The Decision Framework
Distributor comparison articles list dozens of features you don't need and ignore the three questions that actually matter. Here's how to cut through the noise.
Question 1: How often will you release music in the next 12 months?
This single question eliminates most options.
- 1-2 releases: Per-release pricing (CD Baby) or free tiers (RouteNote) make sense. Subscriptions waste money on unused capacity.
- 3-6 releases: Subscription models break even. DistroKid, TuneCore, or Ditto become cost-effective.
- Monthly or more: Unlimited subscription plans are the only sensible choice. Per-release fees would be prohibitive.
Question 2: What's your expected annual streaming revenue?
This determines whether commission-based models (free distribution with percentage cuts) or fixed-fee models work better.
- Under $200/year: Commission-based free tiers cost you less than subscriptions. RouteNote's 15% of $150 is $22.50 - less than a $25 subscription.
- Over $200/year: Subscriptions cost less. At $1,000/year revenue, the 15% commission is $150 versus $25-30 for a subscription.
- Over $2,000/year: Commission costs become significant. Avoid percentage-based models entirely.
Question 3: What features do you actually need?
Most feature comparisons list 30+ items. In practice, five matter:
Store coverage: Does the distributor deliver to platforms where your audience listens? Most major distributors cover Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube. Check for specific needs (Beatport for electronic, JioSaavn for India, NetEase for China).
YouTube Content ID: If you want to monetize YouTube uploads using your music, this is essential. Some distributors include it; others charge $5-15/year per release.
Royalty splits: If you release music with collaborators, built-in split functionality saves manual accounting. DistroKid and TuneCore offer this; CD Baby requires external tools.
Release speed: If you need fast turnaround (days, not weeks), DistroKid leads. If you plan releases 4 weeks ahead anyway, speed differences don't matter.
Support access: If resolving issues quickly matters to you, check whether the distributor offers email, chat, phone support - and read recent reviews about response times.
Everything else - lyrics distribution, Shazam, pre-save links, analytics dashboards - is either universal or easily replaced by third-party tools.
The Decision Tree
Use this flow to narrow your options:
Step 1: Filter by release frequency
- Infrequent (1-2/year): CD Baby, RouteNote, or Amuse
- Regular (3-12/year): DistroKid, TuneCore, Ditto
- Heavy (12+/year): DistroKid, TuneCore, or selective distributors
Step 2: Filter by revenue expectations
- Low/uncertain revenue: RouteNote Free, UnitedMasters, or lowest-cost subscription
- Growing revenue: Subscription models (DistroKid, TuneCore)
- Established revenue: Premium subscriptions or selective distributors (AWAL, Symphonic Partner)
Step 3: Check deal-breaker features
- Need Content ID included? TuneCore, CD Baby, Ditto (DistroKid charges extra)
- Need physical distribution? CD Baby (unique among major independents)
- Need music to persist if you stop paying? CD Baby (one-time fee model)
- Need fastest possible turnaround? DistroKid
Step 4: Evaluate support reputation Read recent reviews (last 6 months) on Trustpilot, Reddit, or music forums. Support quality changes over time. DistroKid's 2024 support team changes, for example, significantly affected user experience.
Distributor Quick Reference
Based on the framework:
| Profile | Best Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time releaser, zero budget | RouteNote Free | No upfront cost, full distribution, 15% commission |
| Hobbyist, 1-2 releases/year | CD Baby | One-time fee, no renewals, music stays up forever |
| Active indie, 4-12 releases/year | TuneCore Breakout | $44.99/year, Content ID included, clean pricing |
| Prolific releaser, speed priority | DistroKid | $24.99/year unlimited, fastest delivery |
| Established artist, wants services | AWAL | Marketing, sync, playlist support - if accepted |
| Label or multi-artist operation | DistroKid Ultimate or Symphonic | Multi-artist management, label features |
Red Flags to Avoid
When evaluating any distributor, watch for:
Hidden renewal fees. Some platforms keep music live only while you maintain subscription. Others remove your catalog automatically if you cancel. Understand the terms before uploading.
Unclear takedown processes. If you want to remove music or switch distributors, how easy is it? Some platforms make this straightforward; others create friction.
Ownership claims. Legitimate distributors never take ownership of your masters or publishing. If terms mention rights transfers, run.
Guaranteed playlist placement. No distributor can guarantee editorial playlist placement. Those promises are either lies or describe paid-playlist schemes that violate platform terms.
Suspiciously low pricing. Free distribution with no commission suggests either very limited service, data monetization, or a business model you don't understand.
Making the Final Call
After filtering, you'll likely have 2-3 viable options. At that point, differences are marginal. Pick one based on:
- Brand affinity: Which company do you trust more?
- Interface preference: Try their dashboards if possible
- Existing catalog: If you already have music on a platform, staying reduces migration hassle
Distribution is infrastructure, not identity. The perfect choice doesn't exist. A good-enough choice that lets you release music and get paid is all you need.
You can always switch later. ISRCs transfer, streams can be preserved with proper migration, and no decision is permanent. Start releasing, learn what matters to you specifically, and adjust as needed.