Top 15 Sites Like DistroKid: Best Music Distribution Alternatives for Independent Artists
In today's digital music landscape, independent artists have more opportunities than ever to share their music with the world. While DistroKid has established itself as a popular digital distribution service, many artists are exploring alternatives that might better suit their specific needs, budget constraints, or distribution goals.
Whether you're looking for more affordable options, additional marketing tools, or different royalty structures, this comprehensive guide explores the best sites like DistroKid that can help you get your music onto major streaming platforms and into the ears of listeners worldwide.
What Makes a Good DistroKid Alternative?
Before diving into specific alternatives, it's important to understand what features to look for when comparing music distribution services:
Pricing structure - flat fee vs. percentage of royalties
Number of platforms covered in distribution
Speed of distribution to streaming services
Royalty collection and payment frequency
Additional marketing tools and promotional features
Analytics and reporting capabilities
Customer support quality and responsiveness
With these criteria in mind, let's explore the top alternatives to DistroKid for independent artists.
1. TuneCore
TuneCore is one of the most established players in the digital music distribution space and serves as a robust alternative to DistroKid.
Key Features:
Pricing: Annual fee per single or album (starting at $9.99 per single annually)
Royalties: Artists keep 100% of their royalties
Distribution Reach: Over 150 digital stores and streaming platforms
Additional Services: Publishing administration, sync licensing opportunities, and social media promotional tools
TuneCore differs from DistroKid primarily in its pricing model. While DistroKid charges a flat annual fee for unlimited releases, TuneCore charges per release. This makes TuneCore potentially more expensive for prolific artists but might be more cost-effective for those who release music less frequently.
The platform also offers TuneCore Publishing Administration, which helps artists collect publishing royalties globally – a valuable service for songwriters looking to maximize their revenue streams.
2. CD Baby
CD Baby is one of the oldest digital music distributors and offers a comprehensive suite of services beyond just distribution.
Key Features:
Pricing: One-time fee per release ($9.95 for singles, $29 for albums)
Royalties: Artists keep 91% of their royalties (9% commission)
Distribution Reach: Over 150 streaming platforms and digital stores
Additional Services: Physical CD and vinyl distribution, sync licensing, publishing administration, and promotional tools
Unlike DistroKid's subscription model, CD Baby charges a one-time fee per release, making it a lifetime distribution with no recurring costs. This can be particularly appealing for artists who don't release music frequently or prefer a "set it and forget it" approach.
CD Baby also offers physical distribution services, which DistroKid doesn't provide. This makes it a more comprehensive option for artists who want to sell physical copies of their music alongside digital distribution.
3. Amuse
Amuse has gained popularity as a free digital music distribution service with a unique business model.
Key Features:
Pricing: Free tier available; Pro tier at $24.99/year
Royalties: Artists keep 100% of their royalties on both free and pro plans
Distribution Reach: All major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and more
Additional Services: Split payments feature, advance royalty payments through Fast Forward program
Amuse's free tier makes it an attractive option for artists just starting out or those on a tight budget. The company makes money by identifying promising artists through their distribution data and offering them record deals, rather than taking a cut of streaming royalties.
The Pro tier offers additional features like faster releases, keeping your music on stores forever, and team accounts for collaborative projects.
4. United Masters
United Masters positions itself as more than just a distributor—it's a platform designed to help independent artists build sustainable careers.
Key Features:
Pricing: Free tier (keeps 90% of royalties) or SELECT tier at $59.99/year (keeps 100% of royalties)
Distribution Reach: All major streaming platforms
Additional Services: Brand partnership opportunities, direct fan engagement tools, and marketing support
United Masters stands out for its focus on connecting artists with brand partnership opportunities. The platform has worked with major brands like NBA, Bose, and AT&T to create opportunities for independent artists.
Their data-driven approach helps identify which artists might be a good fit for specific campaigns, potentially opening up significant revenue streams beyond just streaming royalties.
5. AWAL
AWAL (Artists Without A Label) offers a more selective approach to music distribution compared to DistroKid's open platform.
Key Features:
Pricing: No upfront costs, but takes 15% commission on royalties
Royalties: Artists keep 85% of their streaming revenue
Distribution Reach: All major digital platforms
Additional Services: Marketing support, playlist pitching, radio promotion, and funding opportunities
AWAL is more selective than DistroKid, as they review all submissions before accepting artists onto their platform. This curation process means they're more invested in the success of the artists they take on, often providing more hands-on support with marketing and promotion.
For artists looking to grow their careers with more professional support, AWAL offers a middle ground between self-distribution and a traditional record label.
6. Ditto Music
Ditto Music offers a range of distribution packages to suit different artist needs and career stages.
