RouteNote Distribution: The Complete Guide for Independent Artists in 2023
In today's digital music landscape, independent artists have more opportunities than ever to share their music with the world. Among the many distribution services available, RouteNote has established itself as a popular choice for musicians looking to get their tracks onto major streaming platforms without breaking the bank. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about RouteNote distribution, from its features and pricing to how it compares with competitors.
Whether you're a bedroom producer just starting out or an established independent artist looking to maximize your reach, understanding how RouteNote can fit into your music distribution strategy is essential for succeeding in the modern music industry.
What is RouteNote Distribution?
RouteNote is a digital music distribution service that helps independent artists and labels get their music onto major streaming platforms and online stores. Founded in 2007, RouteNote has grown to become one of the leading distribution options for independent musicians worldwide.
The company's core offering is simple: they provide the technical infrastructure to deliver your music to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TikTok, and dozens more, while offering flexible pricing options that cater to artists at different stages of their careers.
What sets RouteNote apart in the crowded digital distribution market is its dual approach to pricing—offering both a completely free option and a premium paid service—giving artists the freedom to choose what works best for their particular situation and budget.
How RouteNote Distribution Works
The process of distributing your music through RouteNote follows a straightforward workflow:
Create an account on the RouteNote website
Upload your music (WAV or FLAC files recommended for highest quality)
Add metadata including track titles, artist information, album art, and release dates
Select your distribution plan (Free or Premium)
Choose your target platforms from RouteNote's extensive list of partners
Submit your release for review
Once approved, your music is distributed to the selected platforms
Track performance and collect royalties through your RouteNote dashboard
One of the key advantages of RouteNote is that they handle the technical aspects of distribution, ensuring your music meets the specific requirements of each platform. This saves independent artists from having to navigate the different submission processes for dozens of different services.
RouteNote Distribution Plans: Free vs. Premium
RouteNote offers two distinct distribution models, each with its own advantages:
The Free Plan
RouteNote's free distribution option is what initially attracted many independent artists to the platform. Here's what you get with the free plan:
No upfront costs to distribute your music
Access to all major streaming platforms and stores
Worldwide distribution
Detailed analytics dashboard
You keep 85% of your royalties (RouteNote takes 15%)
No annual fees
This option is particularly appealing for new artists who are just starting out, those testing the waters with their first releases, or musicians working with very limited budgets. The trade-off is the revenue share—RouteNote keeps 15% of all earnings your music generates.
The Premium Plan
For artists who expect to earn more from their music, RouteNote's Premium plan offers a different approach:
One-time fee of $9.99 per single or $49.99 per album
Annual renewal fee of $9.99 per single or $49.99 per album
You keep 100% of your royalties
Access to all the same platforms as the free plan
Same analytics and reporting features
The Premium plan makes more financial sense for artists who generate enough streaming revenue to offset the annual fees. If your music earns more than approximately $335 per year for a single, the Premium plan would save you money compared to the 15% commission on the Free plan.
Switching Between Plans
One feature that makes RouteNote particularly flexible is the ability to switch between Free and Premium plans. Artists can start with the Free option to test the market response to their music, then upgrade to Premium once they build a steady revenue stream. Similarly, if an album's popularity wanes over time, you could switch back to the Free plan to avoid annual fees on a release that's no longer generating significant income.
RouteNote's Distribution Network
When evaluating any distribution service, the breadth of their partner network is crucial. RouteNote offers access to over 95% of the global digital music market, with distribution to more than 50 platforms including:
Major Streaming Services
Spotify
Apple Music
Amazon Music
YouTube Music
Deezer
TIDAL
Pandora
Digital Stores
iTunes
Amazon MP3
Google Play
Beatport
Traxsource
Juno Download
Social Media and Video Platforms
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube Content ID
Regional Services
NetEase (China)
Tencent (China)
JioSaavn (India)
Anghami (Middle East)
Boomplay (Africa)
This extensive network ensures that your music reaches listeners around the globe, regardless of their preferred platform. RouteNote regularly adds new services to their distribution network as the digital music landscape evolves.
