If you are a musician, songwriter, or producer, one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your music career is choosing the right distributor. Distribution is the key to getting your music out to listeners across streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and many more. But with so many options available, how do you know which is the best distributor for your music?
In this article, we’ll break down the best music distribution services available today, comparing their features, pricing, and services to help you decide which one suits your needs. Whether you are an independent artist looking for exposure or a professional looking to streamline your distribution process, we have you covered.
What Is Music Distribution?
Music distribution refers to the process of getting your music onto various platforms, such as Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, and YouTube, for people to stream or download. Historically, musicians had to rely on record labels and physical distribution channels, but today, digital distribution has made it easier for independent artists to share their music worldwide.
Music distributors act as intermediaries between artists and streaming services. They upload your music, handle the licensing, and ensure your songs are available on all the major platforms. In return, distributors often charge a fee or take a commission on the revenue earned from your streams and downloads.
Why Is Choosing the Right Music Distributor Important?
Choosing the right distributor can have a major impact on the success of your music career. Here are a few reasons why:
- Revenue Share: Different distributors offer different terms when it comes to how much of your earnings they take. Some charge flat fees, while others take a percentage of your royalties.
- Reach: Not all distributors have the same level of reach. Some distributors get your music on more platforms than others, which can increase your exposure.
- Support: Some distributors offer additional services like marketing tools, syncing, and playlist pitching that can help get your music in front of more listeners.
- Ease of Use: The user experience varies from platform to platform. Some distributors offer a simple, easy-to-navigate platform, while others may require more technical knowledge.
With these factors in mind, let’s explore the best distributors for your music in 2025.
Top Music Distribution Services in 2025
1. DistroKid
DistroKid is one of the most popular digital music distributors for independent artists. Known for its simplicity and affordable pricing, DistroKid allows artists to upload an unlimited number of songs and albums for a single annual fee.
Key Features of DistroKid:
- Unlimited Uploads: You can upload as many songs and albums as you want.
- Speed: DistroKid is known for being one of the fastest distributors. It typically takes less than a week to get your music live on streaming platforms.
- Platforms: Distributes to all major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, and many more.
- Revenue Retention: DistroKid allows you to keep 100% of your royalties.
- Additional Tools: Includes advanced tools like automatic splits for multiple collaborators, royalty tracking, and customizable release dates.
Pricing: DistroKid offers a basic plan starting at $19.99 per year. Additional services like YouTube monetization and “HyperFollow” (an artist landing page) are available for an extra cost.
Best for: Independent artists who want to upload a large volume of music with a straightforward, affordable plan.
2. CD Baby
CD Baby is another popular option for music distribution, offering both digital and physical distribution options. It has been around since 1998, so it’s a trusted and established service with a wide range of features.
Key Features of CD Baby:
- Digital & Physical Distribution: Distributes music to streaming platforms, but also offers physical distribution for CDs and vinyl.
- Revenue Collection: Collects royalties from multiple sources, including streaming services, digital downloads, radio, and even live performance royalties.
- Sync Licensing: Offers a sync licensing service, which can help get your music into TV shows, movies, and commercials.
- Marketing Tools: Provides access to promotional tools like YouTube monetization, Facebook/Instagram ads, and more.
Pricing: CD Baby charges a one-time fee for each album or single uploaded. For singles, the fee is $9.95, while albums cost $29.95. They take a 9% commission on all digital sales.
Best for: Artists who want to distribute both digital and physical music or who are interested in sync licensing.
3. TuneCore
TuneCore is one of the oldest and most respected names in music distribution. It offers a comprehensive range of services, from digital distribution to publishing administration and more.
Key Features of TuneCore:
- Global Distribution: Distributes music to over 150 platforms worldwide, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
- Publishing Administration: Helps you collect publishing royalties, whether your music is played on the radio, in TV shows, or covered by other artists.
- Revenue Retention: Artists keep 100% of their earnings after TuneCore takes a small fee.
- Music Publishing & Licensing: Offers music publishing services, ensuring that you get paid for your music being used in films, TV shows, and other media.
Pricing: TuneCore charges an annual fee starting at $9.99 per single and $29.99 per album. There are also additional fees for music publishing and other services.
Best for: Musicians who want a full-service distributor with an emphasis on publishing and licensing.
4. Amuse
Amuse is a newer player in the music distribution industry but has rapidly gained traction for its free, user-friendly platform.
Key Features of Amuse:
- Free Option: Amuse offers a free distribution plan, allowing you to distribute your music without any upfront cost.
- Fast Distribution: Music is typically live on streaming platforms within a few days.
- Revenue Retention: Artists keep 100% of their royalties, but Amuse takes a small commission on sales for the paid plan.
- Pro Plan: Amuse also offers a Pro Plan ($24.99/year), which includes additional features like faster distribution, priority customer support, and access to advanced analytics.
Pricing: The basic distribution service is free, while the Pro Plan costs $24.99 per year.
Best for: New artists or those on a budget who want to distribute music without any upfront costs.
5. RouteNote
RouteNote offers a flexible, low-cost music distribution service with options for both free and premium distribution plans.
Key Features of RouteNote:
- Free & Paid Options: RouteNote allows you to choose between free distribution (where they take a 15% commission on earnings) or a premium option with 100% royalties for a small upfront fee.
- Worldwide Distribution: Distributes to over 200 platforms, including major ones like Spotify and Apple Music.
- Additional Services: Provides analytics tools, YouTube monetization, and sync licensing opportunities.
Pricing: The free plan takes a 15% commission on earnings, while the premium plan costs $10 per release per year.
Best for: Artists who want a flexible, cost-effective distribution option with the potential for both free and paid services.
How to Choose the Best Distributor for Your Music
When choosing a music distributor, here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Cost: Consider the fees and how they fit into your budget. Free options like Amuse or RouteNote can be great if you’re just starting out, while paid services like DistroKid or TuneCore might be better for established artists looking for more features.
- Revenue Share: Some distributors take a commission from your royalties, while others let you keep 100%. Make sure you understand the terms before committing to a service.
- Platform Reach: Ensure the distributor offers access to the streaming platforms and stores where your audience is most active.
- Additional Services: Look for distributors that offer extra tools like marketing assistance, analytics, and licensing opportunities. These services can help you maximize your revenue and grow your fanbase.
- Ease of Use: Some distributors are easier to use than others. Choose one that aligns with your technical ability and workflow.
Conclusion
The right music distributor can significantly impact the success of your music career. Whether you choose DistroKid for its simplicity, CD Baby for its comprehensive services, or Amuse for its free option, make sure to choose a distributor that fits your goals and budget.
When selecting your distributor, weigh factors such as pricing, platform reach, and additional services. It’s not just about getting your music out there—it’s about getting it into the hands of the right audience and maximizing your earnings.
If you’re serious about your music career, taking the time to choose the right distributor is one of the best investments you can make in your future.
