Independent Music Distribution: Best Options for Indie Artists
Independent artists today have more power than ever to release music globally without a major label. The key is choosing the right independent music distribution service to get your songs on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and beyond. This in-depth guide compares the best indie music distributors and options for different needs – whether you’re a hip-hop artist, an electronic producer, an international act, or even running an independent label. We’ll also discuss going DIY vs using a distributor, free vs paid distribution models, and highlight platforms that support SoundCloud distribution and Bandcamp music distribution specifically. By the end, you’ll be equipped to choose the best music distribution service for independent artists like you.
Major Indie Music Distribution Companies: Overview
Dozens of indie music distribution companies exist, but a handful of major players dominate. These companies act as aggregators, delivering your tracks to streaming services and download stores worldwide. Here’s a quick look at some of the best independent music distribution platforms and how they differ:
DistroKid – Popular flat-fee distributor known for affordability and speed. Unlimited song uploads for one yearly price (around $22.99/year for one artist), with no commission taken on your earnings. Offers useful features like revenue splits and YouTube Content ID.
TuneCore – Long-established distributor for independent artists and labels. Now offers unlimited release plans (starting ~$22.99/year) that let you keep 100% of royalties. Provides extras like publishing administration and detailed sales reports.
CD Baby – Veteran distribution company (founded 1998) trusted by many independents. Charges per release instead of an annual fee (about $9.99 per single or $29 per album) and takes a 9% cut of streaming/download revenue. One-time fees mean your music stays online forever; they also handle YouTube monetization and offer physical CD/vinyl distribution.
AWAL – A selective independent music distributor (recently acquired by Sony) catering to serious indie artists. No upfront fees, but they take about 15% commission. You must apply and be accepted. In return, AWAL offers high-touch support, sync/licensing opportunities, and a large network of platforms (200+ outlets globally).
Ditto Music – UK-based distributor with unlimited releases for a flat yearly rate (around $19/year for one artist; higher tiers for more artists). Artists keep 100% of royalties. Ditto offers promo tools and label services, but be cautious – it has received negative artist feedback about customer service and payments.
Amuse – A mobile-first distribution app that gained fame for its free plan. Amuse’s free tier (currently limited or being phased out) let artists distribute at no cost with 0% commission, while its paid plans (starting ~$20/year) offer faster release times, royalty splits, and 100% royalties. It’s a favorite for emerging artists, and the company sometimes signs standout talent to its own indie label.
RouteNote – Distribution platform with both free and paid options. The free plan charges no upfront fee but takes 15% of your revenue. The paid “Premium” plan lets you keep 100% by paying per release or a small annual cost. Popular with budget-conscious artists, though support and speed on the free tier can be slower.
LANDR – Known for AI mastering, LANDR also offers music distribution. It has subscription plans (starting ~$23.99/year) that include unlimited releases and even bundle services like mastering and sample libraries. No commission on royalties. Good for producers who want an all-in-one creation and distribution solution.
UnitedMasters – A newer player geared toward hip-hop and R&B artists. Has a free tier where the company keeps 10% of royalties, and a Select subscription (recently introduced “Debut+” at $19.99/year) that lets you keep 100%. Distributes to all major platforms and connects artists with brand partnerships and sync deals. Known for its high-profile collaborations (e.g. NBA promotions).
ONErpm – A global distributor with strong presence in Latin America and other international markets. Offers free distribution (with commission) or premium tiers for 100% royalties. They reach 100+ stores and even have tools for YouTube and TikTok. ONErpm acts somewhat like an indie label for top artists and recently launched OFFstep plans starting at $1/month for unlimited releases.
Soundrop – Niche distributor tailored for creators releasing cover songs, karaoke, and niche genres. Uses a pay-as-you-go model: no yearly fee, but charges $0.99 per track and takes 15% of royalties. In return, they handle mechanical licensing for cover songs for free, which is a huge perk if you release a lot of covers. A solid choice for YouTube cover artists and producers remixing popular tracks.