Key Features:
Pricing: Starting at $19 annually for unlimited releases
Royalties: Artists keep 100% of their royalties
Distribution Reach: Over 200 stores and streaming services
Additional Services: Record label services, publishing administration, and chart registration
Ditto's pricing structure is similar to DistroKid's, with an annual fee covering unlimited releases. However, they offer different tiers with additional services like chart registration and VEVO channel creation.
One unique feature is Ditto's record label in a box service, which helps artists set up their own record label with proper legal structure and administration – perfect for artists looking to build a more professional business around their music.
7. ONErpm
ONErpm functions as both a digital distributor and a full-service music company offering marketing and promotional support.
Key Features:
Pricing: Free basic distribution with commission (85% to artist) or premium services
Distribution Reach: All major platforms plus regional services in Latin America
Additional Services: YouTube Content ID, marketing campaigns, and video production
ONErpm offers different tiers of service depending on where you are in your career. Their basic distribution is free but takes a 15% commission, while more established artists can access additional marketing and promotional support.
The company has a particularly strong presence in Latin America, making it an excellent choice for artists looking to reach audiences in those markets.
8. Symphonic Distribution
Symphonic Distribution offers a more premium service with a focus on marketing and promotional support.
Key Features:
Pricing: Application-based with various fee structures
Royalties: Artists typically keep 85% of royalties
Distribution Reach: Over 200 digital platforms
Additional Services: Marketing services, playlist pitching, sync licensing, and advanced analytics
Unlike DistroKid's open platform, Symphonic Distribution requires an application and review process. This makes it more selective but also means they're more invested in the success of the artists they accept.
Their comprehensive dashboard provides detailed analytics and sales data, helping artists make informed decisions about their marketing and release strategies.
9. Fresh Tunes
Fresh Tunes offers a straightforward, budget-friendly alternative to DistroKid.
Key Features:
Pricing: Free basic distribution
Royalties: Artists keep 100% of their royalties
Distribution Reach: Major streaming platforms
Additional Services: Basic analytics and reporting
Fresh Tunes stands out for its free distribution model that still allows artists to keep 100% of their royalties. They monetize through optional add-on services rather than taking a cut of streaming revenue.
While their service offering isn't as comprehensive as some other distributors, the free price point makes it an attractive option for artists on a tight budget who want to retain all their streaming revenue.
10. RouteNote
RouteNote offers both free and premium distribution options to cater to different artist needs.
Key Features:
Pricing: Free (with 85% royalties to artist) or Premium ($9.99 annual fee per single)
Distribution Reach: All major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music
Additional Services: YouTube Content ID, SoundCloud monetization
RouteNote's flexible approach allows artists to choose between a free model (where RouteNote takes a 15% cut) or a paid model (where artists keep 100% of royalties). Artists can even switch between these models for different releases.
Their SoundCloud monetization feature is particularly valuable for artists who have built a following on that platform and want to generate revenue from their existing content.
11. Landr Distribution
Known primarily for their automated mastering service, Landr also offers digital distribution services.
Key Features:
Pricing: Starting at $20/year for basic distribution
Royalties: Artists keep 100% of their royalties
Distribution Reach: All major streaming platforms
Additional Services: Integrated mastering services, sample library, and promotional tools
Landr's main advantage is the integration of their mastering service with their distribution platform. Artists can master their tracks and distribute them all in one place, streamlining the release process.
Their subscription plans include both distribution and mastering credits, potentially offering good value for artists who regularly need both services.
12. Stem
Stem focuses on providing transparent financial tools alongside distribution services.
Key Features:
Pricing: $4.99 per month
Royalties: Artists keep 95% of their royalties
Distribution Reach: All major platforms
Additional Services: Automated revenue splitting, advanced financial reporting, and direct-to-fan sales tools
Stem's standout feature is its robust financial infrastructure. The platform makes it easy to split payments between collaborators automatically, ensuring everyone gets paid their fair share without complicated manual calculations.
Their invite-only model means they maintain a more curated roster of artists, but those who are accepted gain access to a powerful suite of financial tools designed specifically for music creators.
13. MondoTunes
MondoTunes claims to offer the widest distribution network of any digital distributor.
Key Features:
Pricing: One-time fee starting at $7.99 per single
Royalties: Artists keep 100% of their royalties
Distribution Reach: Claims over 250 stores and platforms
Additional Services: Radio promotion, mastering services, and music video distribution
MondoTunes differentiates itself by focusing on the breadth of its distribution network, claiming to reach more platforms than any other distributor. This includes many regional and niche platforms that other services might not cover.
