These are all popular platforms for independent musicians to get their music on streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
DistroKid
- Pricing: Offers a variety of pricing plans, starting with a basic plan that allows you to upload unlimited albums and songs for a yearly fee.
- Features:
- Fast distribution
- Daily earnings
- YouTube Content ID
- Shazam and Siri integration
- Best for: Artists who want a cost-effective option with fast distribution and a wide range of features.
TuneCore
- Pricing: Charges a flat fee per single or album, each year.
- Features:
- Global reach
- Detailed sales reporting
- Publishing administration
- Best for: Artists who want a simple and transparent pricing structure and are interested in publishing administration services.
CD Baby
- Pricing: Offers both single and album distribution with a one-time fee per release.
- Features:
- Physical distribution
- Sync licensing
- Marketing and promotion tools
- Best for: Artists who want a one-time payment option, are interested in physical distribution, and need marketing and promotion support.
Comparison Table
| Feature |
DistroKid |
TuneCore |
CD Baby |
| Pricing |
Yearly subscription |
Yearly fee per release |
One-time fee per release |
| Distribution speed |
Fast |
Moderate |
Moderate |
| Physical distribution |
No |
No |
Yes |
| Publishing administration |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Sync licensing |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Marketing tools |
Limited |
Limited |
Extensive |
Choosing the Right Service
Consider these factors:
- How often do you release music?
- Do you need physical distribution?
- Are you interested in publishing administration or sync licensing?
- What is your budget?
