The Ultimate List of Music Distributors for Independent Artists in 2024
As an independent musician, getting your music onto streaming platforms is a crucial step in building your career. The right music distributor can make all the difference in how widely your music reaches audiences around the world. This comprehensive list of music distributors will help you navigate the options available to you and find the perfect partner for your distribution needs.
In today's digital music landscape, distribution is more accessible than ever, but choosing the right distributor from the many options can be overwhelming. Each service offers different features, pricing models, and reach. Whether you're releasing your first single or your tenth album, understanding the landscape of music distribution is essential to your success.
This article breaks down the top music distributors for independent artists, exploring their pros, cons, pricing structures, and special features to help you make an informed decision for your music career.
What Is a Music Distributor?
Before diving into our list of music distributors, it's important to understand what these services actually do. A music distributor acts as the middleman between artists and streaming platforms/digital stores. They take your music and deliver it to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TIDAL, and many others.
In the past, physical distribution was the only way to get music to fans, requiring deals with record labels and retail stores. Today, digital music distributors have democratized the process, allowing independent artists to reach global audiences without major label backing.
Modern music distributors typically offer:
Distribution to major streaming platforms and digital stores
Royalty collection and payment processing
Analytics and reporting tools
Marketing support (varies by distributor)
Release planning tools
Metadata management
Now, let's explore the top music distributors available to independent artists.
Major Digital Music Distributors
DistroKid
DistroKid has become one of the most popular choices for independent artists due to its simple pricing model and extensive feature set.
Pricing: DistroKid operates on an annual subscription model, starting at $19.99/year for unlimited releases. They offer different tiers with additional features.
Pros:
100% royalty keeping (no commission)
Unlimited releases for a flat annual fee
Fast distribution (typically 1-2 days)
Split payments feature for collaborations
Automatic monetization on YouTube
Sync licensing opportunities
Cons:
Extra fees for some features like legacy protection (keeping music live if subscription lapses)
Customer service can be slow during peak times
Limited marketing tools compared to some competitors
DistroKid is ideal for prolific artists who release music frequently and want a straightforward, cost-effective solution. Their unlimited uploads model makes them particularly attractive for artists who put out multiple releases per year.
TuneCore
A veteran in the digital distribution space, TuneCore offers comprehensive services with a pay-per-release model, though they've recently introduced subscription options as well.
Pricing: TuneCore now offers both pay-per-release options (starting at $9.99 for a single) and subscription plans ($14.99-$49.99/year) that include varying numbers of releases.
Pros:
100% royalty keeping
Extensive distribution network (150+ stores and platforms)
Advanced analytics
Publishing administration services
Sync licensing opportunities
Social media monetization
Cons:
Higher cost for multiple releases under the traditional pricing model
Annual renewal fees to keep music live
Interface can be less intuitive than some competitors
TuneCore is well-suited for serious artists looking for comprehensive services and who value detailed analytics and wider distribution reach.
CD Baby
One of the oldest digital distributors, CD Baby offers a one-time payment model and additional services like physical distribution.
Pricing: One-time fee of $9.95 for singles or $29 for albums, plus 9% commission on royalties.
Pros:
One-time payment (no recurring fees)
Physical CD and vinyl distribution options
Publishing administration services
Sync licensing opportunities
YouTube monetization
Professional marketing services available
Cons:
9% commission on royalties
Higher upfront costs compared to subscription models
Slower distribution times (typically 3-10 business days)
CD Baby is excellent for artists who release music less frequently and prefer a one-and-done payment approach without worrying about annual renewals. They're also one of the few distributors that still handle physical product distribution.
United Masters
United Masters positions itself as a distribution service with a strong focus on marketing and artist development.
Pricing: Two options: a free tier with 90% royalty keeping, or $5/month subscription with 100% royalty keeping.
Pros:
Brand partnership opportunities
Marketing support and audience development
Artist showcases and playlisting opportunities
Free option available (unusual in the industry)
Strong mobile app for analytics and engagement
Cons:
10% commission on the free tier
More limited distribution network than some competitors
Fewer advanced features for rights management
United Masters is particularly good for hip-hop and R&B artists looking to connect with brands and develop their audience. Their marketing focus sets them apart from more utility-focused distributors.
AWAL
AWAL (Artists Without A Label) offers selective distribution with more hands-on support than most distributors.
Pricing: No upfront fees, but they take a 15% commission on royalties.
Pros:
No upfront costs
Marketing and promotional support
Selective curation leads to a more prestigious roster
Potential for advances and funding
Label-like services without giving up ownership
Cons:
Application-based (not everyone gets accepted)
15% commission is higher than many competitors
Less control over release timing
AWAL is ideal for artists who have already built some momentum independently and are looking for more support and resources similar to what a label might provide while maintaining ownership of their masters.
Ditto Music
Ditto Music offers straightforward distribution services with some unique features for artist development.
Pricing: Subscription plans ranging from $19/year to $75/year depending on features.
