The Ultimate Guide to Free Music Distribution Sites in 2024
As an independent musician, getting your music onto major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music is essential for building your audience and potentially earning revenue. Fortunately, there are numerous free music distribution sites that can help you share your music with the world without upfront costs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best free music distribution services, their features, limitations, and how to choose the right one for your musical journey.
What Are Free Music Distribution Sites?
Music distribution sites act as intermediaries between artists and streaming platforms. They take your music and deliver it to various digital stores and streaming services, making your tracks available to listeners worldwide. While many distribution companies charge fees or take a percentage of your royalties, free music distribution sites offer basic services without upfront costs, making them ideal for artists just starting out or those on tight budgets.
However, it's important to understand that "free" often comes with trade-offs. Some services may take a higher percentage of your royalties, offer fewer features, or include only limited platforms in their free tier. Before committing to any service, it's crucial to understand exactly what you're getting—and what you might be giving up.
Top Free Music Distribution Sites in 2024
Let's dive into the leading platforms that offer free music distribution services, examining their unique features, limitations, and what types of artists they best serve.
1. DistroKid Unlimited
While primarily known as a paid service, DistroKid offers the "Leave a Legacy" program where artists can pay once and their music stays up forever, essentially making it free in the long run.
Key Features:
Unlimited song uploads
Keep 100% of your royalties
Fast distribution (usually within 1-2 days)
Revenue splitting for collaborations
Automatic payment to collaborators
Releases never expire
Limitations:
Not technically free upfront (annual subscription model)
Add-on features cost extra
Best For: Prolific artists planning to release multiple songs or albums per year.
2. Amuse
Amuse offers a genuinely free tier that allows artists to distribute their music to major platforms without upfront costs.
Key Features:
100% free distribution to major platforms
Keep 100% of your royalties
Unlimited releases
Detailed analytics
Splits with collaborators
Limitations:
Slower distribution times (up to 4 weeks)
Limited customer support
Fewer stores than some paid options
Best For: Artists on a tight budget who don't need expedited releases.
3. RouteNote
RouteNote offers a free option where they take a percentage of your earnings instead of charging upfront fees.
Key Features:
Free distribution to 95+ platforms
Keep 85% of your royalties (RouteNote takes 15%)
YouTube Content ID
Detailed analytics
SoundCloud monetization
Limitations:
15% commission on earnings
Slower release times
Some advanced features only available on paid tier
Best For: Artists comfortable giving up a percentage of royalties in exchange for no upfront costs.
4. SoundCloud For Artists
While not a full distribution service, SoundCloud offers independent monetization options through their SoundCloud for Artists program.
Key Features:
Monetize your tracks on SoundCloud
Direct fan support and tipping
Detailed listener analytics
Community engagement
Limitations:
Only distributes to SoundCloud, not other platforms
Limited revenue potential compared to wider distribution
Best For: Artists building a SoundCloud community or using the platform as a supplementary income stream.
5. United Masters
United Masters offers a free tier with a revenue-sharing model.
Key Features:
Free distribution with 90% earnings retention (UM takes 10%)
Marketing and playlist pitching opportunities
Advanced analytics
Brand partnership opportunities
Limitations:
10% commission on earnings
More limited features compared to their paid Select tier
Best For: Artists looking for potential marketing opportunities beyond just distribution.
6. LANDR Distribution
LANDR, known for its mastering services, offers a free music distribution option for singles.
Key Features:
Free single releases
Distribution to major platforms
Keep 100% of your royalties
Integration with LANDR's other music tools
Limitations:
Only one free release per year
Albums and EPs require a paid subscription
Best For: Artists who release singles occasionally and may benefit from LANDR's other services.
7. Ditto Music
While primarily a paid service, Ditto occasionally offers promotional free distribution campaigns.
Key Features:
Distribution to 160+ stores during promotional periods
Keep 100% of your royalties
Professional chart registration
Limitations:
Free distribution only available during special promotions
Regular service requires subscription
Best For: Artists looking to take advantage of limited-time promotions.
Comparing Free Music Distribution Sites: Key Factors
When choosing a free music distribution service, consider these important factors:
Royalty Split
The most critical consideration for many artists is how much of their earnings they actually keep. Some free services take a percentage of royalties instead of charging upfront fees:
100% to Artist: Amuse, DistroKid (with subscription), LANDR (with limitations)
90% to Artist: United Masters (10% commission)
85% to Artist: RouteNote (15% commission)
Distribution Reach
The number and quality of platforms your music reaches matters significantly:
Extensive (95+ stores): RouteNote, DistroKid
Standard (50-90 stores): Amuse, United Masters, LANDR
Limited: SoundCloud (SoundCloud only)
Speed of Distribution
How quickly your music goes live can be crucial for time-sensitive releases:
Fast (1-3 days): DistroKid (paid service)
Medium (1-2 weeks): United Masters, LANDR
Slower (2-4 weeks): Amuse (free tier), RouteNote (free tier)
Extra Features
Beyond basic distribution, additional features can provide significant value:
Analytics: All services offer some form of analytics, but depth and detail vary
Pre-saves: Often a premium feature, but some services include basic pre-save links
Marketing tools: United Masters offers more marketing opportunities than most free tiers
Monetization beyond streaming: RouteNote includes YouTube Content ID, SoundCloud offers direct fan support
The Hidden Costs of "Free" Music Distribution
Before committing to a free distribution service, understand there are often trade-offs:
Revenue Sharing vs. Upfront Costs
Many free services take a percentage of your earnings instead of charging upfront. This might seem appealing initially, but if your music performs well, you could end up paying much more in the long run compared to a paid service with a flat fee.
