OneRPM Pricing: A Complete Guide to Distribution Costs and Plans
As an indie artist navigating the complex world of music distribution, understanding OneRPM pricing is crucial for making informed decisions about your music career. OneRPM has emerged as one of the leading digital music distribution services, helping independent artists get their music on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about OneRPM's pricing structure, compare it with alternatives, and help you determine if it's the right distribution partner for your musical journey.
What is OneRPM?
Before diving into the pricing details, let's establish what OneRPM offers. Founded in 2010, OneRPM is a digital music distribution company that helps artists and labels distribute their music to over 200 digital stores and streaming services worldwide. Beyond distribution, OneRPM provides marketing support, video distribution, and analytics tools to help artists grow their careers.
The company positions itself as more than just a distributor—it's a comprehensive music solution that offers various services to help artists achieve success in the digital music landscape.
OneRPM Pricing Structure Overview
OneRPM operates on a different model compared to many other digital distributors. Instead of charging upfront fees or annual subscriptions, OneRPM primarily works on a revenue-sharing model. This approach makes it particularly attractive for artists who are just starting their careers or have limited budgets for music distribution.
The Basic Revenue Share Model
At its core, OneRPM's pricing follows a percentage-based structure:
Revenue share: OneRPM typically takes 15% of the revenue generated from your music
Artist keeps: 85% of all revenue
No annual fees: Unlike some distributors, there are no recurring annual charges to keep your music on streaming platforms
No takedown fees: You can remove your music from distribution without additional costs
This straightforward approach means you don't pay anything upfront to distribute your music. OneRPM makes money when you make money, creating an aligned incentive structure.
Free Music Distribution
One of the most appealing aspects of OneRPM is that artists can distribute their music without any upfront costs. This is particularly beneficial for:
New artists testing the waters
Musicians with limited budgets
Artists focusing on building a streaming presence before investing heavily
While "free" distribution means no upfront costs, remember that OneRPM will take their percentage from any revenue your music generates.
Additional Services and Their Costs
Beyond basic distribution, OneRPM offers several premium services that may incur additional costs or higher revenue share percentages.
Marketing and Promotion
OneRPM offers promotional services that can help boost your music's visibility:
Playlist pitching: Custom pricing based on campaign scope
Social media promotion: Varies based on campaign requirements
PR services: Custom quotes based on artist needs
These services typically come with custom pricing that OneRPM determines after consultation with the artist. The costs reflect the scope and scale of the marketing efforts.
YouTube Content ID
OneRPM provides YouTube Content ID services to help artists monetize their music on YouTube:
Revenue share: Typically 20-30% for YouTube royalty collection (higher than the standard distribution fee)
Coverage: Monetizes both official uploads and user-generated content featuring your music
This service helps capture revenue that might otherwise be lost when others use your music in their YouTube content.
Publishing Administration
For songwriters looking to collect their publishing royalties globally, OneRPM offers publishing administration services:
Revenue share: Usually 15-20% of publishing royalties collected
Registration with PROs (Performance Rights Organizations)
Global royalty collection
Sync licensing opportunities
This service ensures you receive the mechanical and performance royalties you're entitled to as a songwriter.
How OneRPM Payments Work
Understanding how and when you'll get paid is just as important as knowing the pricing structure.
Payment Schedule
OneRPM typically operates on the following payment schedule:
Monthly payments: Artists receive payments monthly once their balance reaches the minimum threshold
Payment threshold: Usually $50, though this may vary by region
Payment methods: Direct deposit, PayPal, and other region-specific options
Reporting: Detailed analytics and earnings reports are available through the OneRPM dashboard
The payment timeline from streaming services to your account typically follows this pattern:
Streaming services pay OneRPM (usually 2-3 months after streams occur)
OneRPM processes and verifies the payments
OneRPM pays artists (typically within 30 days after they receive funds)
This means there's often a 3-4 month delay between when your music is streamed and when you receive payment for those streams.
Royalty Splitting
For collaborations, OneRPM offers royalty splitting functionality:
Multiple collaborators can receive their designated percentage of earnings
Each collaborator needs a OneRPM account
Split percentages can be customized according to agreements between collaborators
This feature simplifies the often complex process of ensuring all contributors receive their fair share of earnings from collaborative works.