SoundCloud (Repost) – SoundCloud’s own distribution service (formerly “Repost by SoundCloud”). For $30/year, it will distribute your music to Spotify, Apple Music, and 60+ other platforms. This is included if you have a SoundCloud Next Pro account. SoundCloud lets you monetize on their platform too, but note that they do take a percentage of your off-SoundCloud royalties (around 20%).
These are just a few of the best indie music distributors available. All will get your music on the big streaming services, but they differ in pricing models, features, and niche advantages as we’ll explore below.
DIY Distribution vs. Using a Distributor
One big question for independent artists is whether to go DIY (do-it-yourself) or use a third-party distributor. DIY distribution in this context means manually putting your music on platforms that don’t require an aggregator – mainly SoundCloud, Bandcamp, YouTube, and social media. For example, any artist can upload songs to SoundCloud or Bandcamp and sell or share them directly with fans. This route gives you full control and a direct connection to your audience (and in the case of Bandcamp, a much larger share of revenue per sale).
However, DIY has limits. Major services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Deezer do not allow independent artists to upload music directly. To get on those platforms, you must use an independent music distribution company or have a label deal. Unlike SoundCloud or YouTube, there’s no direct “upload” button for Spotify – it relies on labels and distributors as gatekeepers. So, unless you only care about a few DIY platforms, a distributor is necessary to reach a broad audience.
Using a distributor simplifies the process: you upload your song once and they deliver it everywhere, handle store requirements, and even collect earnings for you. This saves a ton of time compared to manually managing each platform (which, again, isn’t even possible for most stores). Distributors also handle metadata, ensure your ISRC/UPC codes are in place, and can help with rights management like publishing or mechanical licenses. In short, for wide release, a distributor is the way to go.
That said, savvy artists often use a hybrid approach. For instance, you might upload to Bandcamp for direct fan support and higher revenue, while simultaneously using DistroKid or TuneCore to push the same release to streaming services. Just note that no mainstream distributor covers Bandcamp. As one music publication put it: “if you’re an artist using TuneCore, DistroKid, CD Baby… your music will not automatically show up on Bandcamp” (weownthistown.net). You’ll need to handle Bandcamp (and similarly SoundCloud) on your own as a DIY supplement to your distributor strategy.
Bottom line: A distributor is essential for reaching Spotify and other major outlets, but you can (and sometimes should) still use DIY platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp to complement your strategy. Next, we’ll compare free vs. paid distribution options – a key consideration when choosing a service.
Free vs. Paid Music Distribution Services
Independent artists can choose between free music distribution platforms and paid services. Each has pros and cons:
Free Distribution: Some companies let you release music with no upfront cost, making them attractive to artists on a budget (including indie labels looking for free distribution options). Examples include RouteNote’s free tier, UnitedMasters (basic tier), SoundCloud’s basic offering, and previously Amuse’s free plan. Free services typically take a commission on your royalties since that’s how they earn money. For instance, RouteNote’s free plan retains 15% of your streaming and download revenue (royaltyexchange.com). UnitedMasters’ free tier keeps 10% of royalties. These platforms still get you on all major stores; you’re just paying on the back end instead of upfront.
The upside to free distribution is obviously no immediate expense – great for hobbyists or those testing the waters. You’re also not locked into a subscription. However, the downsides include giving up a share of your earnings and sometimes slower release times or limited features. Free plans may not offer extras like detailed analytics, pre-saves, or customer support. In some cases (e.g. SoundCloud’s free tier or Repost Free), your music might only go to a limited selection of platforms or have usage restrictions.
Paid Distribution: With paid services, you either pay per release or a subscription fee and in return keep 100% of your royalties (in most cases). Traditional paid models like CD Baby charge per single/album, whereas modern services like DistroKid, TuneCore, Ditto, etc., use a flat annual fee for unlimited releases. For example, DistroKid’s basic plan allows unlimited uploads for a yearly price and takes no commission – meaning every penny from Spotify or Apple goes to you (after the stores’ cut). TuneCore’s new unlimited plans similarly let you retain all revenue for a yearly subscription.