Pros:
100% royalty keeping
Unlimited releases on all plans
Record label services available
Publishing administration
Artist and label management tools
Cons:
Some advanced features only available on higher-tier plans
Less intuitive interface than some competitors
Customer service response times can vary
Ditto is well-suited for artists who want to start their own label or need more control over multiple artists' releases, thank to their label management tools.
Specialized and Boutique Music Distributors
Amuse
Amuse offers a unique model combining free distribution with data-driven artist scouting.
Pricing: Free tier with 100% royalties, or Pro tier at $4.99/month.
Pros:
100% royalty keeping on both tiers
Completely free option available
Opportunity for record deals based on streaming performance
Clean, mobile-first interface
Fast-track release option on Pro plan
Cons:
Limited customer support on free tier
Fewer additional services than full-service distributors
Release speed can be slow on the free tier
Amuse is perfect for new artists on a tight budget who want to test the waters without financial commitment, while still keeping 100% of their royalties.
Fresh Tunes
Fresh Tunes offers free music distribution with a focus on anti-piracy protection.
Pricing: Free distribution with optional paid services.
Pros:
Free basic distribution
Strong anti-piracy tools
Content ID for YouTube
No commission on royalties
Cons:
Limited distribution network compared to larger services
Fewer advanced features
Support can be limited
Fresh Tunes is good for artists particularly concerned about piracy or who want a simple, free distribution option with few frills.
Symphonic Distribution
Symphonic offers boutique distribution with a focus on electronic, Latin, and urban music.
Pricing: Application-based with varying fee structures.
Pros:
Specialized knowledge in specific genres
Marketing and promotion services
Neighboring rights collection
Video distribution
Publishing administration
Cons:
Selective application process
Can be more expensive than mass-market distributors
Less transparent pricing structure
Symphonic is ideal for established artists in electronic, Latin, or urban genres looking for specialized marketing and distribution support.
OneRPM
OneRPM focuses on emerging markets, especially in Latin America, with strong support for Latin music.
Pricing: Free to distribute with a commission-based model (typically 15%).
Pros:
Strong presence in Latin American markets
Marketing and promotional support
Video distribution services
No upfront costs
Publishing administration
Cons:
15% commission is higher than some competitors
Less established in some non-Latin markets
Interface may not be as user-friendly
OneRPM is excellent for artists looking to break into Latin American markets or Latin artists seeking a distributor with regional expertise.
Routenote
Routenote offers both free and premium distribution options for flexibility.
Pricing: Free with 15% commission, or Premium at $9.99 per single/$29.99 per album with no commission.
Pros:
Flexible pricing options
Ability to switch between free and premium
SoundCloud monetization
YouTube Content ID
No annual renewal fees
Cons:
Slower distribution speed than some competitors
Interface can be less intuitive
Limited additional services
Routenote is good for artists who want flexibility between free and paid options and don't mind slightly slower distribution times.
Landr
Known primarily for automated mastering, Landr also offers distribution services.
Pricing: Plans range from $4/month to $25/month depending on features and number of releases.
Pros:
Integrated mastering services
Unlimited releases on higher-tier plans
100% royalty keeping
Sample library access
Promotion and playlist plugging
Cons:
Limited track allocation on lower-tier plans
Primarily focused on mastering, with distribution as secondary service
Less established distribution network
Landr is perfect for artists who want to combine mastering and distribution services in one platform, creating an end-to-end release workflow.
Label Services and Advanced Distribution
The Orchard (Sony)
The Orchard is a Sony Music-owned distributor catering to labels and established artists.
Pricing: Custom pricing, generally commission-based.
Pros:
Major label connections
Extensive marketing services
Physical and digital distribution
Global team with local expertise
Advanced analytics and reporting
Cons:
Not accessible to most independent artists (selective)
Less transparent pricing
May require giving up more control
The Orchard is suitable for established artists, managers, and independent labels looking for major label-level distribution services.
Believe Distribution
Believe offers tiered services from simple distribution to label services.
Pricing: Varies based on service level, typically commission-based.
Pros:
Scalable services from basic to comprehensive
Strong international presence, especially in Europe
Marketing team support at higher levels
Physical and digital distribution
Video distribution services
Cons:
Higher levels require application/invitation
Less transparent pricing structure
May not be accessible to new artists
Believe is ideal for growing artists who need scalable services that can evolve as their career develops, especially those targeting European markets.
InGrooves (Universal)
Universal Music-owned InGrooves provides distribution and marketing for established independent artists and labels.
Pricing: Custom pricing, generally commission-based.
