- What a music distributor does for your songs
- Music distributor vs record label vs aggregator
- ISRC and UPC codes explained for music releases
- Examples of music distributors and what they offer
- What to check before choosing a music distributor
- How a music distributor fits into a Spotify release
- Sharing what you know about the music business
- Frequently asked questions
A music distributor is a company that delivers your recordings, cover art and metadata to streaming services and online stores such as Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music, so listeners can find them. Spotify asks independent artists to release through a distributor rather than upload music directly. Many distributors also supply recording codes and reporting tools.
If you've recorded a song and want it on streaming services, you'll hear the word distributor almost straight away. It's the piece of the puzzle that sits between your finished track and the apps your listeners use, and it's easy to misunderstand.
I've put this explainer together from Spotify for Artists' help pages, distributors' own websites and reference sources on recording codes and labels. Here's what a music distributor does, how it differs from a label, and what I'd check before signing up with one.
What a music distributor does for your songs
A distributor's main job is delivery. Spotify's help page says distributors handle the distribution of music to its platform, and it asks artists to work with one rather than upload music themselves. Distributors do the same job for other streaming services and online stores, so one upload can reach many places.
Along the way, a distributor usually takes care of:
- Delivering your audio files and cover art to each service.
- Sending your metadata, such as artist names, credits, titles, release date and explicit flags. Spotify says the label or distributor sets this before delivery and that it displays music exactly as delivered.
- Making updates and corrections, which Spotify says must come through the label or distributor.
- Handling identifying codes for your recordings and releases.
- Reporting on how your releases are doing, through a dashboard or statements.
Music distributor vs record label vs aggregator
These terms overlap, which causes plenty of confusion. Here's how the reference sources separate them:
| Term | What it means | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| Record label | A company that owns recordings, funds recording and promotion, and finds and develops talent | Signs artists and often uses a distributor to deliver releases |
| Distributor | A company that moves music from the rights owner to stores and streaming services | Delivers releases and metadata, often for independent artists |
| Aggregator | Described by Songtrust as a distributor focused on the digital side | Delivers recordings to online platforms only, rather than physical products too |
Wikipedia's entry on music distributors notes that distribution historically meant moving physical products such as CDs to shops, and that smaller labels often bring in other companies to handle tasks like this. Songtrust adds that a full-service distributor deals with physical and digital releases, while an aggregator sticks to digital.
ISRC and UPC codes explained for music releases
Two codes come up again and again when you release music:
- ISRC (International Standard Recording Code). A 12-character code that identifies a specific recording, not the underlying song. Each edit, remix or version needs its own ISRC. The standard is ISO 3901, and the IFPI is the registration authority, working through national agencies.
- UPC or EAN barcode. A barcode that identifies a release, such as a single or album. Spotify's help pages mention the UPC or EAN of an upcoming release as something you may need when getting early access to Spotify for Artists, and CD Baby lists barcodes as part of its sign-up process.
Many distributors can supply these codes for you. If you already have your own, check whether the distributor lets you use them.
Examples of music distributors and what they offer
These are examples only, described in each company's own words from its website. I'm not recommending one over another, and their services change, so read the current details yourself.
- CD Baby says it works with more than 150 digital partners, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Pandora, Tidal and TikTok, and offers promotion tools and a release plan tool.
- TuneCore says it distributes to 150+ stores, including Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok and Amazon Music, and that it never claims ownership of your music or recordings. It also offers publishing administration.
- Ditto Music says it distributes to 150+ platforms and offers automatic splits for collaborators such as producers and featured artists.
- AWAL describes itself as working with a select group of artists, with digital and physical distribution plus marketing and other support. Artists apply rather than sign up instantly.
What to check before choosing a music distributor
Spotify itself says each service is unique and suggests doing a little research first. Here's what I'd look at:
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- Ownership and rights. Read the terms on who owns your recordings and whether you keep creative control.
- Where your music will go. Check the list of stores and streaming services covered.
- Splits with collaborators. If you work with producers or featured artists, see whether the service can handle splits between you automatically.
- Metadata support. Good tools for credits, names and release dates save headaches later.
- Spotify for Artists access. Spotify grants automatic access to artists who deliver through its listed partners.
- Leaving or removing music. Find out what happens to your releases if you stop using the service.
- Help when things go wrong. Check how you contact support and how quickly fixes reach the stores.
How a music distributor fits into a Spotify release
For most independent artists, the distributor is the first step in a Spotify release. You upload your music and details, the distributor delivers it, and then you claim your Spotify for Artists profile and pitch an unreleased song to the editors. My step-by-step guide on how to get your music on Spotify walks through the whole process, including release timing.
Sharing what you know about the music business
Artists, managers and people who've worked inside labels often have practical lessons that newer musicians are desperate to hear. Writing them up is one of the most useful ways to share them.
Know the music business from the inside? Here's where music writers can send articles.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a distributor to get on Spotify?
Spotify asks independent artists to work with a distributor, or a label that uses one, rather than uploading music directly.
Is a music distributor the same as a record label?
No. A label typically owns recordings and funds recording and promotion, while a distributor delivers music to stores and streaming services. Labels often use distributors.
What's an ISRC code?
It's a 12-character code that identifies one specific recording. Each remix, edit or version gets its own ISRC, under the ISO 3901 standard.
Can I change my song details after release?
Spotify says metadata fixes must be sent as an update by your label or distributor, so you'd make the change through them.
Do I keep the rights to my music with a distributor?
It depends on the terms. Several distributors say on their own sites that you keep ownership, but always read the agreement before you sign up.
