced Features Comparison
When it comes to revenue sharing and monetization, platforms offer different options. For instance:
- DistroKid: Charges $10/year per collaborator.
- Amuse: Takes an additional 15% for non-members .
- CD Baby: Keeps 30% of YouTube revenue, compared to DistroKid’s 20% .
- AWAL & Ditto Music: Provide marketing support and playlist pitching.
- TuneCore vs. DistroKid: TuneCore stands out with more detailed analytics .
User Experience and Interface
User experience varies based on the artist’s expertise:
- Amuse & CD Baby: Great for beginners, offering simple and intuitive interfaces.
- DistroKid: Tailored for intermediate users with a streamlined dashboard.
- RouteNote: Packed with advanced tools but has a steeper learning curve .
"Mobile phones changed everything in India and China. It’s driving the youth who might be in very rural areas who before would not have the opportunity to find, consume (and pay for) music."
– Steve Finch, Founder/CEO, RouteNote
Each platform serves different needs, so choosing the right one depends on your budget, goals, and the features you prioritize.
Recommendations
Based on our detailed comparisons, here’s how different platforms cater to varying artist needs:
For Artists Releasing Music Often
- DistroKid is ideal for frequent releases, offering unlimited uploads and an easy-to-use dashboard. Perfect for those dropping new tracks every 4-8 weeks.
- Its tools make managing high-volume releases simple and efficient.
For Artists on a Tight Budget
- Amuse provides a free distribution plan, making it a great option for new artists looking to distribute music without upfront costs.
- CD Baby charges a one-time fee per single, which works well for artists with fewer annual releases.
For Artists Focused on Growth
- LANDR pairs distribution with mastering and production tools, streamlining the creative process.
- TuneCore provides detailed analytics and marketing support to help artists expand their reach.
- AWAL offers career development resources and potential funding, though it requires an application and acceptance.
For Those Needing Label Services
- Ditto Music includes label support and promotional services, giving artists a more professional edge.
- CD Baby also stands out by offering physical distribution alongside its digital services.
When choosing a platform, think about what matters most to you:
- How far your music will reach
- How revenue is split
- Whether you need creative tools or extra support
- Features to help manage your releases
Your decision should align with your current goals and where you are in your music career.
