Best free spotify distributors

Free Music Distribution 2025: 11 Best Spotify Distributor Services

Have you just completed your new Hit? Mixing and mastering process is done?

Your music is ready, and now it’s time to make sure it reaches the right ears. Getting your tracks on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and other major streaming platforms is essential. But for independent artists, navigating the distribution process can seem overwhelming.

I’ve been there myself, and I know how frustrating it can be. The good news? You don’t need a big label or a massive budget to get your music out there. In this post, I’ll break down the best paid and free ways to distribute your music—so you can focus on what truly matters: making great music.

My personal Music Distribution recommendations

When I started out, my budget was tight, and I needed a way to release my music without upfront costs. That’s when I found RouteNote. Their free plan let me upload tracks to Spotify, Apple Music, and more without paying a cent upfront while still keeping 85% of my royalties. It was easy to use, and their support team was helpful, especially for collaborations since they allow multiple main artists on a release.

But as I researched further, I came across DistroKid, a U.S.-based distributor founded in 2012. They offer unlimited uploads for $20.99 per year and let you keep 100% of your royalties. Since I was releasing multiple singles and EPs each year, this made much more sense financially.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your release strategy and revenue expectations. Let’s break it down with a simple example:

🔹 RouteNote (Free Plan):

  • Revenue: $100/year

  • You keep 85% → $85

  • No upfront costs

🔹 DistroKid ($20.99/year):

  • Revenue: $100/year

  • You keep 100% → $100

  • Minus the annual fee → $79.01

So, if you’re making under ~$140 per year, RouteNote's free plan might be the better choice. But if you're releasing frequently and earning more, DistroKid could be the smarter long-term investment.

At the end of the day, it's about what aligns best with your music career. If you have any questions, let me know—I’m happy to help.

Free Spotify Distributors:
Best music distribution

The Changing Landscape of Free Music Distribution

I have to be honest—there aren’t many trustworthy free music distribution companies left these days. Many of the services once known for offering free distribution have gradually transitioned to a paid model, often switching to an annual fee structure. This shift suggests that the free model may not have been sustainable for them in the long run.

The Reality Behind Free Music Distribution

Because of this trend, it’s crucial to exercise caution when evaluating newer platforms that claim to offer free distribution. Just because a service is advertised as free doesn’t necessarily mean there aren’t hidden costs, limitations, or compromises involved.

Some companies introduce free plans as a way to attract users, only to later introduce mandatory fees or restrict essential features behind paywalls. Others might impose unfavorable terms, such as reduced royalties, limited store reach, or mandatory revenue sharing.

What to Look Out for When Choosing a Free Distributor

If you’re considering using a free distribution service, always take the time to read the fine print. Look for transparency in their terms, assess their reputation, and pay attention to reviews from independent artists who have used the platform long-term.

While free distribution can be an attractive option—especially for independent musicians just starting out—making an informed decision is key to ensuring your music reaches audiences without unexpected setbacks.

If you don't want to spend money before releasing and selling your Music, here I show you how to put Music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, iTunes, Shazam, or Pandora. There are some free-of-cost solutions to distribute your Tracks with spread income. For example, the Distributor gets 15%, and you keep 85% of the revenue. Often, this makes more sense for Independent Artists!

BEST FREE MUSIC MUSIC DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES

If you have the question "How do I sell/distribute my music on Spotify or iTunes? You can read my reviews of the free digital music distributors I found online. Some of these distribution platforms have no annual fees or sign-up fees. Some are completely free digital music aggregators, while others take a commission.

Read more about the cheapest music distributors you can find online:

In the following Blog post, I compare these details:

  • Who has the best free fast music distribution service

  • Which Distributor can supply the most download and streaming services?

  • How high is the margin the distributors charge you per stream or download?

  • How much do you have to earn until the music distributor pays you out?

Distribute Music for Free - Independent Music Distribution Companies

What Music Distribution to choose?

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distrokid

Why Distrokid?

DistroKid is an excellent digital music distribution service that helps artists get their music into various online stores and streaming services fast. With an impressive 4.7 rating on Trustpilot, this platform handles the collection of earnings and payments and sends 100% of the profits to the artist.

The benefits of DistroKid include automatic revenue splits, HyperFollow, lyrics support, and the support of the new "Spotify Discovery Mode" Promotion. If you're a musician looking for a reliable and efficient music distribution platform, consider trying DistroKid. They offer different plans with top features, including the option to upload unlimited songs.

