ONErpm Distribution Review: A Complete Guide for Independent Artists
In today's digital music landscape, getting your music to streaming platforms is essential for any independent artist looking to grow their audience. Among the many distribution services available, ONErpm distribution stands out as a comprehensive solution that offers more than just pushing your tracks to Spotify and Apple Music. This in-depth guide explores everything you need to know about ONErpm distribution services, how they compare to competitors, and whether they're the right choice for your music career.
As an artist navigating the complex world of music distribution, understanding your options is crucial. Before diving deep into ONErpm, you might want to explore a broader overview of independent music distribution options for indie artists to better contextualize what ONErpm offers.
What is ONErpm Distribution?
ONErpm (One Revolution Per Minute) is a digital music distribution company founded in 2010 that has evolved into a full-service music company. With offices in major music cities worldwide including New York, Nashville, Miami, Los Angeles, Bogotá, São Paulo, and more, ONErpm has positioned itself as a global player in music distribution and artist services.
At its core, ONErpm provides digital distribution services that enable artists to release their music on all major streaming platforms and digital stores like:
Spotify
Apple Music
Amazon Music
YouTube Music
Deezer
Tidal
TikTok
And many more international platforms
However, unlike many basic distributors, ONErpm positions itself as more than just a distribution service. They offer a tiered approach that can include marketing services, playlist pitching, YouTube monetization, and even label-like support for qualifying artists.
ONErpm Distribution Plans and Pricing
ONErpm offers multiple service tiers designed to accommodate artists at different stages of their careers. Understanding these options is crucial to determining if ONErpm is the right distributor for your needs.
Free Distribution Plan
Yes, you read that correctly. ONErpm offers a free distribution tier, which includes:
Distribution to all major platforms
YouTube Content ID
Basic analytics
70% revenue share (ONErpm keeps 30%)
Access to ONErpm's artist dashboard
This free tier makes ONErpm appealing to beginning artists or those testing the waters with their first releases. However, the 30% commission is significantly higher than what most paid distribution services charge.
Plus Partners Program
The Plus Partners program is for artists who have demonstrated some traction and potential. This tier includes:
Higher revenue share (typically 80%)
Release planning assistance
Potential playlist pitching
Enhanced analytics
Dedicated support
This tier is invitation-based or by application, and ONErpm evaluates artists based on their streaming numbers and growth potential.
Premium Partners Program
For established artists with significant streaming numbers, ONErpm offers their Premium partnership, which includes:
Highest revenue share (85-90%)
Advanced marketing support
Radio promotion possibilities
Social media strategy
Playlist placement campaigns
Dedicated artist manager
Potential financial advances for new projects
This tier positions ONErpm almost like a label rather than just a distributor, with significant hands-on support for artist development.
The ONErpm Distribution Process
Getting your music distributed through ONErpm follows a straightforward process, which has been refined over the years to be more user-friendly.
Account Creation and Setup
To begin with ONErpm distribution:
Create an account on the ONErpm website
Complete your artist profile with biography, social media links, and genre information
Verify your account through email
Set up your payment details for royalty collection
The account creation process is simple and free, allowing you to explore the platform before committing to a release.
Uploading and Submitting Music
Once your account is set up, you can begin the release submission process:
Create a new release in your dashboard
Upload your audio files (WAV format recommended)
Upload your cover artwork (3000x3000 pixels, square format)
Enter metadata including song titles, featured artists, composers, lyrics, ISRC codes, etc.
Select your desired release date (minimum 7 days in advance is recommended, but 3-4 weeks is ideal for marketing purposes)
Choose which platforms you want to distribute to
Review and submit your release
ONErpm's upload interface is fairly intuitive, with tooltips and guidelines to help you through the process. Their quality control team will review your submission to ensure it meets all platform requirements before distributing it.
Pre-release and Marketing Options
ONErpm provides several pre-release marketing features:
Pre-saves: Create Spotify pre-save campaigns through their dashboard
Pre-release distribution: Submit your music to platforms weeks in advance for playlist consideration
Release scheduling: Plan your release calendar for strategic timing
Promotional tools: Access to shareable links and embedded players
Higher tier partners receive additional marketing support, including personalized promotional strategies and direct playlist pitching by ONErpm's team.
ONErpm's Analytics and Royalty Dashboard
One of ONErpm's strengths is their data reporting and analytics dashboard, which has seen significant improvements in recent years.
Real-time Analytics
The ONErpm dashboard provides comprehensive analytics including:
Daily and monthly streaming numbers across all platforms
Geographic data showing where your listeners are located
Revenue estimates and projections
Playlist tracking to see which playlists your music has been added to
Audience demographics
Trend analysis to track growth over time
This data is crucial for understanding your audience and planning future releases and marketing strategies. The analytics are presented in a visually appealing format with graphs and charts that make it easy to interpret your performance metrics.