The benefit of paid distribution is maximum royalty retention and often more robust features. Paid services tend to offer better support, faster delivery to stores, and tools like revenue splits, promo links, or cover song licensing. You also won’t have to worry about a distributor suddenly dropping your music due to changing free-tier policies. The main downside is the cost – which can range from under $20 a year to $100+ annually depending on the service and tier. If you’re not releasing much music or not earning much yet, paying yearly might not feel worth it. Additionally, some paid services have hidden fees (for instance, extra charges for YouTube Content ID, or “legacy” fees to keep a song up if you cancel a subscription).
Which to choose? It comes down to your budget and goals. If money is tight or you’re just starting, a free distributor lets you get your music out with zero upfront risk – you only pay by sharing a slice of any income. Many independent artists use free tiers initially, then graduate to a paid plan as their fanbase and revenue grow. On the other hand, if you’re serious about your career, releasing music frequently, or running a label, paying for a reliable distributor can pay off quickly since you’ll keep every bit of your earnings. For example, a label releasing many tracks might prefer a flat annual fee instead of giving up 15% on each song’s revenue (which over time could exceed the fee).
Fortunately, some platforms offer both models – you can start for free and later upgrade to a paid plan (Amuse, UnitedMasters, and ONErpm have this flexibility). The good news is that free music distribution for labels and artists is no longer a dream – it’s a real option – but be sure to read the fine print on revenue splits and features.
Next, let’s look at which distributors shine for specific kinds of independent artists.
Best Distribution Options for Different Types of Indie Artists
Every artist’s needs are a bit different. Here we highlight some of the best music distribution service options tailored to particular scenarios – whether you make hip-hop, EDM, world music, or manage multiple artists. These recommendations overlap, so you might see a service appear in multiple categories.
Best for Hip-Hop and R&B Artists
Hip-hop and R&B artists often prioritize fast releases, social media buzz, and opportunities for collaboration or brand deals. A few distribution platforms stand out:
UnitedMasters: Founded by Steve Stoute, UnitedMasters has a strong reputation in the urban music scene. Its platform not only distributes your tracks but can also connect you with brand partnerships, sponsorships, and placements (they’ve worked with the NBA, ESPN, and more for featuring indie music). The app-centric interface appeals to the Instagram/TikTok generation of artists. With their Select plan or new Debut+ ($19.99/year), you keep 100% of your royalties. UnitedMasters is particularly popular among hip-hop artists looking to stay independent but gain industry access. The downside is you may still need to self-promote heavily; simply being on UnitedMasters doesn’t guarantee exposure, but the tools and network are there to leverage.
DistroKid: Hip-hop artists dropping frequent singles, mixtapes or collaborations love DistroKid’s unlimited model. You can upload new tracks as often as you want for one flat fee, which is great for the prolific release strategy common in rap (e.g. constant singles to build momentum). DistroKid also has useful features like splits (automatic revenue sharing) which is perfect for rap collaborations – you can easily split earnings with producers or featured artists. Many rap and R&B artists also appreciate DistroKid’s quick delivery (often a few days to get on Spotify) and the ability to add extras like Instagram story music, TikTok, and YouTube Content ID. It’s a no-frills, efficient choice to get your tracks out to the world.
TuneCore: For hip-hop artists who have moved beyond the beginner stage, TuneCore’s unlimited plans offer a more traditional interface with strong accounting and reporting. TuneCore was used by many successful rappers early in their careers (e.g., Chance the Rapper famously used TuneCore in his early mixtape days). Now that they’ve lowered prices, it’s a solid option if you want detailed sales data and perhaps to utilize their publishing administration to collect songwriting royalties (important if you write your own bars and beats).
SoundCloud (Repost): SoundCloud remains a pivotal platform for hip-hop (especially for discovering new artists – the whole “SoundCloud rapper” era). Using SoundCloud’s own distribution (Repost) can be smart if SoundCloud is your primary home base. For $30/year, you not only monetize on SoundCloud but push to Spotify, Apple, etc., without leaving the SoundCloud ecosystem (blog.boostcollective.ca). This ensures your SoundCloud plays and comments translate into monetized streams elsewhere. However, remember SoundCloud/Repost takes about a 20% cut of off-platform royalties, so effectively it’s like a commission model. If SoundCloud is where your core fanbase is, this integrated approach could be “best of both worlds.” Otherwise, you could simply use a third-party distributor and still upload separately to SoundCloud (which many do).
