The Cheapest Music Distribution Services for Independent Artists in 2024
In today's digital music landscape, independent artists need affordable ways to get their music onto streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more. Finding the cheapest music distribution service that doesn't compromise on quality is essential for artists working with limited budgets.
This comprehensive guide explores the most affordable music distribution options available, comparing features, pricing structures, and the real value they offer to independent musicians. Whether you're releasing your first single or your tenth album, these budget-friendly distribution services can help you reach global audiences without breaking the bank.
Understanding Music Distribution Services
Before diving into specific services, it's important to understand what music distribution actually entails and why choosing the right service matters—even when budget is a primary concern.
What Is Digital Music Distribution?
Digital music distribution is the process of delivering your music to online streaming platforms and digital stores. A distribution service acts as the middleman between you (the artist) and platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TikTok, and dozens of others.
These services handle the technical aspects of uploading your music, ensuring it meets the specifications required by each platform, and managing the collection and payment of royalties generated from streams and downloads.
Why Price Shouldn't Be Your Only Consideration
While finding the cheapest music distribution service is important for many independent artists, the lowest price doesn't always equal the best value. Consider these factors alongside cost:
Royalty splits: Some services take a percentage of your earnings, while others let you keep 100%
Number of stores/platforms: How many streaming services and digital stores will your music reach?
Release limitations: How many songs or albums can you distribute annually?
Analytics: Do they provide detailed streaming and revenue data?
Additional features: Do they offer marketing tools, playlist pitching, or other promotional services?
Payment thresholds: How much do you need to earn before you can withdraw your money?
The Most Affordable Music Distribution Services in 2024
Let's explore the most budget-friendly distribution options currently available, with detailed breakdowns of their pricing structures and what they offer.
DistroKid
DistroKid has earned a reputation as one of the most cost-effective distribution services for artists who release music frequently.
Pricing:
Musician plan: $19.99/year (unlimited songs, one artist)
Musician Plus: $35.99/year (unlimited songs, two artists, customizable release dates)
Label plan: $79.99/year (unlimited songs, 5-100 artists)
Key Features:
Keep 100% of your royalties
Unlimited releases for a flat annual fee
Fast distribution (typically 1-2 days)
Automatic split payments for collaborations
Covers for YouTube Content ID
Distribution to over 150 platforms
Value Assessment: For artists who release multiple songs or albums per year, DistroKid offers exceptional value. The unlimited release model means the more you release, the lower your per-track distribution cost becomes. If you're releasing more than 2-3 singles annually, DistroKid quickly becomes one of the cheapest music distribution services available.
TuneCore
TuneCore recently revamped its pricing structure to be more competitive with other budget-friendly options.
Pricing:
New Artist plan: Free (up to 2 songs per year)
Rising Artist: $14.99/year (unlimited releases)
Breakout Artist: $29.99/year (unlimited releases + social platforms)
Professional: $49.99/year (all features + advanced analytics)
Key Features:
Keep 100% of your royalties
Distribution to over 150 digital stores and streaming services
Detailed analytics dashboard
Publishing administration services available (additional cost)
Social media monetization (higher tiers)
Value Assessment: TuneCore's free tier makes it one of the cheapest music distribution services for new artists just testing the waters. The unlimited release plans are also competitive, though slightly more expensive than DistroKid. TuneCore is particularly valuable for artists who want detailed analytics and publishing administration options.
RouteNote
RouteNote stands out by offering both free and premium distribution options.
Pricing:
Free tier: $0 upfront (but RouteNote keeps 15% of royalties)
Premium: $9.99 for a single, $29.99 for an album (one-time fee, keep 100% of royalties)
Key Features:
Distribution to major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, TikTok
YouTube Content ID
Detailed analytics
No annual renewal fees on the Premium plan
Ability to switch between Free and Premium plans
Value Assessment: RouteNote's free option is genuinely one of the cheapest music distribution services for artists with minimal budget. While the 15% commission means you'll earn less per stream, there's zero upfront cost. The Premium option with one-time payments (rather than annual renewals) can be cost-effective for artists who release infrequently.
Amuse
Amuse offers a simple, streamlined approach to music distribution with a generous free tier.
Pricing:
Free tier: $0 (unlimited releases, keep 100% royalties)
Pro tier: $24.99/year (faster distribution, pre-scheduling, split payments)
Key Features:
Distribution to all major platforms
No commission on royalties (even on free tier)
Royalty splitting for collaborations (Pro tier)
Release scheduling (Pro tier)
Mobile-first approach with user-friendly app
Value Assessment: Amuse's free tier is arguably the most generous among the cheapest music distribution services, offering unlimited releases while letting you keep 100% of your royalties. The catch is slower distribution times and fewer advanced features. The Pro tier is reasonably priced for artists who need more control over their releases.
