Best Music Distribution Companies in 2024

In today's digital era, the music industry has undergone a major shift, with artists no longer relying solely on traditional record labels to distribute their music. Instead, a wide range of music distribution companies have emerged, offering independent musicians a platform to share their art with the world. These companies act as digital gatekeepers, ensuring that your music finds its way onto popular streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok, among others.

Fear not, for we've curated a comprehensive guide to the top seven music distribution companies that you need to know. From industry giants to niche players, each offering unique features and services, this article will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision that aligns with your artistic vision and career goals.

 

In this article, we have tried to cover a few things:

1. What is Music Distribution?
   
   
2. Factors to Consider When Choosing A Music Distribution Company
   
   
3. Distrokid
   
   
4. Tunecore
   
   
5. CD Baby
   
   
6. AWAL
   
   
7. LANDR
   
   
8. ONErpm
   
   
9. RouteNote
   
   
10. Weighing the Pros and Cons
    
    
11. FAQs
    
    

What is Music Distribution?

 

Before we dive into the specifics of each company, let's take a moment to understand the essence of music distribution. In older times, musicians relied on record labels to manufacture physical copies of their albums and distribute them to retail stores. However, the advent of digital streaming has revolutionised the industry, allowing artists to bypass the traditional gatekeepers and reach a global audience directly.

Enter the music distribution companies. These entities serve as the bridge between artists and digital service providers (DSPs), ensuring that your music is available on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and countless others. By handling the intricate process of delivering your audio files, metadata, and artwork to these platforms, distribution companies streamline the process, allowing you to focus on what you do best – creating art.

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing A Music Distribution Company

 

While the primary function of music distribution companies is to get your music onto streaming platforms, there are several factors to consider when selecting the right partner for your artistic journey:

1. Pricing Structure: Some companies charge a one-time fee per release, while others offer subscription-based models or take a percentage of your royalties. It's essential to understand the pricing structure and determine which option aligns best with your budget and release strategy.
2. Distribution Reach: Ensure that the company you choose has a wide distribution network, covering not only the major DSPs but also emerging markets and niche platforms. This will maximise your music's exposure and potential for discovery.
3. Royalty Reporting and Payment: Transparency is key when it comes to your hard-earned royalties. Look for companies that provide clear, intelligible reports and prompt payments, ensuring you receive your fair share of the revenue generated by your music.
4. Additional Services: Many music distribution companies offer additional services beyond distribution, such as marketing support, playlist pitching, sync licensing opportunities, and more. Consider your specific needs and whether the company's offerings align with your goals.
5. User Experience: A user-friendly interface and responsive customer support can make a significant difference in your overall experience. Look for companies that prioritize ease of use and provide helpful resources to guide you through the distribution process.

With these factors in mind, let's dive into the top seven music distribution companies that every artist should know. 

 

Distrokid

 

DistroKid has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in the music distribution industry, offering artists an innovative and streamlined approach to sharing their music with the world. Founded by Philip Kaplan, a visionary entrepreneur, and drummer, DistroKid was one of the first companies to introduce the concept of unlimited distribution for a single annual fee.

 

Key Features and Highlights

• Unlimited Releases: With DistroKid, you can distribute an unlimited number of songs and albums for a flat annual fee, making it an attractive option for prolific artists.
• No Commission: DistroKid does not take a commission on your royalties, ensuring that you keep 100% of your earnings from digital service providers (DSPs).
• Automatic Payment Splitting: DistroKid's automatic payment splitting feature allows you to easily distribute royalties among collaborators, simplifying the process of compensating everyone involved in your project.
• Recoupment Option: DistroKid offers a unique recoupment option, enabling you to recover your recording costs before splitting royalties with collaborators.
• Additional Tools: DistroKid provides valuable tools such as SMS marketing, TikTok timestamp setting, and the ability to download your songs from their cloud storage.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unlimited releases for a flat annual fee
• No commission on royalties
• Automatic payment splitting with recoupment option
• User-friendly interface and streamlined distribution process

Cons:

• Limited flexibility in certain metadata formatting
• Customer support can be inconsistent for specific use cases
• Some hidden fees for additional services

 

Tunecore

 

TuneCore, a pioneer in the music distribution industry, has long been recognised for its commitment to transparency and artist-friendly practices. Acquired by Believe Digital, TuneCore continues to evolve, offering a range of subscription-based plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of independent artists.

