Cdbaby vs Bandcamp vs. DistroKid: Which is Better for Independent Musicians?
Apr 29, 2025Choosing a platform for music distribution can be confusing. Here's everything you need to know before you decide on one.
The music industry's evolution into a digital giant has brought several changes. Independent artists, in particular, have gained control and command over their music with the help of online platforms. Three such platforms popular amongst artists are CDBaby, Bandcamp, and Distrokid. So, let’s take a look at which is the best music distribution platform for you!
We’ll be taking a look at the following:
What is CDBaby?
CDBaby is one of the top music distribution platforms, famous amongst indie artists/ labels. Not only do they help musicians start distributing their music to streaming platforms, but they also offer them publishing services, CD & vinyl distribution, and even sync licensing.
The service operates on a one-time fixed fee for releasing a single/album, giving musicians access to distribute their music across 150+ platforms. This one-time per release system allows small musicians to pay in small amounts in case of unplanned or infrequent releases. Not only this, CDBaby does not remove your already released music if one decides to stop releasing or switch platforms for any reason. You’ll understand why we mentioned this as you read this blog further.
What Is Bandcamp?
Founded in 2008, Bandcamp has been one of the earliest platforms to advocate for independent artists. Bandcamp not only allows musicians to sell their music directly to fans but also determine the pricing.
Bandcamp for musicians challenged the traditional model with the opportunity to sell physical merchandise too, while also engaging with their fans directly. Bandcamp features a base of loyal and supportive users, which is why their “pay-what-you-want” model is a massive success.
P.S. Bandcamp Fridays are a much-anticipated phenomenon as well. Bandcamp Friday waives Bandcamp’s revenue share on the first Friday of each month, meaning artists keep 100% of sales.
What Is Distrokid?
Distrokid is one of the most popular parties in the field of music distribution. It was founded in 2013, and it aimed to make music distribution quick and uncomplicated. DistroKid helps artists upload their music to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. It operates on a subscription-based model, which means that you pay an annual fee to keep your music online, rather than sharing revenue per sale.
Keep in mind that DistroKid will remove your music from streaming services if you stop paying your annual subscription fee. However, you can prevent this by opting into the "Leave a Legacy" album extra, which keeps your releases on streaming services even if your subscription lapses, but of course, this service will cost extra.
Like Cdbaby, DistroKid focuses on getting your music onto DSP’s (Digital service providers) like Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora etc, where fans can listen to your music. This makes it a better choice for artists looking for mass exposure rather than direct sales. With fast distribution speeds and simple pricing, DistroKid music is an excellent tool for independent musicians who want to reach a global audience.
Pros and Cons of CDBaby
Even though the platform is highly renowned, there are plenty of things to consider before you choose to go ahead with CDBaby. The reason behind the popularity of the platform is due to its top preferred partner status with platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. However, in addition to the one-time payment for each release, here’s everything you should know:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The platform follows a one-time payment model for each release. | This can lead to more expenses in comparison to other platforms that offer a subscription model of one one-time payment yearly. |
| Musicians have access to other services like CD and vinyl distribution, sync licensing, merch, and publishing administration as well. | In addition to the one-time payment model, CDBaby also charges 9% royalty of the digital distribution revenue made through the platform. |
| CDBaby features free resources like blogs and podcasts for musicians to help them grow, to support indie artists. Furthermore, they organise various events like the DIY Musician Conference. | CDBaby doesn’t help artists acquire any licensing for cover singles or albums, unlike some other platforms (Tunecore, LANDR). |
Pros and Cons of Bandcamp
Bandcamp has always fostered musicians on their path to distributing to and reaching a wider audience. Unlike streaming services, where listeners essentially rent music, Bandcamp allows fans to truly own the music they support. This model not only encourages direct artist-to-fan relationships but also makes space for niche genres and smaller artists to thrive. The platform’s unique “pay-what-you-want” option further sets it apart, empowering fans to contribute what they feel the music is worth. However, like all platforms, Bandcamp isn’t without its limitations. Let’s take a closer look at some of their pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Musicians get to keep 85% of the revenue generated. | The platform is completely independent and doesn’t distribute to DSP’s like Spotify, Apple Music, etc. |
| Direct engagement with fans promotes a better network as a musician. | There are only limited customer service options. |
| Musicians can also sell merch, physical merchandise like vinyl and more, in addition to the music. | There is not much scope for distribution other than the sale of music/merch. |
| Fans have the option to pay more than the minimum price to support their artists financially, inculcating a community mindset. | It isn’t as well-known to the common audience and must be talked about through other media, making it harder to reach a wider audience. |
| Supportive of niche or subgenres featuring a variety of genres across the platform. | There is limited analytics and tracking to analyse the sales or performance better. |
Pros and Cons of Distrokid
Distrokid has been one of the top distribution platforms, due to its one-time yearly subscription model, artists save a lot of money compared to platforms that charge a fee for each release. Distrokid also lets the artists keep 100% of the royalties generated. Distrokid has a track record of delivering tracks in 24-48 hours, unlike other music distribution sites, which might take up to a week. If you’re an artist who releases music frequently, this might be what you’ve been looking for. However, many other features might either benefit or hinder your operation while using the platform.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Musicians get to keep 100% of the revenue made. | There is a yearly fee involved, which might not be suitable for artists planning infrequent releases throughout the year. |
| One-time annual fee to upload the music throughout the year instead of charging per release. (20$ yearly) | An additional fee is charged to access certain services despite the yearly subscription model, which can end up costing far more than expected. |
| Detailed analytics and tracking are included in the service. | There is no support for any lossless audio formats. |
What is the Difference Between CDBaby, Bandcamp, and Distrokid?
