Best Music Distribution Services for Artists

How to Distribute Your Music Worldwide: The Best Music Distribution Services

Are you wondering how to make your music available to audiences around the world? Trying to figure out how to get your music on Spotify or Apple Music? The answer lies in online music distribution services.

For independent artists, getting music on streaming services requires a solid understanding of music distribution. In this article, we’ll explore what music distributors do and break down some of the best music distribution services available today, so you can make an informed decision.

What Is a Music Distribution Service?

In 2022, it’s easier than ever to sell your music on major platforms like Tidal, Amazon Music, Pandora, Shazam, and Apple Music—plus, of course, the giant that is Spotify. Independent artists can use music distribution companies, which act as intermediaries between the artist and the streaming platforms. These services exist to get your music out to the masses.

In the past, record labels controlled the industry, handling the deals and distribution to stores. Nowadays, artists have the freedom to manage this process themselves using digital distribution services.

With an average of 100,000 tracks released every day through digital distributors, it’s essential to choose the right service. Which music distribution company will help you rise above the noise in today’s saturated industry? Let’s take a look at some of the top options.

Best Music Distribution Services

1. Music Gateway

Pricing: FREE

For artists seeking a free distribution service, this is one of the best options. Whether you're just starting out or already have a catalog of music, Music Gateway's distribution is easy to use and totally free. It covers all major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, while also letting you keep 100% of your sales.

What sets Music Gateway apart is their free mastering service, ensuring your music sounds the best it can before release. You can start with 5 free songs, with an option to upgrade to unlimited tracks via a Pro subscription.

Pros:

• Free distribution and mastering
• Keep 100% of royalties
• Streamlined data transfer for song management

Cons: None at this price point!

2. TuneCore

Pricing: $14.99 – $49.99

TuneCore has been around for a long time and offers a straightforward interface for indie artists. TuneCore charges per release and has recently updated its pricing tiers to be more in line with industry standards. It’s a solid choice for artists who don’t need detailed data input like barcodes or ISRCs.

Pros:

• Long-standing presence in the indie market
• Simple to navigate

Cons:

• Lacks detailed data input for more complex releases

3. CD Baby

Pricing: $9.95 – $69 per release

CD Baby is another veteran in the music distribution space. They offer pay-per-release pricing, making it easy for artists with limited releases to access distribution services. Additionally, CD Baby handles publishing administration and physical distribution (for CDs and vinyl).

Pros:

• Offers both physical and digital distribution
• No subscription model required

Cons:

• Takes a 15% cut of royalties

4. DistroKid

Pricing: $19.99 – $79.99 annually

DistroKid is a popular choice for indie artists, especially for its affordable annual fee that allows unlimited uploads. They’ve also partnered with TikTok, making it easy to distribute music to that platform. DistroKid offers mechanical licenses for cover songs and allows easy revenue splitting among collaborators.

Pros:

• Affordable pricing
• Integration with TikTok

Cons:

• Customer service can be slow

5. Ditto Music

Pricing: £19 – £299 annually

Ditto offers music distribution as well as services for aspiring label owners. They provide different tiers of service, starting from £19 annually for unlimited releases from one artist. Ditto’s Record Label In A Box (RLIAB) package provides additional support for label creation and management.

Pros:

• Label services for indie artists and labels
• Unlimited releases

Cons:

• Mixed user feedback and some negative press in the past

6. Spinnup

Pricing: £7.99 – £29.99 annually

Spinnup, created by Universal Music Group, is geared towards indie artists looking to get noticed by UMG. It offers affordable pricing and can be a gateway to bigger opportunities with the major label.

Pros:

• Potential to get on Universal Music Group’s radar

Cons:

• Not ideal for new artists still building their audience

7. Amuse

Pricing: Free – $59.99

Amuse is a mobile-only app that offers free music distribution, with additional services available for a fee. They also offer a feature called "Fast Forward," which predicts song performance based on streaming activity.

Pros:

• Free distribution
• Innovative "Fast Forward" feature

Cons:

• Mobile-only platform

8. Horus Music

Pricing: £25 – £65 per release, or £20 annually

Horus Music offers reliable distribution services, including direct-to-bank payouts through their partnership with Western Union. They also offer marketing campaigns and label services for artists looking to expand beyond distribution.

Pros:

• Efficient payout system

Cons:

• Smaller company with fewer notable clients

9. AWAL

Pricing: 15% of sales revenue

AWAL, a division of Kobalt, is a selective distribution service that works with a limited number of clients. They offer a wide range of services, from distribution to sync licensing and playlist campaigns.

Pros:

• No upfront fee
• Comprehensive artist support

Cons:

• Highly selective in choosing artists

Conclusion

Whether you’re just starting out or need a full-service team to guide you through your release, it’s crucial to partner with the right music distribution service. The best music distributor for you will depend on your unique needs, budget, and goals. Whatever you decide, the most important thing is to ensure that your music reaches the right ears!