Honorable mentions: UnitedMasters is often the go-to for hip-hop due to its branding, but keep an eye on ONErpm as well – they have been making inroads with hip-hop and Latin urban artists, offering marketing support for those who gain traction. Also, some hip-hop artists who value community have tried Audiomack’s AMP distribution or Stem (a selective distributor with excellent splits and financial tools), though those are smaller scale. Overall, for hip-hop and R&B, the ability to drop music consistently and leverage connections is key – pick a distributor that aligns with that hustle.
Best for Electronic Producers and DJs
Electronic music producers and DJs have some unique distribution needs. They often release instrumental tracks, remixes, or long DJ mixes, and may target platforms like Beatport or specialized electronic stores. Here are top choices:
LANDR: Many producers already use LANDR for its instant mastering service. LANDR’s distribution is a natural extension, allowing you to master and distribute tracks all in one workflow. It supports releases to Spotify, Apple Music, etc., and even Beatport (on higher-tier plans). Pricing is reasonable (starting ~$24/year), and higher tiers include unlimited mastering, plugin bundles, and samples, which can be very attractive if you’re constantly creating tracks. Essentially, if you’re an electronic producer investing in production tools, LANDR can be cost-effective by combining those tools with distribution. Plus, LANDR supports Dolby Atmos distribution (spatial audio) for those crafting immersive mixes.
RouteNote or Ditto (for Beatport access): If getting your tracks on Beatport (a crucial store for DJs) is a priority, check if your distributor supports it. CD Baby, TuneCore, DistroKid, Ditto and others do offer Beatport distribution, but often with some conditions (DistroKid requires the Musician Plus plan and a request to add Beatport; Ditto includes it by default for eligible genres). Ditto Music has been used by emerging EDM artists and claims to deliver to Beatport and other DJ platforms. Ditto’s flat fee unlimited model and label plans can be useful if you plan many releases or run a small electronic label – but remember the customer service concerns. RouteNote, on its paid tier, also distributes to Beatport and is free if you agree to their revenue split, making it a cost-effective path onto niche stores.
Soundrop: For producers who make remixes or cover versions, Soundrop is a gem. They handle all the mechanical licensing headaches, so if you want to release a remix of a popular song (with a cover license) to Spotify, Soundrop can secure the license and distribute legally. At $0.99 per track, you can release a bunch of singles cheaply, and they distribute to major platforms (though not as many as some distributors). The 15% cut is a trade-off, but for one-off remix projects it’s often worth it. Note: Soundrop doesn’t deliver to Beatport, but it does cover mainstream streaming services.
Label-Specific Distributors: Electronic music often revolves around boutique labels. If you run your own label imprint for your releases, you might consider a distributor like Symphonic Distribution or Label Engine that specializes in electronic/EDM labels. Symphonic (a selective distributor) provides DJ chart support and delivers to Traxsource, Beatport, etc., but usually charges a setup fee plus commission. If you’re a producer aiming to build a label brand, these could be worthwhile.
In general, producers should check store list and features: ensure your distributor covers the key outlets for your genre (for instance, Beatport, Traxsource, Juno Download for electronic music, or even SoundCloud Go monetization). Many mainstream distributors focus on Spotify/Apple and may skip those DJ stores. If yours doesn’t include them, you might complement it with a specialized service or go directly to those stores via an independent label or distributor that has access.
Best for International and Non-US Artists
For indie artists outside the U.S./UK or those targeting specific regional markets, it’s important to choose a distributor with global reach and local support:
ONErpm: With headquarters in the U.S. and Latin America (Brazil and Mexico), ONErpm has become a top choice for Latin American artists and beyond. They have a vast network of platforms (100+ outlets, including region-specific ones in Asia, Latin America, etc.) and even offer marketing and YouTube channel management. ONErpm’s model is flexible – artists can join for free (they take a commission) or opt for premium services to keep 100%. They’re known for speed and have local staff in various countries. For example, an independent reggaeton artist in Colombia might benefit from ONErpm’s understanding of Latin music markets and connections. Recently, they launched OFFstep plans with pricing as low as $1/month for distribution, showing their commitment to serving indies at all levels.