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Routenote Review

Routenote has been in the music distribution game since 2007, helping independent artists get their music onto major streaming platforms. But how does it hold up in 2025? This breakdown covers its distribution network, pricing, payout process, extra features, user experience, and reputation—so you can make an informed decision.

Distribution Network: Where Will Your Music Be Available?

A strong distribution network is key to reaching a global audience. Routenote claims to distribute to over 150 digital stores and streaming platforms. The major players—Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music—are still there, along with niche Asian platforms like MelOn, Bugs!, and Tencent Music.

For most artists, the coverage remains solid. You can find the full, up-to-date list of partner stores on Routenote’s support hub.

Pricing: Free vs. Premium – What’s the Catch?

Routenote offers two distribution models:

  • Free Plan – No upfront cost, but Routenote takes a 15% cut of your earnings.

  • Premium Plan – You keep 100% of your revenue, but pay a fee per release

This setup gives flexibility—artists can start with the free plan and upgrade if their music gains traction. The annual renewal fee maintains the premium status of your release.

Payouts: When and How Do You Get Paid?

You’ll need to accumulate at least $50 in earnings before Routenote processes a payout. Payments are made automatically between the 15th and 20th of each month via PayPal, bank transfer, or Payoneer.

For artists who release frequently and build steady streaming revenue, this threshold is manageable. But if your streams are low, waiting to hit $50 could be frustrating.

Additional Features: What Else Does Routenote Offer?

  • Revenue Splitting – Automatically divides earnings among collaborators. Useful for producers, featured artists, and bands.

  • Analytics Dashboard – Detailed insights into streams, downloads, and revenue. Data updates about 45 days after each month ends.

  • Non-Exclusive Agreements – You’re free to distribute through multiple platforms simultaneously.

User Experience: Smooth or Frustrating?

Routenote making it easy to upload and distribute tracks. However, Trustpilot ratings (3.6–3.7 as of 2025) suggest a mixed experience:

Pros: Simple signup, no upfront cost, wide store reach.
Cons: Slow customer support, delays in release approvals (especially for free users).

Final Verdict: Is Routenote Worth It?

If you’re an independent artist looking for free distribution with a fair revenue split, Routenote is a solid option. The premium plan is affordable, but the customer service complaints are worth noting.

Before committing, consider your needs:
✔ If maximizing earnings and control is your priority, the Premium plan makes sense.
✔ If cost-free distribution is more important, the Free plan is a decent starting point.
✖ If quick release approvals and responsive support matter most, other distributors might be a better fit.

Check out Routenote for yourself and decide if it’s the right tool for your music career.

Distrokid

Are you looking for a reliable and affordable way to distribute your music to over 150 stores, including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, Tidal, Amazon Music, Shazam, and SoundCloud? DistroKid is your answer. You can upload unlimited songs and albums with plans starting at just $19.99 per year. Plus, you'll keep 100% of your royalties and receive a payment within 1-14 days of a withdrawal request. DistroKid also offers extras like releases on Beatport and a distribution partnership with Spotify. With a Trustpilot rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 14,000 ratings, DistroKid is an excellent choice for independent musicians.

Amuse Free Music Distribution

Amuse started as a free music distribution platform, giving independent artists an easy way to get their music onto major streaming services. However, as of 2024, Amuse has shifted to a subscription-based model—aligning with a broader industry trend where distributors move toward sustainable revenue while offering enhanced artist support.

Current Pricing: What Changed?

Amuse was once known for its "100% free" distribution model, but that’s no longer the case. The free plan has been discontinued, and artists must now subscribe to one of two paid options:

  • Boost Plan ($19.99/year): Designed for emerging artists, offering unlimited releases and faster deliveries.

  • Pro Plan ($59.99/year): Includes priority distribution (as fast as 48 hours), multiple artist profiles, and 24-hour customer support.

This shift may disappoint artists who relied on the free tier, but it also reflects a push toward more sustainable business models. The full breakdown of plans can be found on Amuse’s official pricing page.

Uploading Your Music: The Process Remains Simple

Despite the pricing change, the upload process remains familiar. Artists can submit their music via the Amuse app (iOS & Android) in .wav format, using Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud for file transfers. This ensures broad compatibility and an intuitive workflow, as confirmed in Amuse’s support documentation.