CD Baby
CD Baby uses a one-time payment model rather than annual subscriptions.
Pricing:
Single: $9.95 (one-time fee)
Album: $29 (one-time fee)
Pro Publishing: Additional $29 for singles or $69 for albums
Key Features:
One-time payment for lifetime distribution
9% commission on royalties
Physical distribution services available
Sync licensing opportunities
Publishing administration (Pro Publishing tier)
Distribution to over 150 platforms
Value Assessment: CD Baby isn't the cheapest music distribution service for prolific artists, but its one-time payment model can be economical for musicians who release infrequently. The 9% commission is higher than some competitors, but you'll never need to renew your distribution, making it potentially cheaper in the long run for certain release strategies.
United Masters
United Masters positions itself as both a distribution service and a marketing platform.
Pricing:
Free tier: $0 upfront (United Masters takes 10% of royalties)
Select tier: $9.99/month or $59.88/year (keep 100% of royalties)
Key Features:
Distribution to all major platforms
Advanced analytics
Direct fan engagement tools
Opportunities for brand partnerships and placements
Faster payments on Select tier
Value Assessment: United Masters' free tier makes it one of the cheapest music distribution services to get started with. The 10% commission is lower than some competitors' free options. The Select tier is reasonably priced for artists who want to keep 100% of their royalties and access additional marketing opportunities.
Comparing the Cheapest Music Distribution Services
To help you make the best decision for your specific needs, let's compare these services across several key factors.
Annual Costs for Different Release Schedules
Your release frequency dramatically affects which service is most economical:
For artists releasing 1-2 singles per year:
TuneCore's free tier ($0)
Amuse free tier ($0)
RouteNote free tier ($0 upfront, 15% commission)
CD Baby ($9.95-$19.90 one-time payment, 9% commission)
For artists releasing an album and 2-3 singles annually:
DistroKid ($19.99/year for unlimited releases)
Amuse Pro ($24.99/year for unlimited releases)
TuneCore Rising Artist ($14.99/year for unlimited releases)
CD Baby ($49.85-$59.80 one-time payment, 9% commission)
For prolific artists (5+ releases per year):
DistroKid ($19.99/year for unlimited releases)
TuneCore Rising Artist ($14.99/year for unlimited releases)
Amuse Pro ($24.99/year for unlimited releases)
Royalty Structures
How much of your streaming revenue you actually keep:
100% royalties (no commission): DistroKid, TuneCore, Amuse, United Masters Select
91% royalties (9% commission): CD Baby
90% royalties (10% commission): United Masters Free
85% royalties (15% commission): RouteNote Free
Payment Thresholds
The minimum amount you need to earn before you can withdraw your money:
DistroKid: No minimum (monthly payments)
TuneCore: No minimum (monthly payments)
RouteNote: $50
Amuse: $10
CD Baby: $10
United Masters: $0 on Select, $100 on Free tier
Hidden Costs to Watch For
When searching for the cheapest music distribution service, be aware of these potential additional costs that might not be immediately obvious:
Add-On Features
Many distribution services offer their basic service at a low price but charge extra for features like:
Pre-save campaigns: $5-20 per release
YouTube Content ID: $5-30 per release (free with some services)
Shazam registration: Sometimes an additional fee
ISRC and UPC codes: Usually included but sometimes extra
Cover song licensing: $15-30 per cover song
Takedown and Change Fees
Need to remove or modify a release? This might cost you:
DistroKid: Free takedowns with standard plan, $5 for metadata changes
TuneCore: $10 for takedowns, variable fees for changes
RouteNote: Free on Premium, fees apply on Free tier
CD Baby: $5-10 for most changes
Payment Processing Fees
How you get paid can affect how much you receive:
PayPal fees: Typically 2-3% of withdrawal amount
Bank transfer fees: $0-25 depending on country and service
Currency conversion: 1-3% if you're paid in a currency different from your bank
Free Music Distribution: Is It Really Free?
Several services advertise "free music distribution," but it's important to understand what "free" actually means in each case.
The Different Models of "Free"
Commission-based free: Services like RouteNote Free and United Masters Free charge no upfront fee but take a percentage of your earnings.
Limited free tier: TuneCore's New Artist plan offers truly free distribution but limits you to 2 songs per year.
Unlimited free tier: Amuse's free plan is unusual in offering unlimited releases with no commission, but with slower distribution times and fewer features.
The Real Cost of Free Distribution
Let's calculate what "free" distribution actually costs in potential lost revenue:
Imagine your music earns $100 in streaming revenue:
With RouteNote Free (15% commission): You lose $15
With United Masters Free (10% commission): You lose $10
With a paid service keeping 100% royalties: You might pay $20/year but keep all $100
The break-even point varies based on your earnings. If you expect to earn more than $200/year from your music, paid services that let you keep 100% of royalties often work out cheaper than "free" commission-based options.
