Today’s digital world gives artists music distribution options that have never been seen before. But it can be hard for DIY artists to figure out how to distribute their songs. Hence, it’s very important to choose the right music distribution service. This is because it affects how your music gets to streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify, and others. Therefore, this service not only makes delivery easier, but it also gives you tools for advertising and marketing. Hence, a video distribution service helps people who make videos get their work seen. Similarly, a good music distributor makes sure that artists can reach their fans and reach their full potential.
Artists are looking for ways to improve their reputation and exposure as the competition in the music industry grows. Therefore, a lot of DIY artists want to know how to get verified on TikTok. Hence, it enables them to make their influence stronger on one of the most popular social media sites. Verification can give artists a big boost in credibility and reach. So, this makes it easier for them to connect with friends and people in their industry. Therefore, it’s important to pick the right music distribution service because it typically provides tools. Thus, they help artists market and control their business across different digital platforms.
1. DistroKid:
It is a popular choice among DIY artists because it is easy to use, cheap, and quick. For a flat annual fee, this music distribution platform lets artists share as many tracks as they want. Thus, this makes it a good choice for singers who want to distribute many songs or albums during the year.
Key Features
Free distribution:
Artists can add as many songs to big streaming services as they want for a single fee.
Fast Delivery:
DistroKid has some of the fastest delivery times to streaming services. Hence, it is usually between 24 and 48 hours. Revenue: Artists keep all of their income.
Extra Benefits:
DistribuKid has add-ons like interaction with Shazam and Siri, and YouTube Content ID. Moreover, it has the ability to instantly split profits among team members.
Prices:
Plan for a year:
22.99 for endless distribution.
Pros:
It’s affordable for singers who put out a lot of music.
Platforms can get it quickly. Revenue splits for working together.
Cons:
There isn’t a free plan.
The basic package doesn’t have some more advanced features, like marketing tools.
2. TuneCore:
Independent artists have used TuneCore for years and it is another top music distribution company. TuneCore charges artists for each release, while DistroKid charges a flat fee. Therefore, there are a lot of extra services on the site for musicians who put out a lot of songs.
Key Features:
Retaining Revenue:
Like DistroKid, TuneCore lets artists keep all of their earnings.
Store Partnerships:
More than 150 digital stores and streaming services work with TuneCore.
Marketing Tools:
The platform has marketing tools like social media ads, tools for getting fans involved, and marketing.
Music Publishing Administration:
TuneCore does more than just distribute your music. Hence, they also help you get your music licensed for TV, and ads. Furthermore, they collect earnings from public performances.
Prices:
Singles:
$22.99 for each year.
Albums:
$39.99 for year.
Pros:
You can get to a lot of stores.
Great tools for business.
Management of music production.
Cons:
If you put out a lot of songs, the costs can add up.
Costs more than some other options.
3. CD Baby:
It has been one of the most trusted names in alternative music distribution. Hence, it’s well known that CD Baby gives clear prices and thorough payment records.
Key Features:
Global Distribution:
It distributes music to more than 150 digital platforms worldwide.
Sync Licensing:
CD Baby’s sync licensing scheme lets them use your songs in commercials, TV shows, and movies.
Real Distribution:
CD Baby’s store, Amazon, and other sites let artists sell real copies of their songs.
Music Publishing Administration:
Get technical royalties, sync licensing, and income from public performances.
Prices:
Singles cost $9.99 each (one-time fee).
Albums cost $29 each (one-time fee).
Pros:
Full collection of royalties.
Sync options for licensing.
One-time fee (no renewals every year).
Cons:
CD Baby takes a 9% cut of digital sales and plays.
The distribution method is slower than those of some rivals.
4. Amuse:
It is different because it has boost and pro plans for music distribution. However, the boost version is great for musicians who want to share their songs with little investment. Thus, people who want extra benefits like profit splits and faster delivery can sign up for Amuse Pro.
Key Features:
Boost Plan:
Musicians can put out tracks on all big platforms with minimal investment.
Amuse Pro:
The paid version has extra features. They are, for example, immediate payment, faster delivery, and royalty splits.
Artist Advances:
Amuse offers royalty advances to musicians who qualify. Hence, these can help you make money for your music business.
Mobile App:
Amuse has an easy-to-use app for mobile devices. Thus, they let you distribute music right from your phone.
Prices:
The boost plan cost $1.67 per month. However, it charges $19.99 annually.
Yet, it costs $5 monthly and almost $60 annually to use Amuse Pro.
Pros:
You can get a boost plan with minimal investment.
Incentives for artists who apply.
Cons:
The boost plan doesn’t have many benefits.
Boost users will have a slower distribution speed.
5. LANDR:
LANDR used to be known for its AI-driven editing services, but now it also offers music marketing. Hence, it lets musicians post and share their mastered tracks. Thus, this makes it easy for artists to get both high-quality mastering and wide release.
Key Features:
AI Mastering:
With LANDR’s built-in finishing service, artists can make their tracks sound better. Then, they can put them out there.
Unlimited Releases:
Artists can put out as many songs as they want for a one-time fee.
Splitting earnings:
It’s easy for artists to share royalties with band members or other workers.
Video Distribution:
LandR also lets sites like YouTube put videos on their servers.
Basic Plan:
$12 a month for unlimited issues.
Advanced Plan:
$25 a month gets you access to training and more marketing tools.
Pros:
Integrated tool for mastering.
Divides the royalties.
No limits on sharing for a one-time fee.
Cons:
It costs more than some comparable offerings.
AI editing might not work for all types of music or tastes.
6. AWAL (Artists Without a Label)
It is a great platform for artists with a built-in fan base. However, it’s limited, which means that you have to apply to use their website and be accepted. AWAL offers more than just music distribution in exchange for a cut of your earnings. Therefore, these services include marketing, analytics, and sync licensing.
Key Features:
Comprehensive Analytics:
AWAL gives you a lot of information about how your streaming is doing. Thus, it helps you keep track of your growth and make choices based on facts.
Sync Licensing:
Like CD Baby, AWAL lets you license your music for videos, TV shows, and ads.
Marketing Help:
AWAL can help you promote your works. Therefore, they do it through social media ads, playlist pitching, and other marketing activities.
Pricing:
All earnings are subject to a 15% fee by AWAL.
Pros:
It’s great for artists who want a more hands-on partner in marketing.
Strong help for promotion and playlists.
Full collection of royalties.
Cons:
There is an application process, and only certain artists can apply.
15% of the profits as a fee.
Conclusion
To reach a wider audience, DIY artists need to make sure they use the right music distribution service. Different people have different demands, so each service has its own set of benefits and prices. So, DistroKid and TuneCore are great for putting out new music often. However, CD Baby has more services for collecting royalties. Therefore, Amuse is great for artists on a budget because it lets them distribute their work for free. Hence, think about how often you want to share music. Also, consider you want additional services like marketing tools, or royalty splits. So, with the right partner, you can make sure that people all over the world hear your songs.