Where Your Music Goes & How Fast It Gets There

Amuse distributes to a solid list of platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Deezer, TikTok, Amazon Music, Tidal, Audiomack, and Pandora. However, the time it takes for your release to go live depends on your plan:

Release Time: Boost (5 working days) Pro (As fast as 48 hours)

This marks a notable shift—previously, free users faced a four-week release time. Now, faster releases are exclusively for paying subscribers.

Royalties & Payouts: Do You Keep 100%?

One thing that hasn’t changed: Artists keep 100% of their royalties. Amuse does not take a cut from streaming or download revenue.

Payouts are processed via PayPal, with a minimum withdrawal threshold of $10. Additionally, the "Early Access" feature allows eligible artists to access upcoming royalties before they officially clear, providing a cash flow advantage.

Extra Features & Artist Support

Beyond basic distribution, Amuse offers additional benefits:

Multiple Artist Profiles & Custom Labels – Available on the Pro plan for those managing more than one project.
Industry Exposure – Amuse’s Artist Discovery Program scouts talent for potential record deals, offering marketing, financing, and playlist pitching (typically on a 50/50 revenue split).

These added services make Amuse more than just a distribution platform—it’s also positioning itself as a launchpad for artists seeking broader industry opportunities.

User Reviews: What Are Artists Saying?

Amuse continues to receive strong feedback across app stores:

4.8/5 on the Apple App Store
4.8/5 on Google Play
4.0/5 on Trustpilot (from over 2,300 reviews)

While many users appreciate the ease of use and payout structure, some express concerns about customer support response times—especially for Boost plan users.

Final Take: Is Amuse Still Worth It?

The switch from free to paid distribution is a big shift, and for some independent artists, it may be a dealbreaker. However, the retention of 100% royalties, faster releases, and additional artist support make Amuse a strong option for those willing to invest in their careers.

If you’re looking for a free solution, you’ll need to explore other platforms. But if you’re serious about fast releases, industry connections, and full earnings retention, Amuse’s paid plans offer competitive value in the evolving music distribution landscape.

This breakdown ensures you have the latest insights to make an informed decision about Amuse as of March 2025.

Ditto Music

Looking for a quick and hassle-free way to distribute your music to more than 200 platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, TikTok, and Instagram? Then Ditto Distribution is another recommendation to get your music online. You can upload unlimited songs and albums with plans starting at just €19 per year. Moreover, you’ll receive 100% of your royalties and get paid within 24 hours of a withdrawal request.

Ditto Distribution also offers services such as pre-save campaigns, playlist pitching, and smart links. Ditto Distribution is the perfect option for independent musicians, with a Trustpilot rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 4,000 reviews.

Symphonic Review

Symphonic Distribution positions itself as a leader in independent music distribution, aiming to provide artists with transparency, powerful technology, and diverse revenue opportunities. Founded in 2006 by Jorge Brea, the company has grown into a major force in the industry, offering a wide-reaching network of digital service providers (DSPs) alongside artist-centric services. But how well do its claims hold up? Let’s break it down.

Distribution Reach

Symphonic boasts distribution to over 200 DSPs, covering both mainstream and niche platforms. Their network includes industry giants like:

  • Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora, Amazon Music, YouTube Music

  • Social media integrations with TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat

  • Dance and electronic-focused platforms like Beatport

  • International services such as Tencent and Triller

This broad reach certainly benefits independent artists, ensuring their music is available globally across diverse platforms. However, the claim of 200+ DSPs, while impressive, includes several smaller platforms with limited impact on overall streaming revenue.

Pricing and Royalty Structure

Symphonic offers two main pricing models:

Starter Plan ($19.99/year per artist)

  • Unlimited releases (for one primary artist)

  • Artists keep 100% of royalties from major DSPs

  • For User Generated Content (UGC) platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Meta), artists retain 70% of earnings, with Symphonic taking a 30% cut

  • Basic support via email/help desk

Ideal for emerging artists, this plan provides solid distribution at a low cost. However, the 30% cut from UGC royalties is worth considering, especially for artists relying heavily on platforms like YouTube Shorts or TikTok for exposure and monetization.