OneRPM Pricing Compared to Competitors
To put OneRPM's pricing in perspective, let's compare it with some major competitors in the digital distribution space.
OneRPM vs. DistroKid
DistroKid:
Annual subscription model: $19.99/year for unlimited releases
Keeps 100% of your royalties
Additional fees for services like YouTube Content ID, cover song licensing, etc.
Must continue paying annual fee to keep music live
OneRPM:
No upfront or annual fees
Takes 15% of royalties
Music stays up even if you stop working with them
Additional services available with custom pricing
Best for: DistroKid may be more cost-effective for artists generating substantial streaming revenue, while OneRPM might be better for those with smaller catalogs or who prefer no upfront costs.
OneRPM vs. CD Baby
CD Baby:
One-time fee: $9.95 per single or $29 per album
Revenue share: 9% of digital royalties
Permanent distribution (pay once, distributed forever)
Publishing administration available for additional fees
OneRPM:
No upfront fees
15% revenue share
More marketing and promotional services included
Best for: CD Baby might work better for artists who prefer a hybrid model of paying some upfront costs for a lower revenue share, while OneRPM appeals to those wanting to avoid initial investment.
OneRPM vs. TuneCore
TuneCore:
Annual fee: $9.99 per single annually or $29.99 per album annually
Keeps 100% of your royalties
Must pay annual fee to keep music available
Additional services available at extra cost
OneRPM:
No annual fees
15% revenue share
Music remains available without continued payment
Best for: TuneCore makes sense for artists with high streaming numbers where keeping 100% of royalties outweighs the annual fees. OneRPM is more suitable for artists with modest streaming numbers or those who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach.
For a complete breakdown of all your distribution options as an independent artist, check out this comprehensive guide to independent music distribution options for indie artists.
Is OneRPM's Pricing Worth It?
Whether OneRPM's pricing model is worth it depends on your specific situation as an artist. Let's examine some scenarios:
When OneRPM Makes Financial Sense
For new artists with limited budgets: If you're just starting out and want to avoid upfront costs, OneRPM's no-fee entry point is attractive. You only pay when you start earning.
For artists releasing music sporadically: If you don't release music on a regular schedule, paying annual fees to services like DistroKid or TuneCore might not make sense.
For artists seeking additional services: If you want access to marketing support and other artist services beyond simple distribution, OneRPM's integrated approach might provide good value.
When to Consider Alternatives
For artists with significant streaming numbers: If your music generates substantial streaming revenue, the 15% cut might end up costing more than annual subscription fees from competitors.
For artists who value ownership: Some artists prefer keeping 100% of their royalties and are willing to pay upfront or annual fees to achieve this.
For artists needing specialized features: Some competitors offer unique features like instant splitting payments to collaborators or specialized playlist pitching that might be worth the different fee structure.
Hidden Costs and Considerations
Beyond the basic pricing structure, there are some additional considerations that might impact the total cost of using OneRPM.
Potential Additional Fees
While OneRPM prides itself on transparency, be aware of these potential additional costs:
Payment processing fees: Depending on your payment method, there might be transaction fees when withdrawing your earnings
Currency conversion: If you're receiving payments in a currency different from your local currency, exchange rates and fees may apply
Tax withholding: Depending on your country of residence, tax may be withheld from your payments
Contract Terms and Flexibility
OneRPM's contract terms are generally artist-friendly, but consider these factors:
Exclusivity: OneRPM doesn't typically require exclusivity, meaning you can distribute different releases through different services
Contract length: Most agreements are made on a per-release basis rather than binding you for extended periods
Takedown time: If you decide to remove your music, be aware it may take several weeks for it to be removed from all platforms
Making the Most of OneRPM's Services
If you decide to go with OneRPM, here are some strategies to maximize value:
Leveraging Free and Included Services
OneRPM offers several valuable services included in their standard pricing:
Analytics dashboard: Use the detailed performance metrics to understand your audience and plan marketing efforts
Pre-save campaigns: Create pre-save links for upcoming releases to build anticipation
Basic promotion: Some level of promotional consideration is included without additional fees
Educational resources: OneRPM provides guides and tutorials to help artists navigate the industry
Taking full advantage of these included services increases the value you get from the 15% revenue share.