Royalty Payments and Schedule
ONErpm's payment structure works as follows:
Payment threshold: $5 minimum for withdrawal
Payment schedule: Monthly payments, typically 45-60 days after the end of the month in which streams occurred
Payment methods: PayPal, direct deposit, and other region-specific options
Transparent reporting: Detailed breakdown of earnings by platform, country, and song
While the payment timeline is industry standard, ONErpm's relatively low payment threshold is advantageous for emerging artists who may not generate large amounts of revenue initially.
ONErpm's Additional Services and Features
Beyond basic distribution, ONErpm offers several additional services that add value for artists:
YouTube Content ID and Channel Management
ONErpm excels in YouTube monetization services, including:
Content ID: Automatic identification and monetization of your music when used in YouTube videos
Multi-Channel Network: Optional management of your YouTube channel with enhanced monetization rates
YouTube strategy: For higher-tier partners, guidance on optimizing your YouTube presence
Their YouTube monetization program is particularly strong compared to many competitors, and can be a significant revenue stream, especially for artists with visual content or whose music is frequently used by content creators.
Social Media Monetization
ONErpm also helps artists monetize their music across social platforms:
Facebook/Instagram: Monetization when your music is used in stories, reels, or posts
TikTok: Revenue generation when your songs are used in TikTok videos
Other social platforms: Expanding monetization across emerging platforms
This social media monetization can be particularly valuable as platforms like TikTok continue to drive music discovery and viral success.
Publishing Administration
For songwriters, ONErpm offers publishing administration services (in select markets) to help collect mechanical royalties and performance rights royalties worldwide. This service includes:
Registration of your songs with collection societies
YouTube publishing administration
Sync licensing opportunities
Global royalty collection
This additional service helps ensure you're collecting all possible revenue streams from your music, beyond just streaming royalties.
Pros and Cons of ONErpm Distribution
When evaluating ONErpm as your distribution partner, consider these advantages and potential drawbacks:
Advantages of ONErpm
Free entry-level tier: No upfront cost to distribute your music
Comprehensive platform reach: Distribution to all major services plus regional platforms
Growth potential: Opportunity to advance to higher service tiers as your career develops
Marketing support: Access to promotional tools and potential playlist pitching
Strong YouTube monetization: Particularly good services for YouTube content creators
Global presence: Offices in multiple countries providing regional expertise
User-friendly dashboard: Intuitive analytics and reporting interface
Additional services: Options for publishing, social media monetization, and more
Potential Drawbacks
Higher commission rate: The free tier's 30% cut is significantly more than paid distributors
Selective advanced tiers: Not all artists will qualify for the enhanced service levels
Variable customer service: Support quality can depend on your tier and region
Less control than some competitors: Certain settings and options may be limited compared to fully DIY distributors
Release approval times: Some users report occasional delays in the review process
Who Should Use ONErpm Distribution?
Based on ONErpm's structure and offerings, they're particularly well-suited for:
Ideal ONErpm Users
New artists on a budget: The free tier makes it accessible for beginners
YouTube-focused musicians: Their strong YouTube monetization services benefit creators with visual content
International artists: With offices in Latin America, Europe, and Asia, they offer good regional support
Artists seeking growth partnerships: The tiered approach allows for escalating support as you develop
Musicians wanting all-in-one services: The combination of distribution, marketing, and publishing services creates a comprehensive package
Less Ideal for:
Artists prioritizing the highest revenue share: The free tier's 70% share is lower than many competitors
Musicians requiring extensive customization: Some settings and options are more limited
Labels or large catalogs: Other distributors offer more specialized label services
ONErpm vs. Competitors: How Does It Compare?
The digital distribution landscape is competitive, with multiple services vying for artists' business. Here's how ONErpm stacks up against some key competitors:
ONErpm vs. DistroKid
DistroKid charges an annual fee (starting around $19.99/year) but lets artists keep 100% of their royalties. It offers unlimited releases and faster distribution times but lacks the tiered services and marketing support of ONErpm.
Choose ONErpm if: You want potential marketing support and are willing to sacrifice some revenue share for additional services.
Choose DistroKid if: Maximizing your revenue percentage is your priority and you prefer a simple, fast DIY approach.
ONErpm vs. CD Baby
CD Baby charges a one-time fee per release ($9.95 for singles, $29 for albums) and takes 9% of royalties. They offer permanent distribution (no annual fees) and strong publishing administration services.
Choose ONErpm if: You want free distribution with potential for enhanced services as you grow.
Choose CD Baby if: You prefer a one-time payment model and permanent distribution without annual fees.
ONErpm vs. Amuse
Amuse also offers free distribution with a similar business model to ONErpm, focusing on discovering and promoting promising artists. They take 15% on their free tier (vs. ONErpm's 30%).
Choose ONErpm if: You value their established industry presence and additional services like YouTube monetization.
Choose Amuse if: You want free distribution with a higher revenue share and a more streamlined mobile-first approach.