Partner Plan (Custom % Based on Negotiation)

  • Unlimited releases for multiple artists

  • Revenue split varies per contract

  • Dedicated client manager, DSP marketing, and playlist pitching included

This plan caters to labels, established artists, and managers who require advanced services. The revenue split is negotiated, which could be advantageous for some but may introduce variability in earnings.

Payment Processing: Understanding the Timeline

Symphonic promotes monthly payouts, but the actual timeline involves:

  1. Reports: Streaming data is available after a 60-day delay due to DSP payment schedules.

  2. Payment Requests: Artists must manually request withdrawals via SymphonicMS.

  3. Processing: Payments typically take 3-5 business days to be completed.

While not unique to Symphonic, this timeline differs from the more immediate payouts suggested in some of their marketing materials. Artists expecting near-instant earnings should factor in these delays.

Additional Features: More Than Just Distribution

Symphonic extends beyond distribution with tools aimed at simplifying artist management:

  • SplitShare™: Automated royalty splits for collaborations

  • Advanced Analytics: DSP and playlist insights

  • Video Distribution: Music video placement on YouTube, TikTok, and more

  • Playlist Pitching: Available only under the Partner Plan

  • NFT and Web3 Support: Limited but previously explored

While some of these features enhance artist autonomy, others—like playlist pitching—are restricted to premium users, making them inaccessible to those on the Starter Plan.

Reputation and Community Feedback

Symphonic holds a 4.5/5 rating on Trustpilot from over 450 reviews. Positive feedback highlights user-friendly services and robust analytics, while criticisms often focus on account closures and payment issues. Some users report difficulties with fund withdrawals or sudden terminations, though Symphonic attributes such cases to fraud prevention measures.

Final Thoughts

Symphonic’s model is well-suited for independent artists seeking broad distribution with transparent pricing. The Starter Plan is competitively priced but comes with a 30% UGC royalty deduction, which could impact earnings for those reliant on social media platforms. Meanwhile, the Partner Plan offers valuable marketing tools but requires a negotiated revenue split.

For artists prioritizing control and clarity, Symphonic remains a solid option—provided they fully understand the nuances of its payout structure and service limitations.

Awal review

AWAL, founded in 2003 as part of Kobalt Music Group, underwent a major shift in 2021 when Sony Music Entertainment acquired it for $430 million. This deal, approved by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority in March 2022, marked a turning point for the company.

Distribution Platforms: Where Does AWAL Send Your Music?

200+ territories and 100+ digital platforms, including major services like Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, Youtube Music, Deezer, Pandora, Napster, and Tidal, alongside niche platforms such as Beatport, Boomkat, SoundCloud, Juno Records, Traxsource, and Vevo.

Pricing and Revenue Split: What’s the Deal?

AWAL offers no upfront fees and follows a 15% revenue share model, meaning artists keep 85% of their earnings. This aligns with recent reports on "AWAL Core", where artists can leave anytime without contractual restrictions.

For AWAL+ and AWAL Recordings, artists receive additional marketing and funding support, but revenue splits may vary. However, for most independent artists, the Core plan remains the most relevant offering.

Payouts: How and When Do You Get Paid?

AWAL's actual payment cycle follows a 45-day delay after the end of each month. Additionally, artists must reach a £50 minimum balance before payouts are processed—amounts below this threshold roll over to the next month.

Additional Services & Artist Selectivity

AWAL has a strict invite-only mode, maintaining its reputation as a selective distributor that allows artists to retain 100% ownership of their masters.

In 2022, the company launched AWALGo, an analytics app providing insights into streams, audience data, and sales trends. Other exclusive services include playlist pitching, radio promotion, marketing support, and funding, but these are reserved for artists demonstrating strong growth potential.

Customer Rating & Reputation

AWAL’s Trustpilot rating has declined slightly; it now sits at 1.8/5, based on 40 reviews

While the platform's distribution and analytics tools are well-regarded, user feedback points to slow customer service response times, particularly for emerging artists.

Final Thoughts: Is AWAL the Right Fit?

AWAL remains a strong choice for independent artists looking for non-exclusive distribution, no upfront costs, and a fair revenue split. However, its selective entry process, slower payouts, and mixed customer service reputation are factors worth considering.

Best for: Artists with strong momentum, seeking professional-grade distribution without signing away their rights.
Not ideal for: Artists needing hands-on support, quick responses, or upfront marketing investment.