 

Key Features and Highlights

• No Commission: TuneCore does not take a commission on your royalties from DSPs, ensuring you receive 100% of your earnings.
• Subscription-Based Plans: TuneCore offers various subscription plans, ranging from $14.99 to $49.99 per year, providing flexibility and options to suit different artist needs.
• Payment Splitting: TuneCore's payment splitting feature allows you to distribute royalties among collaborators seamlessly.
• Revenue Advances: If your past releases have generated consistent revenue, TuneCore may offer you revenue advances to fund your future projects, providing a budget for production and marketing efforts.
• Detailed Analytics: TuneCore is renowned for its comprehensive analytics and sales reports, providing artists with valuable insights into their music's performance.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• No commission on royalties from DSPs
• Subscription-based plans for flexibility
• Payment splitting and revenue advances
• Detailed analytics and sales reports

Cons:

• Some upfront and hidden fees for additional services
• Limited distribution to certain social platforms (20% commission)
• Customer support can be inconsistent at times

 

CD Baby

 

CD Baby, founded by musician and author Derek Sivers, has been a pioneering force in the music distribution industry for independent artists. Now owned by Downtown Music Group, CD Baby continues to evolve, offering a range of services to help artists navigate the ever-changing music landscape.

 

Key Features and Highlights

• Open to All: CD Baby welcomes artists of all levels, providing a platform for anyone to distribute their music.
• Distribution to China and TikTok: CD Baby ensures your music reaches the rapidly growing Chinese market and the viral platform TikTok, expanding your potential audience.
• Lyric Distribution: CD Baby offers lyric distribution services, ensuring your lyrics are accurately displayed on streaming platforms.
• Clear and Intelligible Reports: CD Baby is known for providing clear and intelligible reports, allowing you to easily track your music's performance and earnings.
• Publishing Administration Services: CD Baby offers publishing administration services, helping you collect and manage your publishing royalties.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Open to artists of all levels
• Distribution to China and TikTok
• Lyric distribution services
• Clear and intelligible reports
• Publishing administration services

Cons:

• Commissions on royalties (9% commission)
• Limited payment splitting options
• Some upfront and hidden fees for additional services

 

AWAL

 

AWAL, which stands for "Artists Without a Label," is a music distribution company owned by Sony Music Entertainment. AWAL's mission is to provide independent artists with the resources and support typically associated with major record labels while allowing them to retain their creative freedom.

 

Key Features and Highlights

• No Upfront Fees: AWAL does not charge upfront fees, making it accessible for artists at various stages of their careers.
• Distribution to China and TikTok: AWAL ensures your music reaches the rapidly growing Chinese market and the viral platform TikTok, expanding your potential audience.
• Lyric and Credit Distribution: AWAL offers lyric and credit distribution services, ensuring your lyrics and collaborator credits are accurately displayed on streaming platforms.
• Tailored Support: AWAL provides tailored support to artists based on their level of success, with dedicated account representatives and marketing support for high-performing artists.
• Potential for Upstreaming: AWAL's association with Sony Music Entertainment presents the opportunity for standout artists to be upstreamed to Sony's services, including in-house sync services.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• No upfront fees
• Distribution to China and TikTok
• Lyric and credit distribution services
• Tailored support for high-performing artists
• Potential for upstreaming to Sony Music Entertainment's services

Cons:

• Commission-based model (15% commission)
• Selective process for artist acceptance
• Limited customer support for non-priority artists
• Some hidden fees for additional services

 

LANDR

 

LANDR has evolved from its roots in automated mastering to become a comprehensive platform catering to the needs of bedroom producers and independent musicians. With a wide range of services, including distribution, LANDR offers a one-stop shop for artists seeking to create, master, and distribute their music.

 

Key Features and Highlights

• Open to All: LANDR welcomes artists of all levels, providing a platform for anyone to distribute their music.
• Distribution to China and TikTok: LANDR ensures your music reaches the rapidly growing Chinese market and the viral platform TikTok, expanding your potential audience.
• Payment Splitting: LANDR's payment splitting feature allows you to distribute royalties among collaborators seamlessly.
• Lyric Distribution: LANDR offers lyric distribution services, ensuring your lyrics are accurately displayed on streaming platforms.
• Clear and Intelligible Reports: LANDR is known for providing clear and intelligible reports, allowing you to easily track your music's performance and earnings.
• Mastering and Sample Library: In addition to distribution, LANDR offers automated mastering services and a vast sample library, providing a comprehensive solution for music creation and distribution.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Open to artists of all levels
• Distribution to China and TikTok
• Payment splitting and lyric distribution
• Clear and intelligible reports
• Mastering and sample library services

Cons:

• Commission-based model on some plans
• Some upfront fees for additional services
• Limited customer support for non-priority artists

 

ONErpm

 

ONErpm is a music distribution company that operates as both a DIY artist distributor and a full-fledged record label. With a global presence and a commitment to emerging markets, ONErpm offers a unique perspective on music distribution.