Best Cheapest Music Distribution Services for Specific Needs
Different artists have different priorities. Here are our recommendations for specific situations:
Best for Absolute Beginners with No Budget
Recommendation: Amuse (Free tier)
Amuse's free tier offers unlimited releases with no commission, making it ideal for artists just starting out who want to test the waters without any financial commitment. The mobile-first approach also makes it exceptionally easy to use.
Runner-up: TuneCore's New Artist plan (free for up to 2 songs per year)
Best for Frequent Releases on a Budget
Recommendation: DistroKid ($19.99/year)
For artists who release music regularly, DistroKid's unlimited annual plan offers unbeatable value. The flat fee structure means the more you release, the less you pay per track, making it the cheapest music distribution service for prolific artists.
Runner-up: TuneCore Rising Artist ($14.99/year)
Best for Infrequent Releases
Recommendation: CD Baby ($9.95 per single, one-time payment)
If you only release music occasionally (less than once a year), CD Baby's one-time payment model can be more economical than annual subscriptions. Despite the 9% commission, you'll never have to pay renewal fees to keep your music available.
Runner-up: RouteNote Premium (one-time fees, no commission)
Best for Artists Seeking Additional Opportunities
Recommendation: United Masters Select ($9.99/month or $59.88/year)
United Masters stands out for its focus on connecting artists with brand partnerships and placement opportunities. While not the absolute cheapest music distribution service, it offers additional revenue potential through its marketing platform that could more than offset the cost.
Maximizing Value from Budget Distribution Services
Getting the most from your cheapest music distribution service requires some strategic thinking:
Release Strategies to Minimize Costs
Bundle releases: With services charging per release, consider releasing EPs instead of multiple singles
Time your annual subscriptions: Plan your release schedule to fit within a single subscription year
Use different services for different purposes: Consider using a free service for experimental releases and a paid service for your main catalog
Take advantage of promotions: Many services offer discounts for annual payments or first-time users
Complementary Free Tools for Independent Artists
Pair your affordable distribution with these free tools to maximize your music career:
Social media platforms: Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter for promotion
Canva: Free graphic design for cover art
MailChimp: Free email marketing (up to 2,000 subscribers)
Google Analytics: Track traffic to your music links
Free musician website builders: Create a professional online presence without coding skills. Check out the best free website platforms for musicians.
Beyond Distribution: The Complete Picture
While finding the cheapest music distribution service is important, it's just one piece of your music career puzzle.
Building Your Online Presence
Distribution gets your music on platforms, but you need a central hub for fans:
Artist website: A professional website gives you control over your online presence
Social media profiles: Maintain active accounts on platforms where your fans spend time
Email list: Build a direct connection with fans that doesn't depend on algorithms
For more information on building your online presence as a musician, explore this guide on the best free website platforms for musicians.
Marketing Your Music on a Budget
Even with the cheapest music distribution service, your music needs promotion:
Playlist pitching: Submit to playlist curators (many accept free submissions)
Content creation: Create shareable videos and images around your music
Collaborations: Partner with other artists to share audiences
Local networking: Build relationships in your local music scene
Understanding the Bigger Picture of Music Distribution
For a deeper dive into all aspects of music distribution beyond just finding the cheapest option, check out this comprehensive guide on independent music distribution options for indie artists.
Making Your Final Decision
With so many affordable options available, how do you choose the right cheapest music distribution service for your needs?
Questions to Ask Before Choosing
How many releases do you plan to put out annually?
Do you need advanced features like pre-scheduling or split payments?
How important is keeping 100% of your royalties vs. paying upfront costs?
Do you need your music distributed quickly, or can you wait?
Will you need to make changes to your releases after they're live?
Are you looking for additional opportunities beyond just distribution?
Try Before You Commit
Many services offer free trials or free tiers that let you test their platform:
Use Amuse or TuneCore's free tier to test their interfaces
Read user reviews from artists in your genre
Calculate your specific costs based on your release plans
Contact customer service with questions to gauge their responsiveness
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Balance of Cost and Value
The cheapest music distribution service isn't necessarily the one with the lowest sticker price—it's the one that offers the best value for your specific needs and release strategy.
For most independent artists releasing music regularly, subscription services like DistroKid and TuneCore offer the best combination of affordability and features. Artists releasing less frequently might find better value in pay-per-release models like CD Baby or RouteNote Premium.
True beginners with no budget can start with genuinely free options like Amuse's free tier or TuneCore's New Artist plan, then graduate to more feature-rich services as their career develops.
Remember that distribution is just one investment in your music career. The right affordable distribution service frees up resources for other crucial areas like production quality, marketing, and building your artist brand.
By carefully assessing your specific needs and understanding the true costs involved, you can find a distribution solution that keeps your music accessible worldwide without straining your finances.