TuneCore (Regional Divisions): TuneCore has expanded globally with region-specific branches (TuneCore Japan, TuneCore Africa, TuneCore India, etc.). These often provide tailored support, local payment methods, and sometimes local pricing. If you are in one of these regions, TuneCore could offer a familiar language interface and partnerships in your country. Additionally, TuneCore (owned by Believe Digital) can escalate successful artists to Believe’s higher-tier label services, which is a potential path for international growth.
CD Baby: CD Baby has long touted its international reach – they distribute to over 150 platforms worldwide, including specialized stores in various countries. They also pay out royalties weekly and handle foreign music publishing royalties if you opt for their Pro Publishing. International artists (especially in Africa and Asia) have used CD Baby for years due to its one-time fee model (no need for a credit card subscription) and reliable service. The 9% commission is the trade-off, but for many it’s worth it given CD Baby’s reputation and support in multiple languages.
SoundOn (by TikTok): If your target audience is big on TikTok (which is huge in many regions worldwide), consider ByteDance’s SoundOn distribution. It’s actually free and 0% commission for the first year, aimed at boosting music on TikTok and its partner platform Resso. It will also send your music to other major DSPs. This could be an interesting route for international artists, especially in markets where TikTok is a primary discovery tool. After the first year, SoundOn does take a commission (around 10% after 12 months). While not as full-featured as some distributors, it’s literally built by TikTok – so if your strategy revolves around viral TikTok hits across countries (looking at you, K-pop and Latin dance crazes), SoundOn might be worth a look.
Local Aggregators: In some regions, a local independent distributor might offer better on-the-ground support. For example, Africori (for African artists), OKListen (India), or Believe (Europe/Asia) have strong local presence. These might work on commission or hybrid models. If you prefer direct human support and you’re in a market with a known local distributor, it could be a good fit. Just ensure their platform coverage is broad enough (most still get you on the big global services, which is what you need to reach fans worldwide).
Tip for international artists: Ensure your distributor can get you on region-specific platforms like JioSaavn, Gaana (important for South Asian music), NetEase, Tencent (for China – DistroKid, TuneCore, etc. now deliver to these), and others relevant to your area. Many top independent music distribution companies now include these in their standard store list, but double-check. Also consider payout options – some distributors pay via PayPal or bank transfer internationally; others might offer local bank transfers or services like Payoneer which can save on fees depending on your country.
Best for Independent Record Labels and Collectives
If you run an independent label or manage multiple artists, your distribution needs will differ from a solo artist. You’ll want a solution that can handle multiple profiles, catalog management, and possibly team access. Here are options geared toward labels:
DistroKid (Label Plans): DistroKid offers Label subscriptions that accommodate anywhere from 2 up to 100 artists under one account, with tiered pricing. For example, the 2-artist plan is about $40/year, and larger plans go up from there (reddit.com). This is one of the most cost-effective ways for a small label to distribute many releases – you get the same unlimited uploads and no commissions, just for multiple artists. Each artist can have their own Spotify artist page, etc., managed under your umbrella account. The interface is simple, which can be a pro and con – it’s easy to use but doesn’t have advanced project management features. Still, for many indie labels, DistroKid’s sheer value and speed make it the best choice.
TuneCore Professional: TuneCore’s highest tier ($49.99/year) is aimed at labels and managers. This plan allows you to manage multiple artist profiles from one dashboard and offers additional admin tools. TuneCore also includes features like royalty splits (handy for label accounting) free of extra charge at the Pro tier, and you can add team members to help manage the account. If you have a roster of artists and want a more robust dashboard for tracking all releases in one place (and you prefer TuneCore’s accounting system), this is a strong option.
Ditto Music (Label packages): Ditto has a label package that allows unlimited releases for up to 5 artists (and can scale for more). It’s priced competitively (their site lists £59/year for 2 artists, and higher for 5+, roughly $100+ range). Ditto’s appeal for labels is similar to DistroKid – flat fee and no commissions – but with a slightly more label-oriented slant (e.g., they have a Ditto Plus program for labels/artists who get traction, offering additional marketing). However, as noted, Ditto’s reliability has been questioned (aristake.com), so a label should weigh if the savings outweigh potential headaches. If you go Ditto, start with a small batch of releases to test their service.