 

Key Features and Highlights

• Open to All: ONErpm welcomes artists of all levels, providing a platform for anyone to distribute their music.
• No Upfront or Hidden Fees: ONErpm does not charge upfront or hidden fees, ensuring transparency in its pricing structure.
• Payment Splitting: ONErpm's payment splitting feature allows you to distribute royalties among collaborators seamlessly.
• Distribution to China and TikTok: ONErpm ensures your music reaches the rapidly growing Chinese market and the viral platform TikTok, expanding your potential audience.
• Lyric and Credit Distribution: ONErpm offers lyric and credit distribution services, ensuring your lyrics and collaborator credits are accurately displayed on streaming platforms.
• Clear and Intelligible Reports: ONErpm is known for providing clear and intelligible reports, allowing you to easily track your music's performance and earnings.
• YouTube Monetization: ONErpm offers advanced YouTube monetisation services, helping you maximise your earnings from the platform.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Open to artists of all levels
• No upfront or hidden fees
• Payment splitting and lyric/credit distribution
• Clear and intelligible reports
• Advanced YouTube monetisation services

Cons:

• Commission-based model (15% commission)
• Limited marketing support for non-priority artists
• Customer support can be inconsistent at times

 

RouteNote

 

RouteNote is a music distribution company that has been operating since 2008, with a strong focus on emerging markets like China, India, and South Korea. With a solid reputation for efficiency and a commitment to global reach, RouteNote offers a unique perspective on music distribution.

 

Key Features and Highlights

• Open to All: RouteNote welcomes artists of all levels, providing a platform for anyone to distribute their music.
• No Hidden Fees: RouteNote does not charge hidden fees, ensuring transparency in its pricing structure.
• Payment Splitting: RouteNote's payment splitting feature allows you to distribute royalties among collaborators seamlessly.
• Clear and Intelligible Reports: RouteNote is known for providing clear and intelligible reports, allowing you to track your music's performance and earnings easily.
• Songwriter and Producer Credit Distribution: RouteNote offers songwriter and producer credit distribution services, ensuring accurate attribution on streaming platforms.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Open to artists of all levels
• No hidden fees
• Payment splitting and credit distribution
• Distribution to China and TikTok
• Clear and intelligible reports
• Strong presence in emerging markets

Cons:

• Commission-based model (15% commission)
• Some upfront fees for additional services
• Limited lyric distribution services
• Customer support can be inconsistent at times

 

Weighing the Pros and Cons

 

As you embark on your musical journey, it's crucial to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each music distribution company. While some offer unlimited releases and no commissions, others prioritise marketing support and tailored services. Some excel in emerging markets, while others cater specifically to niche genres or collaborative projects.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your unique artistic vision, career goals, and specific needs should guide your choice. Whether you're a prolific creator seeking a cost-effective platform or an established artist seeking marketing support, the right music distribution company can be the catalyst that takes your music to new heights.

 

FAQs

 

1. Can I use multiple music distribution companies simultaneously?

Yes, you can use multiple music distribution companies for different releases. However, it's important to note that you cannot distribute the same release through multiple companies, as this would result in duplicate entries on streaming platforms, potentially leading to confusion and conflicts.

 

2. Do music distribution companies own my music or rights?

No, music distribution companies do not own your music or rights. They simply act as intermediaries, facilitating the distribution of your music to various digital service providers (DSPs). You retain complete ownership and control over your intellectual property.

 

3. Can I switch to music distribution companies without losing my streaming data?

Yes, it is possible to switch music distribution companies without losing your streaming data, playlists, or other associated information. However, the process can be complex and requires careful coordination to ensure a smooth transition. It's advisable to consult with your current and future distribution companies for guidance on the proper procedures.

 

4. How long does it typically take for my music to appear on streaming platforms after distribution?

The time it takes for your music to appear on streaming platforms can vary depending on the distribution company and the specific platform. However, most companies aim to have your music available within a week or two of submission. Some platforms, like Spotify, may take slightly longer due to their review processes.

 

5. Can music distribution companies help with marketing and promotion?

Many music distribution companies offer additional services beyond just distribution, including marketing support, playlist pitching, and sync licensing opportunities. However, the extent of these services can vary greatly between companies, with some offering more comprehensive support than others. Be sure to evaluate your specific needs and the company's offerings before making a decision.

Remember, the journey of an artist is never a solitary one. Embrace the support and resources offered by these music distribution companies, and let your music reach a wider audience with their help.

 

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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