Top Music Distributors for Independent Artists (2025)
This guide lists popular music distribution platforms you can use to upload your music and have it delivered to streaming sites like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, TikTok, YouTube, and more. Each platform features its official website link, major pros and cons, and notes on which type of artist will benefit most.
1. DistroKid
Website: distrokid.com
Pros:
- Unlimited uploads for a flat annual fee
- Fastest distribution times
- Royalty splits for easy payouts to collaborators
- Easy to use, widely trusted
Cons:
- Email-only support; sometimes slow
- Add-on fees for bonus features (e.g., YouTube content ID)
- Upselling and interface can be confusing
Best for:Frequent releasers, collaborators, and DIY artists who want “set and forget” annual pricing.
2. TuneCore
Website: tunecore.com
Pros:
- Keep 100% of royalties
- Offers publishing admin and physical products (CD, vinyl)
- Tiered pricing to match different artist needs
Cons:
- Annual/per-release fees can add up quickly
- Criticized for charging frequent fees and not great for high-frequency releases
Best for:Releasing one or two projects a year, or for artists wanting physical media and access to publishing.
3. CD Baby
Website: cdbaby.com
Pros:
- One-time fee per release (no subscription)
- Offers digital and physical distribution
- Includes royalty collection, publishing, and sync licensing
Cons:
- 9% commission on royalties
- Slightly slower approval/support than others
Best for:Artists releasing less often, physical album sellers, or those focused on one-off projects.
4. Amuse
Website: amuse.io
Pros:
- Free plan available (limited features)
- Retain 100% of basic royalties
- Mobile-friendly, analytics-rich app
Cons:
- Premium plan needed for wider store coverage
- Slow release times, fees for split payouts
Best for:Budget-conscious, mobile-focused creators and international artists.
5. UnitedMasters
Website: unitedmasters.com
Pros:
- Free global distribution (10% commission)
- Brand/sync deal opportunities (NBA, ESPN)
- Fast, mobile-friendly release process
Cons:
- Frequent complaints of payout lockouts/support issues
- Content ID/copyright claims require manual whitelisting
Best for:Artists in hip-hop, Afrobeat, Latin & those seeking brand opportunities.
6. Ditto Music
Website: dittomusic.com
Pros:
- Annual fee gets you unlimited releases, 100% royalties
- Automated royalty splits
- Video distribution, playlist tools
Cons:
- Basic analytics only
- Email-only support, possibly slow
Best for:Indie acts and small labels needing unlimited, affordable releases.
7. LANDR
Website: landr.com/distribution
Pros:
- Unlimited releases, AI mastering, plugins
- Reliable support; music stays online even if cancelled
- Royalty splitting without commission
Cons:
- Add-ons required for advanced features (lyrics distro, cover licenses)
- Slightly less coverage than largest competitors
Best for:DIY/producer-types who want distribution plus pro-level music tools.
8. AWAL
Website: awal.com
Pros:
- No upfront fee (15% commission); application-only
- Artist development, advanced analytics, playlist pitching
- Keep rights/masters
Cons:
- Acceptance only for established/growth artists
- 15% cut of royalties
Best for:Growth-phase or established indies wanting label-like support.
9. Symphonic Distribution
Website: symphonic.com
Pros:
- Unlimited releases for $19.99/year, 100% royalties
- Sync licensing, YouTube monetization, robust support/marketing tools
Cons:
- Higher-tier services require application, royalty splits for extra features
Best for:Pro-minded artists or boutique labels needing advanced features.
10. Songtradr
Website: songtradr.com
Pros:
- Combines distro and sync/licensing marketplace in one
- Fan engagement, tipping, artist profiles
Cons:
- Support complaints, missed updates, mixed payout reviews
- Must pay for Pro tier ($40/year) for full service
Best for:Artists wanting sync/licensing focus and new monetization models.
11. Soundrop
Website: soundrop.com
Pros:
- Pay-per-release with no annual fees
- Extremely friendly for cover songs and splits
- Music stays up forever, 100% royalties
Cons:
- Limited analytics/tools; fewer stores
- No advanced marketing features
Best for:Casually releasing artists, especially those doing covers/collabs.
12. RouteNote
Website: routenote.com
Pros:
- Free distribution with 15% commission (or paid, 100% royalties)
- Unlimited releases, fast turnaround
Cons:
- $50 payout threshold, lower-tier support
Best for:Voluminous releasers or artists needing widest reach on a tight budget.
13. Boost Collective
Website: boostcollective.com
Pros:
- Free unlimited distribution, 100% royalties
- Strong playlist promotion and analytics options
Cons:
- Not as established, possible scam complaints (research carefully)
Best for:DIY budget artists wanting free releases and bundled playlist promo (use with caution).
14. FreshTunes
Website: freshtunes.com
Pros:
- Totally free, unlimited releases; 100% royalty/rights retention
- Rapid distribution, easy payout (global support)
Cons:
- Basic marketing only, less known in Western markets
- Support mainly for global/emerging markets
Best for:Global independent artists, and budget creators prioritizing rights retention.
Note:Always verify the latest prices/features on the distributor’s website. Artist needs differ – select based on release strategy, budget, and tools required.
