The best music distributor depends on how often you release, how you want to pay and which services you need. A distributor delivers your recordings to streaming and download platforms and accounts for the recording revenue it receives. Promotion is a separate job: getting a song online does not guarantee listeners. Here we compare four accessible options for independent artists, including CD Baby, which I have used to release my own music.
What to Compare Before You Sign Up
Calculate the cost across several years and your planned releases, including renewal fees, commission, additional artists and optional extras. Check release-date scheduling, royalty splits, payout thresholds, withdrawal charges, supported stores and how you can contact support. Read what happens if you cancel and how to move your catalogue later. Keeping copyright ownership is different from keeping every pound of income; a service can leave your rights intact while charging fees or taking commission.
Music Distribution Costs at a Glance
CD Baby charges $9.99 per single or $14.99 per album, plus 9% of digital distribution revenue, without annual distribution fees. DistroKid starts at £19.99 a year for unlimited uploads by one artist, while TuneCore’s unlimited plans start at £20.99 a year, with a separate 20% fee on social-platform earnings. RouteNote Free has no upfront distribution fee and lets you keep 85% of royalties. Compare renewal costs, commission and the features you need over several years. Prices checked on 4 November 2026; dollar amounts are USD, and taxes, regional prices and extras may vary.
1. CD Baby — Pay per Release
CD Baby charges once per release and takes 9% of digital distribution revenue. That can suit an artist releasing occasionally or building a catalogue without annual distribution renewals, although commission becomes more significant as earnings grow. The published price includes UPC and ISRC identifiers; additional services have their own terms. I have used CD Baby over the years to release my music and reach a wider audience. That is personal experience, rather than a guarantee of results for another artist.
2. DistroKid — Unlimited Uploads
DistroKid can suit frequent releases: its Musician plan covers one artist or band, while Musician Plus is £35.99 a year and adds features including custom release dates. It advertises no commission on the streaming and download earnings it receives, but optional services and payment charges need checking separately. Budget for renewal rather than treating the headline price as a permanent listing fee.
3. TuneCore — Annual Plans
TuneCore offers unlimited annual plans from £20.99, with Breakout Artist at £35.99 and Professional at £43.99. Its UK page also lists annual pay-per-release options, so compare the full renewal cost before choosing one. The distinction between revenue types matters: TuneCore states a 20% fee on social-platform earnings, rather than applying a single headline royalty claim to every use. Compare scheduling, reporting and the features you will actually use before paying for a higher tier.
4. RouteNote — Start for Free
RouteNote Free lets you keep 85% of royalties, making it an option when the upfront budget is limited. Premium lets you retain 100% of streaming and download revenue in exchange for release fees: $10 for a single, $20 for a 2–6-track EP, $30 for a 7–18-track album or $45 for a larger album. Its published terms then charge $9.99 annually per release to remain Premium after the first year, with a switch to Free available instead. Compare the commission you expect to pay against those fees.
Which Music Distributor Should You Choose?
For occasional releases, compare CD Baby’s one-time fee and commission against several years of subscription costs. For regular releases, DistroKid or TuneCore may offer better value if the right plan includes the features you need. RouteNote Free reduces the initial spend in exchange for a revenue share. For example, CD Baby’s 9% commission on $1,000 of digital distribution revenue is $90, before any other applicable charges: the cheapest upload fee is not always the lowest long-term cost. No distributor can promise an audience, playlist placement or a fixed income.
Tell the Story Behind Your Music
Give listeners a deeper connection to your music. For £25, our Artist Promotional Blog Post brings your story, creative inspiration and the meaning behind your lyrics together in one professionally written feature. Showcase your work with artist images, a music or video player and direct links to listen, buy or explore your portfolio. With one revision included, you can shape the story before publication and receive a polished feature to share with fans, collaborators and potential supporters—all for a one-time fee.