Their one-time payment model means no recurring fees, making it a potential money-saver for artists who plan to keep their music available for many years.
14. Horus Music
Horus Music offers flexible distribution options with a focus on international markets.
Key Features:
Pricing: Various packages starting from £19.99 per single
Royalties: Artists keep 100% of their royalties on premium plans
Distribution Reach: Over 100 platforms worldwide
Additional Services: Publishing administration, physical distribution, and marketing support
Horus Music has a particularly strong presence in international markets, including China and India, making them a good choice for artists looking to reach global audiences.
They offer both pay-as-you-go and subscription options, allowing artists to choose the model that works best for their release schedule and budget.
15. Record Union
Record Union offers straightforward digital distribution with flexible pricing options.
Key Features:
Pricing: Starting at $7 for a single for 1 year
Royalties: Artists keep 85% of their royalties
Distribution Reach: All major platforms
Additional Services: Basic analytics and pre-save campaigns
Record Union offers different distribution periods (1, 3, or 5 years) with corresponding price points, giving artists flexibility based on how long they want their music to remain available.
Their platform is straightforward and easy to use, making it a good option for artists who want a no-frills distribution service without complicated features they may not need.
How to Choose the Right DistroKid Alternative for Your Music
With so many options available, selecting the right distribution service can feel overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Consider Your Release Frequency
If you release music frequently, subscription services with unlimited releases like DistroKid or Ditto might be more cost-effective. If you only release occasionally, per-release models like CD Baby might make more sense financially.
Evaluate Your Budget
Free services like Amuse or RouteNote's free tier can be great starting points if you're on a tight budget. As your career grows, you might find value in paying for premium services with additional features.
Assess Your Need for Additional Services
Some artists just need basic distribution, while others benefit from publishing administration, marketing support, or physical distribution. Identify which additional services would actually benefit your career.
Research Payment Reliability and Speed
How quickly and reliably a service pays out royalties can vary significantly. Research user reviews about payment experiences before committing to a platform.
Consider Your Target Markets
If you're targeting specific international markets, choose a distributor with strong coverage in those regions. Some distributors have better reach in certain parts of the world than others.
For artists looking to establish a strong online presence beyond just music distribution, check out this guide to the best platforms to build your online presence as a musician.
The Importance of Digital Distribution for Independent Artists
In today's music industry, digital distribution is essential for independent artists. Without a major label behind you, these services provide the critical infrastructure needed to get your music onto streaming platforms where listeners can discover it.
Beyond just distribution, many of these services offer tools to help you grow your career, from marketing support to data analytics that can inform your strategy. The right distribution partner can be a valuable ally in building a sustainable music career.
For a deeper dive into the world of independent music distribution, explore this comprehensive guide on the best distribution options for indie artists.
Frequently Asked Questions About DistroKid Alternatives
Is there a free alternative to DistroKid?
Yes, several services offer free distribution options, including Amuse, RouteNote (free tier), and Fresh Tunes. However, free services may take a percentage of royalties or offer fewer features than paid options.
Which distribution service pays artists the most?
Services that allow artists to keep 100% of their royalties include DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby's Pro tier, and Ditto Music. However, these services charge upfront fees. The "best paying" service depends on your sales volume and how it balances against the fees charged.
Can I switch from DistroKid to another distributor?
Yes, but the process requires careful planning. You'll need to:
Sign up with your new distributor
Upload your music to the new service
Schedule the release date for after you've taken down your music from DistroKid
Remove your music from DistroKid
Allow time for the takedown to process before the new release goes live
Do I lose my streaming history if I change distributors?
If you properly transfer your music using UPC codes, you can maintain your streaming history and playlists on most platforms. However, this process can be complex and may vary by platform. Some services like DistroKid offer specific features to help maintain your streaming data when transferring.
Which distribution service is best for getting on playlists?
Services like AWAL, United Masters, and Symphonic Distribution have dedicated teams for playlist pitching and promotion. However, no distributor can guarantee playlist placement, as this ultimately depends on the quality of your music and its fit for particular playlists.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect DistroKid Alternative
While DistroKid remains a popular choice for many independent artists, exploring alternatives can help you find a distribution service that better aligns with your specific needs, budget, and career goals. Whether you're looking for more affordable options, additional marketing support, or specialized services, there's likely a distributor that fits your requirements.
Remember that as your career evolves, your distribution needs may change. Many artists find themselves switching services or using multiple distributors for different projects as they grow. The most important thing is to choose a reliable partner that helps you get your music to your fans efficiently while maximizing your revenue potential.
By understanding the unique strengths and limitations of each platform, you can make an informed decision that supports your music career both now and in the future.