Before committing, weigh the pros and cons based on your career goals. If you're confident in your growth and want industry-level distribution without a traditional label deal, AWAL remains a competitive option.

unchainedmusic review

UnchainedMusic.io is a relatively new music distributor that provides artists with broad exposure across a wide range of platforms. It supports major streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, YouTube, Deezer, and Tidal, alongside over 220 other digital stores worldwide. This extensive reach, as outlined on their official platform, ensures that artists can effectively grow their audience by making their music accessible across multiple listening environments.

A notable advantage is the inclusion of social media content libraries such as TikTok and Instagram, which help artists stay relevant in an ever-evolving digital landscape. This strategic integration positions UnchainedMusic.io as an adaptable solution for modern independent musicians.

Pricing and Revenue Model

UnchainedMusic.io offers a unique free distribution model, allowing artists to retain 100% of their royalties. Unlike traditional platforms, it sustains this structure through a process called "royalty capture." Royalties collected are placed in the decentralized finance (DeFi) platform AAVE to generate interest. While the platform retains the majority of the interest, artists receive their full principal amount after a set period. This innovative approach, detailed in Unchained Music's FAQ, provides a cost-free alternative to competitors, which employs a tiered pricing model (free Starter, $19/year Lite, and $49/year Pro) with varying royalty splits.

While the use of AAVE allows for free distribution, it also introduces potential market-related risks and delays depending on cryptocurrency fluctuations. This is an aspect artists should consider when evaluating their long-term earnings strategy.

Payment Processes

Artists on UnchainedMusic.io can monitor royalties and withdraw earnings once they surpass a minimal locked amount. There are no hidden fees beyond standard payment processor charges. Royalty reports appear four months after the release month, while older releases follow a seven-month timeline, as noted in their Royalty Reporting FAQ.

The platform also supports payouts in 96 different currencies, adding financial flexibility. However, UnchainedMusic.io does not explicitly state the minimal locked amount, which may impact newer artists expecting immediate withdrawals.

Additional Features

Beyond distribution, UnchainedMusic.io offers a suite of tools to support artists' careers:

  • AI Mastering: Automated tools for preparing tracks for release.

  • Royalty Reporting: Transparent insights, YouTube Content ID, and royalty advances.

  • Marketing Toolkit: Pre-save links, unlimited artist distribution, Spotify playlist pitching, and YouTube official artist channels.

  • Vinyl & Physical Store Distribution: Options to distribute music in physical formats.

  • Catalog Valuation: Tools for assessing the value of an artist’s catalog.

  • Educational Resources: Industry insights and production guidance through Unchained Academy.

UnchainedMusic.io positions itself as a technologically and financially forward-thinking platform for artists.

Rating and Reputation

On Trustpilot, UnchainedMusic.io holds an average rating of 3.5 out of 5, based on 38 reviews. Users frequently highlight its responsive support, and free distribution model. Positive feedback includes remarks such as "best distribution platform ever, free and easy to use.".

Conclusion

As of March 2025, UnchainedMusic.io presents a compelling alternative for artists seeking free music distribution, extensive reach, and innovative financial mechanisms. Its additional features and unique DeFi-based revenue model offer distinct advantages. Artists should weigh the potential benefits against the inherent risks of decentralized finance to determine if this platform aligns with their long-term goals.

freecords review

Introduction

Reecords.com presents itself as a groundbreaking hybrid music platform, promising free global distribution while allowing artists to retain 100% of their royalties. The concept is compelling—removing intermediaries, empowering musicians, and fostering a supportive artistic community. However, a closer examination is necessary to determine whether the platform genuinely delivers on its promises.

Distribution Reach

Reecords.com claims to distribute music to over 140 platforms, including major players like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, as well as niche services.

Business Model and Monetization

The platform emphasizes its free distribution model, with an optional PRO subscription that offers AI-generated cover art, an AI lyrics assistant, and advanced revenue insights. While the core service remains free, the sustainability of a zero-cost model raises questions. Historically, platforms relying solely on low-margin operations without alternative revenue streams face challenges in the long term. Transparency regarding how Reecords.com sustains itself without hidden fees or data monetization would bolster credibility.

Payment Structure and Delays

Artists can withdraw earnings upon reaching a €50 minimum threshold, with payouts processed approximately 105 days after the earnings month. This delay, while common in the industry due to the nature of royalty collection, can be problematic for independent artists relying on timely payments.

