There’s a lid for every pot and the perfect digital distribution company for your needs. But what are you truly looking for in a digital distribution company? You most likely want to save as much money as you can. But then you may also want to be able to release as much music as you want with one digital distribution company. Or are you looking for one that’d also do physical distribution? Find out more about the different digital distribution companies in a review by Ari Herstand.
Sign-up Fees
The first thing you’d be interested in is if there are any sign-up fees when you register with a digital distribution company. You are most likely aware that none of the digital distribution companies offers their services completely for free. Hence, there must at least be a sign-up fee. Good news: not a single digital distribution company asks for sign-up fees.
Commission-Free Digital Distribution Companies
There are quite a lot of companies that don’t ask for a commission on your royalties. These include DistroKid, Ditto, Horus Music, Landr, RouteNote, Songtradr, Spinnup, TuneCore, and United Masters. However, keep in mind that if a company doesn’t ask for a commission, they earn their funds in another way. For example, they would instead charge either subscription services like United Masters or distribution fees. Landr takes 0 % commission, but only if you choose a plan for $ 89 or at least pay a distribution fee for each single or album.
Zero Distribution Fees
In exchange for a commission percentage, only a few digital distribution companies don’t ask for a distribution fee. AWAL, ONErpm, Soundrop, Stem, Symphony, or United Masters. While they don’t ask for distribution fees, they do instead ask for a commission. The commission can range between 10 and 20 %. It’s not much though if you can avoid distribution fees that vary wildly. Some ask for a commission fee per single or album and others simply offer a ‘flat rate’ distribution fee.
No Commission and No Distribution Fees
These are a minority among digital distribution companies. Without distribution fees or commission you can either choose Amuse or Fresh Tunes. But also these two will get a piece of your cake by other means. They could impose hidden fees which you only find out about in the small print.
No Hidden Fees
You’d expect digital distribution companies to squeeze in some hidden fees. This does especially apply to those who don’t ask for a commission, distribution fees, or both. Fortunately, there actually are quite a few who don’t have any hidden fees. You can expect to receive 100 % of your royalties (minus a commission may be) at ONErpm, RouteNote, Songtradr, Soundrop, Spinnup, Symphonic, and United Masters.
Unlimited Releases
If you’re producing a lot of music or have a lot saved you can’t wait to put out, you’d want to take advantage of unlimited releases. There are so many different digital distribution companies that all work a little differently. DistroKid offers unlimited releases for just $ 19.99 per artist annually. They were actually the first who’d offer unlimited releases. Ditto, Horus and Songtradr are the only other three digital distribution companies with the same price range. While Landr also offers unlimited releases, they ask for an annual distribution fee of $ 89.
Distribution Fees Per Single or Album
Distributing just one single or album can be of advantage if you’re fairly new to the scene. F you don’t know yet how much more music you can produce within a year, you may go for this one. But even if you had signed up with a different digital distribution company, it’s a perfect opportunity to test other services. The services of digital distribution companies vary and with some, you cannot distribute a single or album as you desire. You can digitally distribute a single or album with CD Baby, Spinnup, and TuneCore starting as low as $ 7.99.
Distribution Fees Per Song
Let’s imagine you recorded a song with another artist as a special. It may not suit your single or album, or you can’t publish it as a ‘feat.’ with another unlimited release digital distribution company. Or do you have just a few songs, for now, not knowing if it’s going to be a single or album? Then you can as well choose RouteNote.
Distribution to China
While many digital distribution companies send your music to up to more than 200 outlets, Chinese outlets are not behind. Think about it, how many people live in China alone. All of them have a phone, even if they live in rural areas. Who’s have a phone does have access to music streaming services. According to RouteNote’s founder, quite a few artists earn a living just from the Chinese market.
They were also the first who did the distribution to the Chinese market. There’s more than just TikTok or Instagram or YouTube if there’s a complete market. Apart from Amuse, digital distribution companies have followed. Some of them distribute your music to three Chinese outlets like Tencent, Xiami, and Netease. Others only chose one for the time being.
The Best Revenue Reports
No matter which company you want to go for, if it comes to your earnings, you want clear reports. Revenue reports are meant to inform which outlet everything regarding royalties. Unless you don’t care and are just happy to earn actual money with your music, you can probably skip this paragraph. For AWAL, Soundrop, and Symphonic you can expect to receive quite decent revenue reports. More simple ones you’ll get from Cd Baby, Ditto, Horus Music, Landr, ONErpm, RouteNote, Songtradr, Spinnup, Stem, TuneCore, and United Masters.
Parting Words
Have you been able to circle in your perfect digital distribution company? As you can see, your choice depends a lot on your preferences. Before you choose one, you may also want to check their payment schedule and if there’s a payment threshold.
