Getting your music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other streaming platforms requires a music distributor. But with dozens of options available—some free, some paid—how do you choose the right one?
We've compared the best music distribution services in 2026, breaking down pricing, features, royalty splits, and what makes each one unique.
Quick Comparison
| Distributor | Pricing | Royalty Split | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DistroKid | $22.99/year | 100% | Prolific artists |
| TuneCore | $9.99/single | 100% | Occasional releases |
| CD Baby | $9.95/single | 91% | Physical + digital |
| Amuse | FREE tier | 100% | Beginners |
| UnitedMasters | FREE / $5.99/mo | 90-100% | Brand deals |
DistroKid
Popular ChoiceDistroKid is one of the most popular distributors for independent artists, offering unlimited uploads for a flat annual fee. Known for its speed—songs often go live within 24-48 hours.
$22.99
per year (Musician)
$39.99
per year (Musician Plus)
100%
royalties kept
Pros
- Unlimited releases for flat fee
- Fast delivery (24-48 hours)
- Keep 100% of royalties
- Spotify for Artists auto-verification
- Lyrics sync with Spotify
Cons
- Music removed if you stop paying
- Extra fees for some features
- No physical distribution
- Limited customer support
TuneCore
TuneCore is one of the original indie distributors, now offering both per-release and subscription pricing. Established reputation with major label backing (owned by Believe).
$9.99
per single/year
$29.99
per album/year
100%
royalties kept
Pros
- Established, trusted platform
- Keep 100% of royalties
- Publishing administration available
- Good analytics dashboard
Cons
- Per-release pricing adds up
- Annual renewal fees
- More expensive for prolific artists
- Music removed if you don't renew
CD Baby
CD Baby pioneered indie distribution in the early 2000s. Unlike subscription models, they charge a one-time fee per release—your music stays up forever with no renewals.
$9.95
per single (one-time)
$29
per album (one-time)
91%
royalties kept
Pros
- One-time fee—no renewals
- Physical CD/vinyl distribution
- Sync licensing opportunities
- YouTube Content ID included
Cons
- Takes 9% of royalties
- Slower delivery times
- Higher upfront cost per release
- Dated interface
Amuse
Free OptionAmuse offers a genuinely free tier for distribution with no hidden fees. Great for beginners testing the waters. They also run a label that signs artists discovered through their platform.
FREE
basic tier
$24.99
Boost (per year)
100%
royalties kept
Pros
- Completely free tier
- Keep 100% of royalties
- Mobile app for releases
- Label signing opportunities
Cons
- Slower release times on free tier
- Limited features without upgrade
- No Spotify for Artists verification
- Fewer store options on free tier
UnitedMasters
UnitedMasters positions itself as more than a distributor—it's an artist-first platform with brand partnership opportunities (NBA, NFL, major brands). Free tier available with a revenue split.
FREE
with 10% rev share
$5.99/mo
Select membership
90-100%
royalties kept
Pros
- Brand deal opportunities
- Free tier available
- Artist-focused features
- Good analytics and insights
Cons
- Free tier takes 10% of royalties
- Brand deals not guaranteed
- US-focused platform
- Newer, less track record
What to Consider When Choosing a Distributor
Pricing Model
Subscription (DistroKid) vs per-release (TuneCore) vs one-time (CD Baby). If you release frequently, subscriptions save money. If you release rarely, per-release or one-time is better.
Revenue Split
Most modern distributors let you keep 100% of royalties. Watch out for hidden fees or percentage takes. CD Baby (91%) and UnitedMasters free tier (90%) take a cut.
Platform Reach
All major distributors cover Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, YouTube Music, etc. Check for regional stores (JioSaavn, NetEase) if you're targeting specific markets.
Additional Features
Look for: Spotify for Artists verification, YouTube Content ID, sync licensing, publishing administration, pre-save links, and release scheduling.
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | DistroKid | TuneCore | CD Baby | Amuse | UnitedMasters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 100% Royalties | ✓ | ✓ | 91% | ✓ | 90-100% |
| Unlimited Releases | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Delivery Speed | 24-48 hrs | 2-5 days | 1-2 weeks | 2-4 weeks | 2-5 days |
| YouTube Content ID | $4.95 extra | ✓ | ✓ | Paid tier | ✓ |
| Physical Distribution | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Music Stays if Cancel | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Spotify Verification | ✓ Auto | ✓ | ✓ | Paid tier | ✓ |
The Bottom Line: Our Recommendations
DistroKid — Best for most artists who release frequently. Unlimited uploads, fast delivery, 100% royalties.
Amuse — Best for beginners who want to test the waters without spending money. Upgrade when you're ready.
CD Baby — Best if you want to pay once and forget about renewals. Good for physical CDs/vinyl too.
UnitedMasters — Best if brand partnerships and sync licensing are priorities for your career.
Distribution is Just Step One
Getting your music on Spotify is the easy part. Getting it heard is the challenge. SongRocket Partners with Proton to get your distributed tracks with no fees just a fair 50/50 cut.
SongRocket Music Label →