Tips for Maximizing Your ONErpm Distribution Experience
If you decide to use ONErpm for your music distribution, here are some strategies to get the most from the service:
Optimizing Your ONErpm Releases
Plan well ahead: Submit your releases 3-4 weeks before your desired release date to allow time for review and playlist pitching
Perfect your metadata: Include complete and accurate information about composers, features, and lyrics
Use high-quality assets: Submit WAV audio files and professional 3000x3000 pixel artwork
Create compelling release descriptions: Write engaging stories about your music for potential playlist curators
Utilize pre-save campaigns: Take advantage of ONErpm's pre-save tools to build anticipation
Coordinate your marketing: Align your social media, email, and promotional efforts with your ONErpm release calendar
Working Toward Higher Service Tiers
To increase your chances of being invited to ONErpm's Plus or Premium tiers:
Build consistency: Establish a regular release schedule to demonstrate commitment
Grow your streaming numbers: Focus on legitimate ways to increase your Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube metrics
Engage with the platform: Use ONErpm's tools and analytics regularly to show active participation
Develop your social presence: Strong social media following makes you more attractive for partnerships
Network with ONErpm representatives: Attend their webinars and industry events when possible
Demonstrate growth potential: Show consistent improvement in your metrics over time
ONErpm Success Stories
ONErpm has worked with thousands of artists worldwide, with several notable success stories that showcase the potential of their platform:
Notable Artists Using ONErpm
While ONErpm works with many independent artists, they've also partnered with established names like:
Alan Walker
Alok
Jacob Collier
Pedro Capó
Master KG
They've been particularly successful in the Latin and electronic music markets, helping artists achieve global breakthroughs.
Breakthrough Stories
Some of ONErpm's most impressive case studies include:
Helping launch viral hits that have crossed over to mainstream success
Supporting independent artists in reaching millions of streams without major label backing
Assisting international artists in breaking into new markets, particularly between Latin America and the US/European markets
Providing marketing support that has led to significant playlist placements and chart positions
These success stories often feature artists who started on ONErpm's basic tier and graduated to their enhanced service levels as their careers developed.
Setting Up Your Online Presence Beyond Distribution
While distribution is essential, it's just one component of a successful music career. ONErpm distribution works best when it's part of a comprehensive online strategy. Your music needs a home beyond streaming platforms, which is why having your own website is crucial. For guidance on creating your digital hub, check out this resource on free musician website platforms to build your online presence.
Frequently Asked Questions About ONErpm Distribution
Is ONErpm distribution really free?
Yes, ONErpm offers a genuinely free distribution tier with no upfront costs. Instead of charging you directly, they take a 30% commission from your streaming royalties. This makes it accessible for new artists but means you'll keep less of your earnings compared to paid distribution services.
How long does ONErpm take to distribute music?
ONErpm typically requires a minimum of 7 days from submission to release, but recommends 3-4 weeks for optimal playlist pitching opportunities. The review process usually takes 1-3 business days, after which your music is delivered to platforms. Each streaming service then has its own ingestion period before making your music available.
Can I leave ONErpm if I want to switch distributors?
Yes, you can request takedowns of your music from ONErpm's platform. The process typically takes 7-30 days depending on the platforms. Unlike some distributors, ONErpm doesn't charge takedown fees, but you'll need to coordinate the timing carefully if transferring to another service to avoid duplicate releases or streaming gaps.
Does ONErpm pay mechanical royalties?
ONErpm collects and pays the mechanical royalties that are included in the streaming payments from platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. For additional publishing royalties (like performance rights), they offer publishing administration services in select markets, though this is separate from their basic distribution service.
How does ONErpm's YouTube monetization work?
ONErpm's YouTube monetization includes Content ID, which scans YouTube for videos using your music and monetizes them accordingly. They also offer a Multi-Channel Network option to optimize your own YouTube channel's monetization. The revenue split depends on your service tier, but typically follows the same percentages as your distribution agreement (70-90% to the artist).
Conclusion: Is ONErpm Distribution Right for You?
ONErpm distribution offers a unique position in the digital music ecosystem, combining free access with tiered services that can grow with your career. Their approach makes them particularly valuable for:
Artists just starting out who need distribution without upfront costs
Musicians who want potential access to marketing and promotional support
Content creators looking for strong YouTube monetization
International artists, particularly in Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia
The trade-off comes in the form of a higher commission rate on the free tier, which means you'll keep less of your streaming revenue compared to paid services. However, the potential for enhanced support through their Plus and Premium programs offers growth opportunities that many purely DIY distributors don't provide.
Ultimately, the best distribution service depends on your specific needs, budget, and career stage. ONErpm distribution provides a solid option that balances accessibility, comprehensive services, and growth potential—making it worth serious consideration in your distribution strategy.
Whether you choose ONErpm or another distributor, remember that distribution is just one piece of your music career puzzle. Combine it with strong content creation, marketing, and fan engagement for the best chances of success in today's competitive music landscape.
Disclaimer: This article provides information based on ONErpm's services at the time of writing. Features, pricing, and policies may change over time, so always check ONErpm's official website for the most current details before making decisions about your music distribution.