Additional Features

The platform offers several tools to enhance the artist experience, including:

  • Custom Artist Pages: Shareable promotional pages for musicians.

  • Marketing Tools: Pre-save links and playlist pitching options.

  • Royalty Reporting: Detailed but subject to long processing times.

  • Social Networking Features: Facilitates artist and fan engagement.

While these features add value, their real-world effectiveness depends on execution.

Reputation and User Feedback

With a 4-star Trustpilot rating based on 67 reviews, Reecords.com receives generally positive feedback. Users praise its no-cost distribution and accessibility, though concerns exist regarding payout delays and customer support responsiveness. Claims of non-payment, while disputed by the platform, warrant further scrutiny. Online discussions on forums like KVR Audio and Reddit also question the long-term viability of a free distribution model, concerns that the company acknowledges but does not fully dispel.

Conclusion

Reecords.com offers an attractive proposition for independent artists seeking cost-free distribution, but critical evaluation is necessary. While the platform provides genuine value—especially with AI-powered tools and broad platform distribution—its payment delays, sustainability concerns, and mixed user feedback cannot be ignored.

As with any service, transparency, consistency, and long-term reliability will determine whether Reecordcan stand the test of time in the evolving digital music landscape.

United Masters review

United Masters positions itself as a competitive option for independent artists seeking streamlined music distribution. With access to over 35 major streaming platforms—including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok—the platform promises broad exposure. But does it truly deliver on its claims? Let’s break down the key aspects: pricing, distribution, payments, additional features, and overall reputation.

Distribution Reach

United Masters ensures that music reaches a vast audience through a network of major streaming platforms. Paid plans expand distribution to over 50 platforms, which include not only mainstream services but also content libraries for social media. This wide-ranging availability is crucial for artists aiming to maintain relevance in an evolving digital landscape.

Pricing and Revenue Share

United Masters offers multiple pricing plans tailored to different career stages.

The DEBUT+ plan, priced at $19.99 per year, allows artists to keep 100% of their royalties while distributing music to over 50 platforms with unlimited releases. This plan provides an affordable entry point for independent artists who want full control over their earnings.

For those seeking more advanced features, the SELECT plan, at $59.99 per year, includes everything in DEBUT+ but adds opportunities such as sync deals, global marketing support, and royalty advances. This plan is designed for artists looking to expand their reach and increase monetization potential.

The highest tier, PARTNER, is available by invitation only. It offers premium services such as exclusive industry support, brand partnerships, and a personalized strategy to elevate an artist’s career.

With the removal of the free DEBUT plan, DEBUT+ now serves as the most budget-friendly option while still offering full royalty retention and professional distribution.

Payment Processing

United Masters provides artists with multiple payout options via PayPal or direct deposit. The payout structure depends on the selected plan:

  • DEBUT+ and SELECT members can cash out anytime, though processing fees apply.

  • Royalties are typically posted 45-60 days after the streaming services report earnings.

While the flexibility of cashing out anytime is a strong advantage, artists should be mindful of potential delays due to industry-standard processing times.

Additional Features

Beyond distribution, United Masters incorporates tools to support an artist’s growth:

  • ArtistPages: Custom websites to build a personal brand.

  • MasterLinks: Shareable streaming links for promotional use.

  • Sync Licensing: Opportunities to place music in TV shows, films, and video games.

  • Beat Selling: A marketplace to monetize instrumentals.

  • Advanced Analytics: Data-driven insights for tracking performance.

  • Marketing Tools: Pre-save links, playlist pitching (for SELECT members), and educational content.

  • Royalty Advances: Financial backing for artists at the SELECT level.

These features set United Masters apart from basic distribution services, giving artists additional revenue streams and promotional tools.

Reputation and User Feedback

United Masters maintains a 3.9/5 rating on Trustpilot, reflecting overall positive user experiences. Artists appreciate the ease of use and distribution reach. However, some complaints highlight account access issues and occasional distribution delays. While these concerns warrant attention, the platform remains a strong contender for independent artists looking for flexible and scalable distribution options.

Conclusion

As of March 2025, United Masters continues to refine its offerings, with the DEBUT+ plan being a key recent addition. Its broad distribution, varied pricing tiers, and strong feature set make it a compelling choice for artists at different stages of their careers. While minor concerns exist regarding payout delays and customer support, the platform’s ability to provide artists with both reach and monetization opportunities solidifies its position as a valuable distributor in today’s music industry.