Symphonic Distribution / AWAL / The Orchard: These are more premium distribution companies that often work with indie labels. Symphonic and The Orchard (owned by Sony) typically require an application or invitation. They provide robust label services – from marketing to playlist pitching – and often operate on a revenue-share (e.g., 10-20% commission) rather than flat fees. For an independent label with a growing catalog and need for more hands-on support, partnering with one of these might be “next level.” For example, if your indie label has several artists all gaining significant streams, an Orchard or AWAL might offer advances, dedicated reps, and industry connections that DIY distributors do not. The catch: you have to qualify, and you give up a cut of revenue. This route blurs the line between being fully independent and having a pseudo-label partner, but it’s worth mentioning as an option when you outgrow self-service tools.
Amuse Pro (for Labels): Amuse’s Pro plan (about $60/year) allows managing multiple artist profiles (amuse.io). This is a hidden gem for small labels. You get unlimited releases for all your artists, 100% royalties, fast releases, and you can invite team members. Essentially, it’s like having a mini-label platform at a very low cost. If you had, say, three artists, instead of paying separate DistroKid accounts or a pricier label plan, one Amuse Pro account could cover all of them. The trade-off is mainly that Amuse is newer and entirely online/app-based, but it’s getting positive feedback for ease of use.
For free music distribution for labels, truly free options are limited. One strategy is using RouteNote’s free tier for each artist (you could create accounts for each, or use one account for all but then all earnings funnel into one account which you’d have to split manually). This can work if budget is zero, but it’s cumbersome at scale. Alternatively, the UnitedMasters model doesn’t quite suit labels unless all your artists individually use it. In reality, most labels will opt for a paid solution for better control.
In summary, independent labels should consider the scale of their releases and their budget: DistroKid and Amuse offer unbeatable low-cost scaling for multiple artists; TuneCore Pro or Ditto can work for moderate budgets; and higher-touch distributors like Symphonic or AWAL come into play as you reach a certain level of success. The good news is that even as a small label, you can mimic what the best independent music labels do – by leveraging these distribution services, you ensure your artists’ music is everywhere it needs to be without signing away rights to a major.
SoundCloud and Bandcamp Distribution
Two platforms near and dear to indie artists are SoundCloud and Bandcamp. They operate a bit differently from typical streaming services, and distribution to them requires special attention.
SoundCloud Distribution: As mentioned earlier, SoundCloud now offers its own distribution service as part of the SoundCloud for Artists program. With a SoundCloud Next Plus or Next Pro subscription, you can enable SoundCloud’s Repost distribution – sending your music from SoundCloud to other platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, etc. This essentially turns SoundCloud into both your home base and your distributor. The cost is about $2.50/month (billed yearly at $30) for the Next Plus plan, or included if you’re a Next Pro (which is ~$99/year as of 2024). The convenience is high if you’re already a heavy SoundCloud user. You also get to monetize plays on SoundCloud itself through ads (once you’re in their Premier monetization, now folded into this program).
However, there are a few considerations: SoundCloud’s distribution (Repost) will keep a portion of your royalties from other platforms (they’ve stated ~20% commission in the past). You also have to maintain your SoundCloud subscription to keep that distribution active. Some artists prefer using SoundCloud just for the community and stats, while using another distributor for the wide release, to avoid the commission. There’s no harm in not using SoundCloud’s distro – you can still manually upload your tracks to SoundCloud for your followers, even if you distributed through DistroKid or others. Just be mindful of release timing (some artists will post on SoundCloud as a teaser or for free download, while their official release hits Spotify later, or vice versa).
Bandcamp Distribution: Bandcamp is a unique platform where fans can directly buy your music (digital or physical) and you can set your price (including pay-what-you-want). It’s a cornerstone for many indie musicians’ income. No standard distributor will upload your music to Bandcamp for you – you have to create a Bandcamp artist account and upload music yourself. As noted in the quote earlier, even big distributors like TuneCore, DistroKid, CD Baby, etc., do not cover Bandcamp. This means handling Bandcamp is a DIY endeavor. Fortunately, Bandcamp is very artist-friendly: they take a 10-15% cut of sales (which is small compared to typical digital store fees) and the rest is paid to you (often via PayPal) directly. They also allow you to sell merch, vinyl, and more, and they pay out instantly on each sale.