For example: If you earn $1,000 in royalties, a service taking 15% would keep $150—potentially more than an annual subscription to a paid service that lets you keep 100% of royalties.
Limited Features and Support
Free tiers typically offer restricted customer service, fewer distribution platforms, limited marketing tools, and slower distribution times. As your career advances, these limitations may become more significant obstacles.
Long-term Availability
Some free services may require continued activity or have terms that could lead to your music being removed if certain conditions aren't met. Always read the fine print regarding how long your music remains available.
Best Practices When Using Free Music Distribution Sites
To maximize your success with free distribution services, follow these guidelines:
Prepare Professionally
Even when using free services, maintain professional standards:
Ensure your music is properly mixed and mastered
Create high-quality artwork that meets platform specifications (typically 3000×3000 pixels)
Prepare accurate metadata including correct genre, release date, and songwriter information
Register your songs with a PRO (Performance Rights Organization) before distribution
Plan Your Release Strategy
Free services often have slower distribution times, so plan accordingly:
Submit your music at least 3-4 weeks before your intended release date
Use this lead time to prepare your marketing strategy
Consider whether the timing limitations of free services align with your release goals
Understand Your Rights
Before distributing your music, make sure you:
Own or have properly licensed all elements of your release
Understand the terms of service, including how to remove your music if needed
Know how and when you'll be paid royalties
Beyond Distribution: Building Your Complete Online Presence
While getting your music onto streaming platforms is essential, it's only one component of your online presence. To truly succeed as an independent musician, you need to build a comprehensive digital footprint.
A crucial element of this broader strategy is having your own musician website. Your website serves as a central hub for your fans, giving you direct control over your presentation and fan interactions. For guidance on creating an effective musician website without breaking the bank, check out this comprehensive guide on free musician website platforms to build your online presence.
How to Choose the Right Free Music Distribution Service
With so many options available, selecting the right distribution partner can feel overwhelming. Consider these questions to narrow down your choices:
Questions to Ask Yourself
Volume of releases: How many songs/albums do you plan to release annually?
Revenue expectations: Are you likely to earn enough that revenue sharing would exceed a paid subscription cost?
Timeline needs: How important is speed of distribution for your release strategy?
Feature requirements: Which additional tools (analytics, marketing, etc.) are most important to you?
Long-term plans: Are you looking for a temporary solution or a long-term distribution partner?
Best For Different Artist Types
Based on your specific situation, some services may be more suitable than others:
For beginners just testing the waters: Amuse offers a simple, truly free entry point
For prolific artists: RouteNote's free tier allows unlimited releases, though they take a percentage
For artists seeking marketing opportunities: United Masters offers better promotional tools in their free tier
For occasional single releases: LANDR's free single distribution
FAQs About Free Music Distribution Sites
Are free music distribution sites really completely free?
While some services offer distribution without upfront costs, most have some form of compensation model—typically taking a percentage of your royalties or limiting features. True "100% free with no strings attached" distribution is rare. Always read the terms carefully.
How do free distribution services make money?
Free distribution services generate revenue through various models:
Revenue sharing (taking a percentage of your royalties)
Upselling to premium tiers with additional features
Offering complementary services (mastering, promotion, etc.)
Using free distribution to build their artist roster for label services
Can I switch distribution services after releasing music?
Yes, but the process requires careful planning. You'll need to:
Ensure your new distributor can use the same UPC/ISRC codes
Time the transition to minimize any downtime of your music
Verify that your streaming stats and playlists will transfer correctly
Check for any contractual limitations with your current distributor
Will my music get on all streaming platforms with free distribution?
Most free distribution services cover major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Deezer. However, they may not include all regional or specialized platforms that premium services reach. Check each distributor's specific platform list before committing.
How long does it take to get my music on streaming platforms?
Distribution times vary widely:
Free tiers typically take 2-4 weeks
Paid services often deliver in 1-7 days
During high-volume periods (like holiday seasons), all services may experience delays
Do I keep ownership of my music when using free distribution?
Yes, legitimate distribution services (free or paid) don't take ownership of your music. They simply deliver it to platforms and collect royalties on your behalf. However, always read the terms of service carefully to confirm this is explicitly stated.
Success Stories: Artists Who Started with Free Distribution
Many successful independent artists began their careers using free distribution services before transitioning to paid options as their career progressed.
For example, several breakout artists initially used services like DistroKid, TuneCore, or Amuse to get their early releases onto streaming platforms. As their streaming numbers grew, they either continued with these services or transitioned to more comprehensive deals with labels or distributors.
The key takeaway from these success stories isn't which specific service they used, but rather that they didn't let distribution costs become a barrier to getting their music heard. They focused on creating quality music, building genuine fan connections, and developing smart marketing strategies—all things that remain possible regardless of which distribution service you choose.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path for Your Music
Free music distribution sites offer valuable opportunities for independent artists to share their music with the world without upfront investment. Whether you're just starting out or operating on a limited budget, these services can help you reach global streaming platforms and begin building your audience.
However, as your career develops, it's worth regularly reassessing whether the limitations of free services are still aligned with your goals. Many artists find that as their streaming numbers grow, the revenue percentage taken by free services eventually exceeds what they would pay for a subscription service with more features and better support.
The most important factor is ensuring your music reaches listeners—if a free distribution service helps you accomplish that goal while fitting your current circumstances, it's a valid choice for your musical journey. As your career evolves, your distribution strategy can evolve alongside it.
Remember that distribution is just one piece of your music career puzzle. Combine it with strategic promotion, engaging social media presence, live performances, and a solid musician website to create a sustainable path forward as an independent artist.