 

Bandcamp

Bandcamp's distribution service is perfect for getting your songs out to your fans. On Bandcamp, you have your own store as a label or artist. You can offer your songs as a free download and ask for an email address, or set the price yourself to distribute your latest EP or album. Another nice feature is the integrated store to sell merch, vinyl, CDs and tapes. You can also create download codes to give away some of your music for free. Distribution through Bandcamp is not exclusive, so you can still distribute your music through streaming services like Spotify.

What download and streaming stores are included?

Bandcamp Store

Revenue sharing:

Bandcamp takes 15% of your download revenue.

When do you get paid?

Your cut of each digital transaction is deposited into your PayPal account 24-48 hours after the sale.

Extras:

  • Physical records & merch sales (vinyl, posters, tickets, t-shirts)

  • Optional high-quality download formats like FLAC, WAV and Apple Lossless

  • Pre-orders

  • Discount Codes for your fans

 

Other Distribution Options

Tunecore

Tunecore is a leading global music distributor with over 7,000 reviews on Trustpilot and an impressive rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Your music can reach over 150 platforms in 200 countries and territories through their services. The annual cost for their distribution services is $9.99 for a single and up to $29.99 for an album.

Horus Music

Consider Horus Music for reliable music distribution with over 200 store partnerships, including popular streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. They offer access to Asian markets and have updated their pricing model to an upfront fee starting at £20 per year with 100% of the revenue back as royalties. You can also get extras like physical distribution and phone support. They have a Trustpilot rating of 4.2 out of 5.

Level Music

Level Music is a global music distributor that can help you release your music without upfront costs or annual fees. For $20 a year, you can release up to 200 songs or release two songs for free. Level Music distributes your music to all major streaming and download stores and offers a statistics tool to help you understand your listeners. They only take 8% of your revenue and you can withdraw your earnings through PayPal. Create landing pages to promote your music more effectively. Start sharing your music with the world with Level Music.

Spotify Promotion

If you are interested in effective promotion and don't underestimate the importance of investing in your success, consider SoundCampaign's Spotify Promotion. They specialize in boosting your Spotify presence, and helping you get more streams, followers, and visibility on Spotify. With their services, you can maximize your potential earnings from streaming platforms like Spotify.

Now that you have explored various options for music distribution, including DistroKid, TuneCore, Horus Music, and Level Music, combining your distribution strategy with a robust promotional approach is essential. SoundCampaign can be your partner in achieving success in the competitive world of music streaming.

How much Music Streaming Services Pay
for 1 million streams

Have you ever wondered what you could earn on a streaming platform? It's important to have a presence on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Music, even if the pay isn't great.

Some producers prefer to release only vinyl tracks to maintain their underground status. For many musicians, concerts and gigs are the main source of income, but it's important to build a strong fan base on streaming services first.

But what would you earn if you generated 1 million plays on each of these platforms, your estimated income would be

  1. Napster - 19.000$

  2. Tidal - 12.840$

  3. Apple Music - 7830$

  4. Google Play - 6760$

  5. Deezer - 6400$

  6. Spotify - 3180$

  7. Amazon - 4020$

  8. Youtube Music - 2000

  9. Pandora - 1330$

How the Music Industry Changed in the Last 50 Years: A Visual Analysis of Revenue Sources and Trends

Have you ever noticed how listening habits have changed over the last 50 years? The glorious era of vinyl, the rise of the cassette and the CD. Followed by digitization and the internet era, the beginnings of illegal downloads, and the legal download shops and streaming portals that followed.

Anyway, it's very interesting to see what the future holds.

Over the past 50 years, the music industry has experienced significant changes that have been driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and market dynamics. This visual analysis examines the shifting revenue sources from physical formats like vinyl, cassette, and CDs to digital formats such as downloads, and streaming. Additionally, it highlights the fluctuations in overall revenue over time.

I am Marcus, a music enthusiast who runs a mixing and mastering business. Additionally, I compose insightful articles for my blog and produce music as a member of the techno duo Agravik.
Marcus
Mixing & Mastering - Mastrng.com
The #1 Reason
Why Record Labels Reject Talented Musicians = Bad Sound Quality
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