For independent artists looking to explore all possible distribution options, check out this comprehensive guide to independent music distribution that covers several alternatives alongside RouteNote.
Additional Features and Services
Beyond basic distribution, RouteNote offers several additional services that can help independent artists manage their music careers:
YouTube Content ID
RouteNote's Content ID service helps you monetize your music when it's used in YouTube videos. This includes:
Automated scanning of YouTube to find videos using your music
Options to monetize, block, or track these videos
Revenue generation from ads placed on videos containing your music
For many independent artists, YouTube Content ID can become a significant revenue stream, especially if their music becomes popular for use in vlogs, tutorials, or other content.
RouteNote Studio
RouteNote Studio is the company's music publishing administration service. It helps artists collect publishing royalties when their music is:
Performed live
Played on radio
Used in TV shows, films, or commercials
Streamed on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music (mechanical royalties)
This service requires a separate sign-up from the main distribution service but can be an important addition for artists looking to maximize their revenue streams.
Analytics and Reporting
RouteNote provides comprehensive analytics through their dashboard, allowing artists to:
Track streams and downloads across all platforms
Monitor revenue in real-time
Analyze geographic data to see where your listeners are located
Identify your most popular tracks and albums
These insights can be invaluable for planning marketing strategies, tour routing, and future releases.
Getting Paid: RouteNote's Payment System
Understanding how and when you'll receive your earnings is crucial for independent artists managing their finances. Here's how RouteNote handles payments:
Payment Methods
RouteNote offers several options for receiving your royalties:
PayPal (most common and quickest option)
Bank transfer (for larger amounts)
Check (less common, longer processing time)
Payment Schedule and Thresholds
RouteNote operates on a monthly payment schedule, but there are some important details to note:
Streaming platforms typically pay RouteNote 2-3 months after streams occur
Once RouteNote receives payment, they process and transfer earnings to artists
There is a minimum payment threshold of $50 (payments accumulate until this threshold is reached)
Premium users generally receive payments faster than Free users
The delayed payment schedule is standard across most distribution services and reflects the time it takes for streaming platforms to calculate, verify, and distribute royalties throughout the supply chain.
Pros and Cons of RouteNote Distribution
Like any service, RouteNote has its strengths and limitations. Here's an objective assessment to help you decide if it's the right distribution partner for your music:
Advantages of RouteNote
Free option with no upfront costs - Perfect for new artists or those testing the market
Flexibility to switch between Free and Premium - Adapt as your career develops
Extensive distribution network - Reach listeners on virtually every major platform
No takedown fees - Remove your music at any time without penalties
Unlimited releases - No cap on how much music you can distribute
You retain all rights - Non-exclusive agreement gives you full control
Transparent pricing - No hidden fees or complicated structure
Limitations of RouteNote
Higher revenue share on Free plan - 15% is higher than some competitors
Distribution speed - Can take 2-4 weeks for releases to appear on all platforms
Customer support responsiveness - Some users report delays in getting assistance
Limited pre-save functionality - Pre-release marketing tools aren't as robust as some competitors
Payment threshold - $50 minimum payout may cause delays for artists with lower streaming numbers
How RouteNote Compares to Other Distribution Services
To put RouteNote in context, it's helpful to compare it with other popular distribution services:
RouteNote vs. DistroKid
DistroKid charges an annual subscription fee (starting around $19.99/year) for unlimited releases and lets artists keep 100% of their royalties. Unlike RouteNote, there's no free tier, but the annual fee is relatively low if you release multiple tracks per year. DistroKid is generally known for faster distribution times but lacks the free option that makes RouteNote accessible to artists with no budget.
RouteNote vs. CD Baby
CD Baby charges a one-time fee per release ($9.95 for singles, $29.95 for albums) plus takes a 9% commission on royalties. Unlike RouteNote's annual renewal fee on the Premium plan, CD Baby's one-time payment covers perpetual distribution. However, RouteNote's Free plan offers a no-cost entry point that CD Baby doesn't match.