While both platforms help independent artists distribute music, understanding their core differences is crucial. Due to its direct artist-fan interaction, Bandcamp has a limited distribution network. While it might allow you to sell music and merchandise, the music is distributed only on Bandcamp and nowhere else. On the other hand, Distrokid excels with its reach. It is popular for its speedy music delivery to a vast number of major streaming platforms.
| CDBaby | Bandcamp | Distrokid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | CDBaby charges 9% of the digital revenue made over the platform. | Bandcamp charges 15% of the revenue made over the platform. | Distrokid doesn’t charge any royalties on the revenue made through the platform. |
| Subscription | CDBaby features a one-time payment model for each release whether that be a single or an album. | There is no subscription one needs to sign up for, 15% of the fee is taken out of every transaction made. | There is a yearly subscription-based model (20$ yearly). No other fee is deducted from any transaction made. |
| Customization | The platform allows artists to customize their store and manage royalties. | The platform allows customization across their artist pages. | Only limited customization can be made with the artist pages. |
| Sale | Artists can distribute their music, and retail merch, physical merchandise, and earn through sync licensing by the CDB boost option. | Artists can put physical merchandise like vinyl, band merch, etc., in addition to the music. | There is no option to retail anything other than the music. |
| Fan Engagement | There is no such option to engage with fans directly, however, CDBaby hosts events to continuously support the artist while inculcating a feeling of community amongst all platform users. However, there is no option to “pay more”. | There is an option to engage directly with fans, with an additional option for the fans to pay more than the minimum price to support the artist. | No option to engage with fans, as well as no option to pay more than the required fee. |
| Distribution | The platform allows distribution to 150+ streaming platforms in addition to the store. | The platform allows very limited access to stream or distribute content over other platforms. | The platform allows artists to access and distribute to over 150 streaming platforms, as well as the opportunity to master their songs for an additional fee. |
| Analytics | Detailed analytics can be used by artists to analyse their performance better. With features to even access the demographic location of the listeners. | No detailed analytics to track sales or performance better. | Detailed analytics and tracking to keep track of the sales and distribution made through the platform. 30% |
Which is better, Cdbaby, Bandcamp, or Distrokid?
Still confused about which one’s better for you?
Since its launch year (1998), CDBaby has aimed at supporting small indie musicians looking to start out in such a competitive space. If you’re an artist looking to explore the industry, learn and experiment, and frankly, just want to see how it goes? CDBaby might be the right choice for you. One-time payment releases can help you save up on the yearly subscription-based model, no matter how infrequently you release. Also, the best part about CDBaby, in case you choose not to continue or stop for whatever reason, your music will not be removed from any of the platforms, and can still continue to bring in earnings. However, do remember that for every $ earned, you only get to keep 91% of the earnings.
Distrokid, although it follows a yearly subscription-based model starting from only $24, the platform features various hidden/additional fees to access really basic services. Hence, the total cost comes up to be way more than one thinks. 0% royalties can attract you, but remember that the subscription as well as the add-on features require yearly upkeep. Incase you do not subscribe for another year, Distrokid takes your music off all the platforms, unless you opt into the "Leave a Legacy" album, which keeps your releases on streaming services even if your subscription lapses
If you just so happen to be a well-streamed artist with a ton of streams, Distrokid can save you a lot of money in the long run due to the 0% royalties charged from earnings.
If you prioritize selling music, have already built a loyal fan base, and are looking for creative ways to engage and interact with your audience, then Bandcamp for musicians is an ideal choice for you. It gives you full control over pricing, customization, fan interaction, and even physical merchandise sales. Bandcamp also charges 15% royalties on any transaction made on their platform. Do take note, Bandcamp does not help an artist with the distribution of their music to other streaming platforms. So, alongside using distribution platforms like CD Baby or DistroKid, you can also create a Bandcamp account to sell your music directly to your fans. Bandcamp can serve as an additional channel, one that gives you more control and helps you build a closer connection with your audience.
Each platform offers different features that can be utilised by artists to unlock their true potential, getting their music across the globe. However, due to the difference in services and key features, it is important to understand what works best for your goals to make the best use of the money spent.
So, what’s it gonna be?
We at GreaseRelease, have a bunch of curators on our network who are looking for new & exciting music to push on their massive playlists. If you make music and want to reach a wider audience, check out our submission platform and get a chance to reach millions of listeners! Submit your tracks now!
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