Pros:
Major label connections
Marketing and promotional support
Advanced analytics platform
Global team with regional expertise
Sync licensing opportunities
Cons:
Selective application process
Not accessible to most beginning artists
May require more established track record
InGrooves works best for established independent artists and labels looking for major label resources while maintaining independence.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Music Distributor
When selecting from this list of music distributors, consider these key factors to make the best choice for your career:
Pricing Structure
Music distributors typically use one of these pricing models:
Subscription: Annual or monthly fee for unlimited or limited releases (DistroKid, Ditto)
Pay-per-release: One-time fee for each single or album (CD Baby, TuneCore's traditional model)
Free/Commission: No upfront cost but percentage of royalties (Amuse free tier, Routenote free)
Hybrid: Combinations of the above (Routenote, UnitedMasters)
Choose based on your release frequency and budget. Frequent releasers often save with subscription models, while occasional releasers might prefer pay-per-release.
Royalty Split
Some distributors take a percentage of your earnings, while others let you keep 100% of your royalties. Consider how this affects your long-term income, especially as your streams grow.
Speed of Distribution
Distribution times can vary from 1-2 days (DistroKid) to several weeks (some free services). If time-sensitive releases are important to you, prioritize distributors with faster turnaround times.
Additional Services
Beyond basic distribution, many services offer:
Publishing administration
Cover song licensing
YouTube Content ID
Marketing support
Playlist pitching
Physical distribution
If you need these services, choose a distributor that specializes in areas important to your strategy.
Analytics and Reporting
The quality of analytics tools varies widely between distributors. If data-driven decisions are important to your strategy, look for distributors with comprehensive analytics dashboards.
Payout Thresholds and Frequency
Some distributors pay monthly with no minimum threshold, while others might pay quarterly with minimum payout requirements. For artists on tight budgets, frequent access to earnings might be a priority.
Building Your Online Presence Beyond Distribution
While choosing the right distributor is crucial, it's just one piece of your music career puzzle. Creating a strong online presence is equally important for connecting with fans directly. Having your own musician website gives you a hub for your music career that you control completely, unlike social media platforms where algorithms determine your reach.
A good website complements your distribution strategy by giving fans a place to discover more about you, join your mailing list, buy merchandise, and connect more deeply with your work. It also provides a professional presence that can help you secure gigs, press coverage, and industry opportunities.
Making the Most of Your Music Distribution Strategy
To maximize the impact of your chosen distributor, consider these best practices:
Plan Your Releases Strategically
Schedule releases with enough lead time (at least 3-4 weeks) to build promotion
Consider splitting albums into singles or EPs to create multiple release moments
Time releases to align with tours, music videos, or other promotional activities
Use pre-save campaigns to build momentum before release day
Optimize Your Metadata
Use consistent artist names across all platforms
Select appropriate genres and subgenres
Include detailed song information and lyrics
Add appealing, high-quality cover art
Use smart keywords in your descriptions
Leverage Analytics
Monitor which platforms perform best for your music
Track listener demographics to understand your audience
Identify your strongest territories for touring opportunities
Analyze streaming patterns to inform future release strategies
Diversify Your Distribution Strategy
Many artists use different distributors for different projects or aspects of their career. You might use:
A mainstream distributor for primary releases
A specialized service for specific markets
Direct deals with certain platforms where possible
For a deeper dive into music distribution strategies for indie artists, check out this comprehensive guide on independent music distribution.
FAQs About Music Distributors
Which music distributor pays the most?
Distributors that allow you to keep 100% of your royalties (like DistroKid, TuneCore, and Ditto Music) typically result in the highest payouts. However, some artists may find more value in services that take a commission but offer marketing support that increases overall streams.
What is the cheapest way to distribute music?
Free distributors like Amuse Free, Fresh Tunes, and Routenote's free tier offer the lowest upfront costs. For artists releasing multiple songs per year, subscription services like DistroKid often provide the best value.
How long does music distribution take?
Distribution times vary from 1-2 days (DistroKid) to 1-3 weeks (some free services). After distributor processing, platforms typically take another 1-5 days to make music live, with some platforms like Apple Music and Spotify often being faster than others.
Can I switch music distributors?
Yes, but the process requires careful planning. You'll need to:
Request takedown from your current distributor
Wait for completion (can take 1-4 weeks)
Upload to the new distributor with identical metadata
Be aware you may lose stream counts and playlist positions
Do I need a different distributor for each streaming platform?
No, most distributors service all major platforms. However, some specialized distributors may have better relationships or features for specific platforms or regions.
Conclusion
The landscape of music distribution continues to evolve, offering independent artists more options than ever before. The best distributor for you depends on your specific needs, budget, release frequency, and career goals.
Many successful indie artists begin with user-friendly, cost-effective services like DistroKid or Amuse, then graduate to more specialized services as their career grows. Others prefer the stability of one-time payment models like CD Baby's. There's no one-size-fits-all solution in music distribution.
Remember that distribution is just one piece of your music career puzzle. Combine smart distribution choices with effective marketing, engaging social media presence, live performances, and a professional website to build a sustainable music career.
By carefully evaluating the options in this list of music distributors against your specific needs, you can make an informed choice that supports your music career goals and helps your music reach its widest possible audience.