RouteNote vs. TuneCore
TuneCore operates on an annual fee model ($9.99 for the first year for singles, $29.99 after; $29.99 for the first year for albums, $49.99 after) but allows artists to keep 100% of their royalties. RouteNote's Premium plan is competitively priced against TuneCore, while again offering the Free alternative that TuneCore doesn't have.
The right choice among these services depends on your specific needs, budget, and release schedule. Many independent artists are now considering establishing their own online presence alongside distribution services. Learn about the best platforms for building a free musician website to complement your distribution strategy.
Tips for Success with RouteNote Distribution
To maximize your experience with RouteNote, consider these best practices:
Optimizing Your Releases
Upload high-quality audio files - Use WAV or FLAC formats at 16-bit/44.1kHz minimum
Create professional artwork - 3000x3000 pixel JPG/PNG with no text near edges
Complete all metadata thoroughly - Include accurate genres, moods, and descriptions
Plan release dates strategically - Allow at least 4 weeks for distribution and marketing preparation
Use correct artist name formatting - Be consistent across all releases
Financial Management
Calculate your break-even point - Determine when Premium makes more sense than Free
Track your streaming performance - Monitor which platforms generate most revenue
Set aside renewal fees - Budget for annual costs if using Premium plan
Consider switching plans strategically - Move older, less-streamed content to Free plan
Marketing Your Music
Align release schedules with marketing efforts - RouteNote's distribution timeframe requires advance planning
Create platform-specific campaigns - Tailor promotion to each streaming service
Use RouteNote's analytics - Let data inform your marketing decisions
Leverage YouTube Content ID - Actively promote your music for content creators to use
Common Questions About RouteNote Distribution
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about RouteNote's distribution service:
How long does RouteNote take to distribute music?
RouteNote typically takes 2-4 weeks to distribute your music to all platforms. Major services like Spotify and Apple Music often receive releases faster, while smaller or regional platforms may take longer. For time-sensitive releases, it's recommended to submit your music at least 4 weeks before your intended release date.
Does RouteNote own my music?
No, RouteNote operates on a non-exclusive basis. You retain 100% ownership of your music and all associated rights. You're free to use other distribution services simultaneously or remove your music from RouteNote at any time.
Can I change from Free to Premium (or vice versa)?
Yes, RouteNote allows you to switch between Free and Premium plans at any time. When upgrading from Free to Premium, you'll pay the standard Premium fee and then begin receiving 100% of your royalties. When downgrading from Premium to Free, your revenue share will change to 85% (with RouteNote taking 15%), but you'll no longer pay annual renewal fees.
How do I get my music on TikTok through RouteNote?
TikTok distribution is included in RouteNote's standard service. When uploading your release, simply select TikTok as one of your target platforms. Your music will be made available for TikTok users to include in their videos, and you'll earn royalties when your music is used.
What happens if I want to remove my music from RouteNote?
You can request takedown of your music at any time through your RouteNote dashboard. There are no takedown fees on either the Free or Premium plans. The removal process typically takes 2-4 weeks for your music to be completely removed from all platforms.
Final Thoughts on RouteNote Distribution
RouteNote has carved out a distinctive position in the digital music distribution landscape by offering a genuinely useful free tier alongside a competitively priced premium option. This dual approach makes it particularly valuable for independent artists at different stages of their careers.
For new artists just beginning their journey, the Free plan removes financial barriers to global distribution. For established independents seeing consistent streaming numbers, the Premium plan offers a cost-effective way to maximize revenue. The flexibility to move between these options as circumstances change adds another layer of value.
While RouteNote isn't perfect—distribution times can be slower than some competitors, and the 15% commission on the Free plan is relatively high—its combination of accessibility, transparency, and comprehensive service makes it a solid choice for many independent musicians.
In an industry where artists increasingly need to function as their own labels, RouteNote provides essential infrastructure without demanding significant upfront investment. By understanding its strengths and limitations, you can effectively incorporate RouteNote into your broader music distribution and career development strategy.
Remember that distribution is just one piece of your music career puzzle. Combine RouteNote's global reach with strong marketing, social media presence, and live performances to maximize your impact as an independent artist.