Top 5 Music Distributors
Overview of the top 5 independent music distributors based on industry reviews and user feedback.
Each of these independent music distributors has its unique strengths and weaknesses. It is important for artists to carefully consider their needs and priorities before selecting a distributor, taking into account factors like cost, distribution reach, and additional features. Ultimately, the right independent music distributor can be a valuable partner in an artist’s career.
- CD Baby: CD Baby is highly regarded independent music distributor, which has been around since 1998. It offers a range of services beyond distribution, including music publishing and sync licensing. CD Baby’s pricing model is based on a one-time fee per release, and it distributes music to over 150 digital stores and streaming services.
- DistroKid: DistroKid is one of the most popular independent music distributor, known for its easy-to-use platform and low cost. It offers unlimited distribution to all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon, for a yearly fee. DistroKid also provides helpful features like instant royalty splitting and access to detailed analytics.
- Amuse: Amuse is a newer independent music distributor that has gained popularity for its free distribution model. It offers distribution to major digital stores and streaming services, as well as helpful features like pre-save campaigns and YouTube monetization. Amuse makes money by taking a commission of revenue earned from distributed music.
- Symphonic Distribution: Symphonic Distribution is a more niche player in the independent music distribution space, but it is highly regarded for its focus on electronic and dance music. It offers distribution to all major digital stores and streaming services, as well as helpful features like metadata optimization and sync licensing. Symphonic’s pricing model is based on a commission of revenue earned from distributed music.
- TuneCore: TuneCore is a veteran player in the independent music distribution space, having been founded in 2005. It offers distribution to over 150 digital stores and streaming services for a yearly fee, as well as helpful features like YouTube monetization and distribution to TikTok. TuneCore also provides detailed analytics and a user-friendly dashboard.
The Orchard distribution did not make the list, and has the worst reputation according to user feedback.
It’s unfortunate that CDBaby music distributor is distributing fake imposter artists, when they are the distributor of the original artist. There could be several reasons for this, such as the pursuit of financial gain without regard for artistic integrity, a lack of quality control, or even negligence in vetting new releases. CDbaby response: “Thanks for getting in touch with us. with thousands of artists from around the world, it is not uncommon for more than one artist to have the same name on our platform… There is nothing we can do… We are sorry for the inconvenience. Take Care! Elle J.”
Amy H
Abet News April 20, 2023 – December 23, 2023 – May 29, 2024
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8 comments on Top 5 Music Distributors
I like the idea of artists uploading music directly to streaming platforms.
Do we still need a middle man (independent music distributor)? Why can’t an artists and labels upload music directly to the streaming services?
It’s disgusting to see fake artists created by music distributor like CDBaby trying to cash in on the success and reputation of hard working artists.
WARNING! I stopped using CDBaby. I was not getting the right amount of streaming royalties from cdbaby. I receive monthly play/stream reports from streaming services like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify, none of the reports matched CDBaby’s reporting, it’s always lower, MUCH LOWER. BEWARE
Symphonic Distribution’s platform is easy to use, and the customer service is responsive and helpful.
TuneCore’s pricing model can be confusing, and the commission structure can lead to unexpected fees.
CDBaby is a trusted name in the independent music distribution space and has been around for a long time.
CDBaby is truly an independent artist’s best friend.