Choosing a Music Distributor: Finding the Right Service

Choosing the right music distributor affects revenue, reach, and career flexibility. With numerous options available, understanding how to evaluate distributors helps musicians select services matching their specific needs and circumstances. The right choice depends on release frequency, budget, feature requirements, and career goals.

Key Comparison Factors

Pricing model significantly affects cost-effectiveness. Annual subscription, per-release fees, or revenue percentage each suit different situations.

Platform coverage determines where music appears. Not all distributors deliver to all platforms; verifying coverage for important platforms matters.

Feature availability varies substantially. Playlist pitching, analytics depth, sync licensing, and other features differ between services.

Payout terms affect cash flow. Payment thresholds, schedules, and methods vary and impact when artists receive money.

Rights retention ensures ownership. Understanding what rights distributors require versus what artists retain matters long-term.

Pricing Model Analysis

Annual subscription models like DistroKid suit frequent releasers. Fixed annual cost makes each release cheaper when releasing often.

Per-release fees like CD Baby suit infrequent releasers. Paying once per release makes sense when releasing rarely.

Revenue share models take percentage of earnings. These avoid upfront cost but reduce ongoing revenue.

Hidden costs may exist. Additional fees for features, splits management, or other services add to base pricing.

Feature Evaluation

Analytics depth varies considerably. Some distributors provide detailed streaming data; others offer minimal insight.

Playlist pitching tools matter for streaming strategy. Distributor-provided Spotify pitch tools can improve editorial consideration.

Sync licensing support varies. Some distributors offer sync representation; others don’t address licensing at all.

Split payment capability simplifies collaboration. Automatic royalty splitting to collaborators reduces administrative burden.

Label services expand capability. Some distributors offer label-tier services for additional fees.

Platform Coverage Considerations

Major platforms should be standard. Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music coverage is baseline expectation.

Niche platforms may matter for specific audiences. Regional platforms, specialty services, and emerging platforms may reach important audiences.

Social platform integration expands reach. Distribution to TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook enables sound availability for content creation.

Beatport and DJ platform access matters for electronic music. Genre-specific platforms require specific distributor support.

Rights and Contract Terms

Rights retention versus assignment affects long-term control. Most distributors don’t require rights assignment; verify this is the case.

Contract duration and exit terms matter. Understanding how long agreements last and how to leave affects flexibility.

Exclusivity requirements may limit options. Some services require exclusive distribution; others allow non-exclusive arrangement.

Content ownership must remain with artist. Distributors should not claim ownership of distributed content.

Reputation and Reliability

Track record indicates reliability. Established services with years of operation provide more confidence than new entrants.

Artist reviews reveal real experience. Seeking feedback from artists using services provides practical insight.

Customer support quality affects problem resolution. When issues arise, support responsiveness matters significantly.

Financial stability ensures ongoing operation. Distributor financial health affects their ability to continue paying artists.

Making the Decision

Needs assessment identifies priorities. Understanding what matters most—cost, features, reach—guides evaluation.

Comparison across top options narrows choice. Evaluating three to five leading options for specific needs reveals best fit.

Trial or low-risk testing enables experience. Starting with single release to test service before committing catalog reduces risk.

Flexibility for future changes maintains options. Choosing services that allow catalog transfer if needed protects long-term flexibility.