Distribution
Music distributors, compared
DistroKid vs TuneCore vs CD Baby vs Amuse, compared by the thing that actually matters: their pricing model. Exact prices change often, so pick the model that fits how you release.
| Distributor | Pricing model | Royalties | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DistroKid | Flat annual subscription | Keep ~100% | Artists who release often |
| TuneCore | Per-release / per-year fee | Keep ~100% (newer % plans exist) | Occasional releasers; wide reach |
| CD Baby | One-time per-release fee | Historically ~9% cut (or flat plans) | Release-and-forget; publishing admin |
| Amuse | Free tier + paid Pro | Keep 100% on paid | Starting out on a budget |
Prices change, models don’t. Every distributor here adjusts its tiers and fees over time, so we’ve deliberately compared how they charge rather than today’s exact dollar figure. Check the live pricing page before you commit.
The real tradeoff
Flat subscription (DistroKid). One yearly fee, unlimited uploads, keep ~100%. Cheapest per release if you put music out regularly, but stop paying and your catalog can come down.
Per-release fee (TuneCore). Pay for each release, wide store reach. Predictable if you release rarely; newer percentage plans give a lower-upfront option.
One-time fee + a cut (CD Baby). Pay once per release with no annual renewal, but historically a ~9% slice of streaming revenue, plus publishing administration if you want it. Convenient for release-and-forget; the % cut grows with your success.
Free + paid Pro (Amuse). A real free tier to get on stores at zero cost, with a paid Pro tier for faster payouts and more control. Lowest barrier to entry; upgrade as you grow.
In short: flat fees reward volume and success, a % cut costs little until you grow, and free lowers the barrier to start. None of them, though, gets anyone to actually press play.
Music distributors, FAQ
Which music distributor is best in 2026?
There is no single best one, it depends on how you release. DistroKid's flat annual subscription suits artists who put out music often; CD Baby's one-time per-release fee suits release-and-forget singles; Amuse's free tier suits anyone starting on a budget; TuneCore suits occasional releasers who want wide reach. Compare the model, not just the headline price.
Is DistroKid or TuneCore cheaper?
It depends on how many releases you put out. DistroKid charges one flat yearly subscription for unlimited uploads, so it gets cheaper the more you release. TuneCore has historically charged per release per year (with newer percentage plans), which can be cheaper if you only put out one or two songs. Always check each one's current pricing page before deciding, these change often.
Do music distributors take a cut of my royalties?
Most subscription and per-release distributors (DistroKid, TuneCore, Amuse Pro) let you keep around 100% of your streaming royalties. CD Baby has historically taken roughly a 9% cut of streaming revenue on its pay-once plans, though it also offers flat-fee options. Verify the current terms before you sign up.
What is the difference between a flat fee and a percentage distributor?
A flat-fee or subscription distributor charges a fixed amount and lets you keep nearly all your royalties, great once you earn real money. A percentage distributor takes a cut of what you earn, so it costs little when you earn little but scales up as you grow. If you expect meaningful streams, flat models usually win over time.
I've distributed my music, why am I getting no streams?
Distribution only puts your song in the stores; it does not get anyone to listen. Streams come from discovery, and the most reachable lever for independent artists is getting onto real, active playlists. PlaylistSupply finds verified curator contacts and checks playlist quality so your pitches land on playlists that actually drive plays.
Related guides
What Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and more actually pay per stream, and why your deal sets the rate.
Editorial, algorithmic and independent curator playlists explained, so distribution actually turns into streams.
The outreach playbook for landing real placements once your music is in the stores.
Find high-quality, real-listener playlists in your genre instead of botted ones.
You’ve distributed. Now get the streams.
Distribution puts your song in the stores, it doesn’t get anyone to listen. The hard part is real plays. PlaylistSupply finds you verified playlist curators and checks each playlist’s quality before you pitch.
Find playlist curators freeMusic is more than streams
Get radio airplay, land film and TV placements, and book live shows, all from the same audience you are building now.