Before your music can be streamed or pitched to playlists, it has to get onto Spotify and the other stores, and that is what a music distributor does. DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby are the three most popular options for independent artists. This 2026 comparison breaks down pricing, royalty cuts, and payout so you can pick the right one.
How Music Distribution Works
A distributor delivers your tracks to Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, YouTube Music, and other stores, then collects your streaming royalties and pays them to you. They do not promote your music; that part is on you. Once your release is live, the next step is getting it heard, which is where playlist placement comes in.
DistroKid
Best for: Artists who release frequently. Pricing: Low flat annual subscription for unlimited releases. Royalties: You keep 100%. Notes: Fast delivery and cheap per-release cost if you put out multiple singles a year. The catch is that it is a subscription: if you stop paying, your music can be removed from stores, so budget for ongoing renewal.
TuneCore
Best for: Artists with a small, high-value catalog. Pricing: Per-release fees or tiered annual plans. Royalties: You keep 100%. Notes: Strong publishing administration and sync licensing options. Costs can add up if you release a lot, but the per-release model is predictable for occasional releases.
CD Baby
Best for: Artists who release rarely and want no renewals. Pricing: One-time fee per single or album. Royalties: You keep your royalties minus a small ongoing commission on some plans. Notes: Pay once and your release stays up without an annual subscription, which is appealing for a back catalog you do not want to keep paying for.
Which Distributor Should You Choose
Choose DistroKid if you release often and want the lowest cost per release. Choose TuneCore if you have a small catalog and value publishing and sync support. Choose CD Baby if you release infrequently and prefer a one-time payment over a recurring subscription. All three get you onto the same stores; the difference is the pricing model and extra services.
After You Distribute: Get Heard
Distribution is only step one. Once your track is live, you need real listeners. The most effective organic method is getting on legitimate playlists, so plan your release-day playlist strategy in advance and verify any playlist before pitching with our free bot checker.
Find the Right Playlists for Your Song
Let our AI match your track to real, active curators who actually accept submissions.
Summary
DistroKid wins on cost for frequent releasers, TuneCore suits a small catalog that values publishing support, and CD Baby fits artists who want to pay once with no renewals. Pick based on how often you release, then focus your real energy on promotion and playlist placement once your music is live.