When to Invest in Premium Services
Consider upgrading to premium services when:
You have a strategic release plan: For important releases where you need additional promotional support
You're targeting specific markets: OneRPM has strong presence in Latin America and other global markets
You have budget allocated for marketing: If you've set aside marketing funds, OneRPM's services might provide better ROI than trying to run campaigns yourself
Always ask for clear estimates of costs and expected results before committing to premium services.
Real Artist Experiences with OneRPM Pricing
To provide a balanced view, here are some perspectives from artists using OneRPM:
Success Stories
Many artists have found value in OneRPM's pricing structure:
"As an emerging artist, OneRPM's no upfront cost model allowed me to put my music on all major platforms without any investment. Their Latin American connections also helped me break into new markets I wouldn't have reached otherwise."
"The 15% fee is worth it for the marketing support. Their team helped get my single on key playlists, which would have been difficult to achieve independently."
Challenges and Limitations
Some artists have encountered limitations:
"As my streams grew, I realized I was paying significantly more with the 15% model than I would have with a flat-fee distributor. I eventually switched to keep more of my royalties."
"The payment threshold meant I had to wait several months before accessing my earnings, which was challenging when trying to fund my next project."
These real experiences highlight the importance of considering your specific situation when evaluating OneRPM's pricing model.
Setting Up Your Online Presence Beyond Distribution
While distribution is crucial, having a strong online presence is equally important for maximizing your music career. Distribution services like OneRPM get your music on platforms, but you also need a central hub for fans.
Creating a professional website allows you to control your narrative, collect email subscribers, sell merchandise, and connect directly with fans. For resources on building your online presence, check out this guide to free musician website platforms that can complement your distribution strategy.
FAQs About OneRPM Pricing
Is OneRPM really free to use?
OneRPM doesn't charge upfront fees to distribute your music, but they do take a 15% commission from any revenue your music generates. So while there's no initial cost, you do share your earnings with them.
How often does OneRPM pay artists?
OneRPM typically pays artists monthly once they reach the minimum payment threshold (usually $50). The actual timing of payments depends on when streaming platforms pay OneRPM, which is typically 2-3 months after streams occur.
Can I leave OneRPM if I'm not satisfied?
Yes, you can request to have your music taken down from distribution if you're unsatisfied with OneRPM's services. There's no fee to remove your music, though the takedown process may take several weeks to complete across all platforms.
Does OneRPM take ownership of my music?
No, OneRPM does not take ownership of your music. You retain all rights to your recordings. OneRPM simply acts as a distributor, helping get your music onto streaming platforms while taking a percentage of revenue generated.
Are there any hidden fees with OneRPM?
OneRPM's basic distribution model is transparent with the 15% revenue share, but be aware of potential payment processing fees, currency conversion costs, and fees for premium services if you opt for them.
Does OneRPM offer advances to artists?
In some cases, OneRPM may offer advances to artists with proven streaming history or significant potential. These arrangements are typically negotiated individually and may involve different revenue share percentages or recoupment terms.
Conclusion: Is OneRPM Pricing Right for You?
OneRPM's pricing model offers a compelling option for independent artists, particularly those just starting their careers or those who prefer avoiding upfront costs. The 15% revenue share model means the service essentially pays for itself from the earnings it helps generate.
For new artists, OneRPM provides an accessible entry point to music distribution without financial risk. For established artists, the decision becomes more nuanced—the convenience and additional services must be weighed against the percentage of revenue shared.
When making your decision, consider:
Your current and projected streaming numbers
Your release frequency
Your need for additional services beyond basic distribution
Your comfort with paying upfront costs versus sharing revenue
Remember that distribution is just one element of your music career. Creating quality music, building a strong online presence, and engaging with fans remains crucial regardless of which distribution partner you choose.
By carefully evaluating OneRPM's pricing structure against your specific needs and goals, you can make an informed decision that best supports your musical journey.