Hendrik Barendsen
Industry
6
min read
Mar 21, 2024
Independent artists have unprecedented opportunities to distribute their music to a global audience. However, with numerous music distributors available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the right fit for your needs. In this article, we'll explore the factors to consider when choosing a music distributor and highlight some of the leading platforms available to independent artists.
Understanding Your Needs
Before selecting a music distributor, it's essential to assess your specific needs and goals as an independent artist. Consider the following questions:
What is your budget for distribution fees and royalties?
Do you require additional services such as marketing, promotion, or analytics?
Are you targeting specific streaming platforms or regions?
Do you prefer a distributor with a user-friendly interface or advanced features?
By understanding your needs and priorities, you can narrow down your options and find a distributor that aligns with your goals.
Key Factors to Consider
When evaluating music distributors, several key factors should influence your decision:
Distribution Reach: Look for distributors that offer broad reach across multiple streaming platforms and digital stores, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. The wider your distribution, the greater your potential audience reach.
Pricing and Royalties: Compare distribution fees, commission rates, and royalty structures offered by different distributors. Some platforms charge upfront fees or take a percentage of your royalties, while others offer flat-rate pricing or no fees at all.
Additional Services: Consider whether you require additional services such as marketing tools, playlist pitching, or analytics dashboards. Some distributors offer comprehensive artist services to help promote and monetize your music effectively.
User Experience: Evaluate the user interface and ease of use of each distributor's platform. A user-friendly interface can streamline the distribution process and make it easier to manage your music catalog and track performance metrics.
Customer Support: Assess the quality and availability of customer support offered by each distributor. Responsive customer support can be invaluable when troubleshooting issues or seeking assistance with your account.
Leading Music Distributors for Independent Artists
Several music distributors cater to independent artists, each offering unique features and services:
DistroKid
Known for its simplicity and affordability, DistroKid offers unlimited distribution for a flat annual fee, with no commission on royalties. The platform also provides fast delivery to major streaming platforms and comprehensive analytics tools.
TuneCore
TuneCore offers a wide range of distribution services, including global reach, publishing administration, and promotional tools. Artists retain 100% of their royalties and have access to detailed sales reports and revenue tracking.
CD Baby
CD Baby provides distribution to over 150 digital platforms worldwide, along with publishing administration and sync licensing opportunities. The platform offers flexible pricing options and personalized customer support for artists.
Amuse
Amuse offers free distribution with no upfront fees or commission on royalties. The platform utilizes AI technology to identify promising artists and provide promotional support, making it an attractive option for emerging talent.
Now that we know the 4 most popular distributors, let's dive into the pro's and con's between the 4 to give you a clear vision on which one suites you.
Pros:
Fast distribution to major streaming platforms.
Unlimited uploads for a single annual fee.
Keep 100% of your royalties.
Access to Spotify for Artists verification.
Cons:
Additional charges for certain features like Shazam and YouTube Content ID.
Limited customer support options.
Pricing:
Distrokid offers different plans, but the basic plan starts at $19.99 per year for unlimited uploads.
Here's a tutorial on how to upload your music on DistroKid by ZigZag
Pros:
Comprehensive analytics dashboard.
Wide range of distribution channels.
Option to schedule release dates in advance.
No annual fees, keep 100% of your royalties.
Cons:
Charges per release rather than a subscription model.
More expensive for albums than singles.
No built-in tools for marketing or promotion.
Pricing:
Tunecore charges a fee per release, starting at $9.99 for a single and $29.99 for an album for the first year, and renewal fees apply thereafter
Web Whizz explains how to upload your music to TuneCore
Pros:
CD distribution option along with digital distribution.
Sync licensing opportunities.
Personalized customer support.
Detailed sales reports.
Cons:
Charges upfront fees for distribution.
Takes a cut of your royalties (9% for digital, 15% for physical).
Additional charges for some services like UPC codes and YouTube monetization.
Pricing:
CD Baby charges upfront fees for distribution, starting at $9.95 per single and $29 per album, with additional fees for optional services.
Here's a great tutorial by Helvig on how to use CD Baby in 2024.
Pros:
Free distribution with no upfront costs.
Keep 100% of your royalties.
Simple and easy-to-use platform.
Opportunity for artist development.
Cons:
Limited customer support.
Slower distribution process compared to other distributors.
Revenue split for certain advanced features.
Pricing:
Amuse offers free distribution, but they take a 15% cut of your royalties if you choose to use their Fast Forward feature for faster payouts.
Here's a tutorial by Amuse on how to upload your music
Conclusion
In terms of pricing, Amuse stands out as the best option as it offers free distribution without any upfront costs. However, each distributor has its own set of features and drawbacks, so it's essential to consider your specific needs and priorities when choosing the right platform for your music distribution.
