Save your progress to a file for permanent backup • Load from previously saved file
Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
Choose and set up digital distribution to get your music on Spotify, Apple Music, and 100+ other platforms worldwide.
Distribution Service Comparison
Digital distributors are the bridge between your label and streaming platforms. They handle uploads, metadata, royalty collection, and reporting. Choose based on your budget, features needed, and long-term goals.
DistroKid (Most Popular for Indies)
$19.99/year for unlimited uploads
100+ platforms • Fast delivery • Artist collaboration • YouTube Content ID
✓ Unlimited releases • Fast approval • Easy interface • Good customer support
✗ Pay annually • Limited analytics • Must keep paying to keep music live
CD Baby (One-Time Payment)
$9.95 per single, $29 per album (one-time)
150+ platforms • Physical distribution • Publishing admin • Sync licensing
✓ One-time payment • Music stays live forever • Sync opportunities • Physical distribution
✗ Higher cost for multiple releases • Slower delivery • Older interface
TuneCore (Professional Features)
$14.99/year per single, $49.99/year per album
150+ platforms • Detailed analytics • Publishing admin • Social video monetization
✓ Excellent analytics • Professional tools • Good for multiple artists • Revenue tracking
✗ Pay per release annually • More expensive • Complex pricing structure
LANDR Distribution
$89/year for unlimited releases + mastering
150+ platforms • AI mastering included • Release scheduling • Collaboration tools
✓ Includes mastering • Good for labels • Release planning tools • Fair pricing for volume
✗ Higher upfront cost • Newer service • Limited track record
Amuse (Free Option)
Free for basic distribution • Pro plans $49.99/year
Major platforms • Basic analytics • Mobile app • Playlist pitching (Pro)
✓ Free option available • Mobile-first • Good for testing • Playlist opportunities
✗ Limited free features • Slower support • Fewer platforms than competitors
Platform Coverage
All major distributors cover these essential platforms:
Spotify
Largest streaming platform globally
Apple Music
Premium music service
YouTube Music
Google's streaming service
Amazon Music
Prime & unlimited tiers
Deezer
Popular in Europe
Tidal
High-quality audio
Pandora
Radio-style streaming
Bandcamp
Direct artist support
Setup Requirements
What you'll need to get started with any distributor:
Required Information:
- Label name and LLC details
- Bank account for royalty payments
- Tax information (EIN or SSN)
- Contact information and address
- High-quality music files (WAV or FLAC preferred)
- Album artwork (3000x3000 pixels minimum)
- Song metadata (titles, writers, performers)
- ISRC codes (usually generated automatically)
Audio Quality Requirements:
• Minimum 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV files
• 24-bit/48kHz or higher recommended
• No MP3s for master uploads
• Professional mastering recommended
• Minimum 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV files
• 24-bit/48kHz or higher recommended
• No MP3s for master uploads
• Professional mastering recommended
Revenue & Royalty Information
Understanding how you get paid:
| Platform | Payout Rate | Payment Schedule | Minimum Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spotify | $0.003-$0.005 per stream | Monthly (2-month delay) | No minimum |
| Apple Music | $0.007-$0.010 per stream | Monthly (2-month delay) | No minimum |
| YouTube Music | $0.001-$0.003 per stream | Monthly (2-month delay) | No minimum |
| Amazon Music | $0.004-$0.007 per stream | Monthly (2-month delay) | No minimum |
Payment Timeline: Most platforms pay distributors 60-90 days after the end of each month. Your distributor then pays you according to their schedule (usually monthly or quarterly).
Label Setup Best Practices
Professional tips for setting up your label account:
Account Setup Tips:
• Use your LLC name as the label name
• Set up separate artist profiles for each act
• Use consistent naming conventions
• Link your business bank account for payments
• Save all login credentials securely
• Use your LLC name as the label name
• Set up separate artist profiles for each act
• Use consistent naming conventions
• Link your business bank account for payments
• Save all login credentials securely
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
• Don't use personal accounts for business releases
• Don't upload copyrighted material you don't own
• Don't submit poor quality audio or artwork
• Don't forget to save metadata and ISRC codes
• Don't use personal accounts for business releases
• Don't upload copyrighted material you don't own
• Don't submit poor quality audio or artwork
• Don't forget to save metadata and ISRC codes