- Music distributors at a glance
- Eleven music distribution services to consider
- Your distributor doesn't give you copyright
- Free plan, unlimited releases or label tools?
- Questions to ask before you upload
- Release extras worth having
- When to look beyond a basic plan
- My plain advice on choosing a distributor
- Frequently asked questions
The best music distribution service depends on how you release music: a free plan suits a new artist testing the water, an unlimited release service suits prolific producers, and a distributor with rights and sync tools suits labels. Eleven options follow in no particular order.
Getting a song onto Spotify and Apple Music used to need a label. Now an independent artist can do it from a laptop, as long as they pick the right distributor to carry the files.
The eleven distributors below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, from free plans to services built for labels. Every description comes from the distributor's own site, read this week. If you're experimenting with new sounds, my guide to creating AI music for free covers what those tools let you keep.
Music distributors at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site names a free plan, a free version, a free app or an open source edition. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the pages I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to try it.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amuse | Music distribution and artist and label services | Distribution now, label services later | Not stated |
| CD Baby | Music distribution for independent artists | CDs, vinyl and cover licensing | Not stated |
| DistroKid | Music distribution service | Releasing often to many platforms | Not stated |
| Ditto Music | Unlimited music distribution | Release extras like pre-save links | Not stated |
| FreshTunes | Free unlimited distribution for independent artists | A free distribution plan | Yes |
| ONErpm | Distribution, marketing and publishing | Marketing support plus publishing | Not stated |
| RouteNote | Digital music distribution with free and premium tiers | Starting on a free tier | Yes |
| Symphonic | Digital music distribution and promotion | Labels needing rights and sync tools | Not stated |
| Too Lost | Distribution platform for artists and labels | Small labels wanting a guided walkthrough | Not stated |
| TuneCore | Digital music distribution services | Distribution plus publishing | Not stated |
| UnitedMasters | Digital music distribution | Sync and brand opportunities | Not stated |
Eleven music distribution services to consider
Amuse
Best for: Up-and-coming acts who want distribution now and a route to artist and label services later from the same company.
CD Baby
Best for: Musicians who still sell CDs and vinyl and want physical distribution and cover song licensing alongside their digital releases.
DistroKid
Best for: Prolific artists who release often and want unlimited uploads to Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok and many other platforms from one account.
Ditto Music
Best for: Producers who want release extras such as AI mastering, pre-save links and Spotify Canvas tools bundled with their distribution.
FreshTunes
Best for: Independent artists who want unlimited releases on a free distribution plan while keeping full rights to their music.
ONErpm
Best for: Record labels and artists that want distribution backed by a marketing method, publishing and business intelligence tools.
RouteNote
Best for: New artists who want a free distribution option first, with a premium service available once releases start to grow.
Symphonic
Best for: Labels and serious independents that want music video distribution, rights management and sync licensing from one distributor.
Too Lost
Best for: Small labels that want platform analytics and a walkthrough with the team before they move their catalogue across.
TuneCore
Best for: Songwriters who want distribution plus music publishing and split tools for collaborators under one roof.
UnitedMasters
Best for: Rappers, singers and bands interested in sync and brand work as well as getting releases onto streaming platforms quickly.
Your distributor doesn't give you copyright
GOV.UK says you get copyright protection automatically, you don't have to apply, and there's no register of copyright works in the UK. Your song is protected the moment you create it.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
That's why the agreement with a distributor matters so much. Read what rights it asks you to grant, for how long, and how you leave. Keep your own record of who wrote and performed each track before you upload.
Free plan, unlimited releases or label tools?
Free plans suit artists releasing a first single or two. Unlimited release services suit producers putting out music every few weeks. Distributors with rights management, sync and publishing suit labels and serious independents who want more than delivery to the stores.
Also look at the extras. Pre-save links, artwork tools, split sheets and cover song licensing can save you signing up to three other services.
Questions to ask before you upload
- Which stores and platforms does it deliver to, including TikTok and YouTube?
- Do you keep all rights to your masters?
- How do splits with collaborators work?
- What happens to your releases if you stop using the service?
- Can you set a release date far enough ahead for pitching?
- How quickly do changes, like fixing artwork, go live?
Release extras worth having
- Pre-save links. Fans can save the song before release day.
- Automatic splits. Collaborators get their share without spreadsheets.
- Release scheduling. You choose the date, not the queue.
- Clear reporting. You see which platforms and countries listen.
When to look beyond a basic plan
If you're releasing every month, working with several collaborators or starting to land sync interest, a basic plan will start to feel tight. That's the point to compare services with stronger rights and splits tools.
Do you make a music distribution service? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on choosing a distributor
Choose for the next two years of releases, not just this single. If you plan to release often, unlimited uploads matter. If you collaborate a lot, splits matter. If you might sign to a label later, check how easily you can move your catalogue.
Whatever you pick, plan the release before you upload: date, artwork, credits and the story you'll tell on social. My guide to BandLab alternatives is useful if you're still choosing where to make the music.
Frequently asked questions
What does a music distribution service do?
It delivers your songs and artwork to streaming services and download stores, then reports streams and sales back to you.
Is there a free music distribution service?
Yes. At least two distributors on this list name a free plan or free distribution on the pages I read. Check the table.
Do I keep my rights with a distributor?
Many distributors say you keep your rights, but check the agreement for each one before you upload.
Do I need to register copyright before distributing music?
In the UK, GOV.UK says copyright is automatic and there's no register of copyright works. Keep your own records of who created each track.
Can I move my music to a different distributor?
Usually yes, but plan it carefully so the songs don't disappear from streaming services during the switch.
How far ahead should I upload a release?
Give yourself several weeks so you have time for pre-save links and pitching to playlists.