For many independent artists, the strategy is: use a distributor to get on the streaming platforms (for exposure and streaming revenue), and use Bandcamp to sell to your core fans (for higher revenue per fan). Bandcamp excels in niches like indie rock, experimental electronic, jazz, metal, etc., where fans often prefer to support artists by purchasing music. It’s also great for selling high-quality audio files, special edition releases, and merch bundles.
One challenge is coordinating releases – you might release on Bandcamp the same day as streaming, or sometimes do a Bandcamp exclusive early, then wider release later. It depends on your marketing. There’s no cost to uploading on Bandcamp aside from Bandcamp’s cut, so it pairs well with any distribution plan.
In summary, SoundCloud and Bandcamp distribution requires a bit of extra work but can significantly boost your reach and revenue. SoundCloud’s built-in distribution is an option if you want a one-stop solution, but you give up a slice of royalties. Bandcamp requires manual management but can be very lucrative and rewarding for fan engagement. Most successful indie artists use a combination: they blast their music to all major services via a distributor, upload to SoundCloud for the community and feedback, and sell on Bandcamp for the superfans – covering all bases.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Option for You
When it comes to music distribution for independent labels and artists, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best independent music distributor for a hip-hop artist dropping monthly singles might be different from that for an experimental jazz label releasing two albums a year. Consider these key factors in your decision:
Budget: Can you afford an annual fee, or would a commission-based/free service make more sense until you have steady income?
Release Frequency: If you release often, unlimited plans (DistroKid, TuneCore, etc.) usually pay off. For one-off releases, per-release (CD Baby) or pay-as-you-go (Soundrop) might be economical.
Desired Features: Do you need special features like cover song licensing, multi-artist management, or extensive analytics? Make sure your distributor offers those must-haves.
Artist Genre/Goals: If you’re seeking industry partnerships or come from a specific scene (like SoundCloud rap or EDM DJ culture), some platforms are tailored to those communities (UnitedMasters, SoundCloud, LANDR, etc.).
Territory Focus: International artists should ensure their distributor caters to their region and reaches local popular platforms.
Ownership and Longevity: Some artists prioritize keeping 100% royalties and having their music stay up forever (even if they stop paying). In that case, look at commission-free models and policies on takedowns or legacy options.
The good news is you aren’t locked in forever – many independent artists switch distributors as they grow or as better deals emerge. Just plan carefully (takedowns and re-uploading can temporarily disrupt your streams/stats).
Ultimately, all the best indie music distribution companies will get your music online; the art is in choosing the partner that aligns best with your career stage and aspirations. With this knowledge and comparison, you’re well on your way to making an informed decision and getting your music heard worldwide, all while staying in control as an independent artist.
Resources
Ari’s Take – Digital Distribution Comparison (2025) – In-depth reviews of DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, Ditto, etc., with artist experiences
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Royalty Exchange – Best Music Distribution Companies in 2024 – Feature and pricing breakdown of top distributors (DistroKid, Amuse, AWAL, CD Baby, etc.)
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SoundCloud Blog – SoundCloud for Artists (Next vs Pro) – Details on SoundCloud’s distribution and monetization plans
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We Own This Town – “Let’s Talk About Bandcamp” – Discussion of Bandcamp’s role and note that aggregators don’t distribute to it
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Boost Collective – Repost by SoundCloud Review – Overview of Repost’s cost ($30/year) and royalty split
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TuneCore Support – Pricing & Plans FAQ – Explanation of TuneCore’s Free, Rising, Breakout, Professional plans and features
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RouteNote Blog – RouteNote vs Ditto – Comparison of free vs paid models (RouteNote’s 15% free commission vs Ditto’s flat fee).
Official Sites: DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, AWAL, Ditto Music, Amuse, RouteNote, UnitedMasters, SoundCloud for Artists, Soundrop, ONErpm.