So you’ve written and recorded your #1 chart tunes. Now, how do you get your music out for the world to hear and know it even exists? Without publishing and digital audio distribution, word-of-mouth advertising is only going to get your masterpiece to a small audience of listeners. Distribution is the process of making your music available online through these services that act as intermediaries between artists and streaming platforms.
In order to get your tunes played on streaming platforms like – Spotify (reported over 625 million monthly users), iTunes / Apple Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, Pandora and Amazon Music, we strongly suggest utilizing a distributor. Since many of these platforms do not accept direct submissions from artists, Battery Red Music can assist in eliminating a lot of the potential confusion.
The platforms of Bandcamp and SoundCloud do not require a distributor to submit music. BRM can provide assistance in submitting your music directly to these platforms.
Top Digital Music Distribution Services
*Annual fees and commissions vary pending your specific needs and budget.
Amuse
Entered the market in 2017. Offers free and paid plans.
Distribution: 35 outlets
AWAL
Began services in 2012. Platform charges 15% commission.
Distribution: 200 outlets
CD Baby
Began 1998. Pay once ($10), no annual fee (9% commission).
Distribution: 150 outlets
DistroKid
Annual fee ($20-$40) with no commission on sales.
Distribution: 150 outlets
Ditto
Annual fee ($21 / $65) for basic plans with no commission.
Distribution: 200 outlets
LANDR
Varied plans ($24-$45) with flat annual fee. 15% commission.
Distribution: 75 outlets
ONErpm
Offers free and two tier plans ($48 / $96). 15% commission.
Distribution: 100 outlets
RouteNote
Free plan (15% commission), and $30 annual plan (no comm).
Distribution: 200 outlets
Stem
Started in 2015. Free plan. Must qualify. 10% commission.
Distribution: 60 outlets
Symphonic
Various plans, with commission structure up to 15%.
Distribution: 200 outlets
Too Lost
Started in 2020. Annual $20 fee. No commission.
Distribution: 450 outlets
TuneCore
Operates on a flat fee ($15-$50) with no commission.
Distribution: 150 outlets
United Masters
Annual plans range from $20-$60 (10% comm).
Distribution: 100 outlets
Other distribution services you may consider: Horus, OFFstep, Record Union, Songtradr, Soundrop, Unchained Music, or Vydia. There are more springing up on the internet monthly.
Can I use multiple distribution services at the same time?
You should avoid distributing the same content. If you distribute say the same album or single release to the same platform through multiple services, the platform will usually remove the album or release due to the ISRC code. It would also present royalty issues.