Music Distribution Break Down
Comparing: DistroKid vs. TuneCore vs. CD Baby vs. Amuse.io vs. Ditto Music vs. LANDR
Which Music Distributor is Right for You?
The services available from CD Baby, DistroKid, TuneCore, Ditto Music, LANDR and Amuse.io provide artists with different options for getting their music in front of their target audience. CD Baby is known for its many distribution channels, while DistroKid offers a variety of plans for different levels of distribution. TuneCore provides access to various digital stores and streaming platforms, while Ditto Music provides customizable services that can be adjusted as an artist’s needs change. LANDR is an affordable online mastering option, while Amuse.io offers a direct route to discoverability and a higher potential to get signed. No matter which service you choose, each offers a unique option to help artists succeed in the music industry.
Amuse, DistroKid, Ditto, TuneCore, and ReverbNation. These are just a few of the leaders in the field of music distribution that we’re going to look through. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're looking for a music distribution service.
They’re all going to have the same major stores, but you want to see if there are any additives to their services that might help you in your marketing. So, to make it make sense, something like iHeart Radio and Pandora are not considered music streaming services. They're considered on-demand radio, or noninteractive music streaming. So, they're in a different class than Spotify or Apple Music, and not all music distribution companies will distribute music to them. Keep that in mind when searching for a company. Another thing to consider is the market you're in. What side of the planet are you on? While Spotify and Apple Music are kings in the United States, in the UK, you might want to focus more on Deezer or Tidal.
You'll also want to see if the company will give your music to Tiktok and Instagram stories or Facebook. Not all of them do that. And sometimes they will at a premium. Do any of the companies offer a YouTube Content ID, and what is that? It's a digital code connected to audio to make sure no one's falsely using that piece of audio. Most of these companies we’ll go through do offer that service, some of them free, some of them at a premium.
When comparing different music distribution services, there are several factors you should consider. Here are some key points to think about:
- Pricing: Most music distribution services offer a variety of pricing plans, so it's important to compare the costs of each one to see which one is the most affordable for you. Some services charge a flat fee for each release, while others charge a percentage of sales or offer a subscription-based model. Be sure to carefully review each plan's terms to ensure you understand what you're getting for your money.
- Features and tools: Different distribution services offer a range of features and tools that can help you manage and promote your music. Some common features include the ability to upload and distribute your music to various online platforms, track your sales and streaming data, and access promotional tools like social media integrations and custom landing pages. Consider which features are most important to you and make sure the service you choose offers them.
- Reputation and customer support: Before choosing a distribution service, it's a good idea to do some research and read reviews from other musicians who have used the service. This can give you a sense of the service's reputation and help you gauge the level of customer support you can expect. You should also consider reaching out to the service directly with any questions you may have before making a decision.
- Ease of use: As a musician, you want to spend your time making music, not learning how to use complicated software. Look for a distribution service that is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface, so you can quickly and easily upload and distribute your music.
Some pros of using DistroKid for music distribution include:
- DistroKid offers a range of pricing plans with different features and tools.
- The service allows you to upload and distribute your music to various online platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
- DistroKid offers a range of promotional tools, such as social media integrations and custom landing pages, to help you promote your music.
Some potential cons of using DistroKid for music distribution include:
- Some users have reported that the service can be difficult to use, with a confusing interface and lack of customer support.
- DistroKid does not offer as many advanced features as some other distribution services, such as track splitting and lyric integration.
- DistroKid may not be as well-known or widely recognized as some other distribution services, which can affect the visibility of your music.
Some pros of using TuneCore for music distribution include:
- TuneCore offers a flat-fee pricing model, with no annual fees or hidden costs. This makes it easy to understand the cost of using the service and plan your budget accordingly.
- The service allows you to upload and distribute your music to various online platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
- TuneCore offers a range of promotional tools, such as custom album artwork and marketing tools, to help you promote your music.
Some potential cons of using TuneCore for music distribution include:
- Some users have reported that the service can be expensive, with higher fees for certain online platforms and additional charges for advanced features. This can make it more expensive than some other distribution services, depending on your needs.
- TuneCore does not offer as many advanced features as some other distribution services, such as track splitting and lyric integration. This can limit the flexibility and customization of your releases.
- TuneCore may not be as well-known or widely recognized as some other distribution services, which can affect the visibility of your music.
Some pros of using CD Baby for music distribution include:
- CD Baby offers a range of pricing plans, including a free option for independent artists and various paid plans with different features and tools. This makes it easy to choose a plan that fits your budget and needs.
- The service allows you to upload and distribute your music to various online platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
- CD Baby offers a range of advanced features, such as track splitting and lyric integration, that can help you customize and enhance your releases.
- Physical music media i.e. vinyl
Some potential cons of using CD Baby for music distribution include:
- Some users have reported that the service can be slow and unresponsive, with poor customer support. This can make it difficult to get help or resolve any issues you may encounter.
- CD Baby does not offer as many promotional tools as some other distribution services, such as social media integrations and custom landing pages. This can make it harder to promote your music and reach new audiences.
- CD Baby may not be as well-known or widely recognized as some other distribution services, which can affect the visibility of your music.
Some pros of using Amuse.io for music distribution include:
- Amuse.io offers a unique pricing model, with no upfront fees or contracts. This allows you to try the service without making a financial commitment, and only pay when you earn money from your music.
- The service allows you to upload and distribute your music to a wide range of online platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
- Amuse.io offers a range of advanced features, such as track splitting and lyric integration, that can help you customize and enhance your releases.
Some potential cons of using Amuse.io for music distribution include:
- Some users have reported that the service is not as widely recognized as other distribution services, which can affect the visibility of your music.
- Amuse.io offers fewer promotional tools than some other distribution services, such as social media integrations and custom landing pages. This can make it harder to promote your music and reach new audiences.
- Amuse.io may not offer as much personalized support and guidance as some other distribution services, so you may have to do more research and experimentation on your own to get the most out of the service.
Some pros of using Ditto Music for music distribution include:
- Ditto Music offers various paid plans with different features and tools. This makes it easy to choose a plan that fits your budget and needs.
- The service allows you to upload and distribute your music to a wide range of online platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
- Ditto Music offers a range of advanced features, such as track splitting and lyric integration, that can help you customize and enhance your releases.
Some potential cons of using Ditto Music for music distribution include:
- Some users have reported that the service can be slow and unresponsive, with poor customer support. This can make it difficult to get help or resolve any issues you may encounter.
- Ditto Music offers fewer promotional tools than some other distribution services, such as social media integrations and custom landing pages. This can make it harder to promote your music and reach new audiences.
- Ditto Music may not be as well-known or widely recognized as some other distribution services, which can affect the visibility of your music.
Some pros of using LANDR for music distribution include:
- LANDR offers a unique pricing model, with a free option for independent artists and various paid plans with different features and tools.
- The service allows you to upload and distribute your music to various online platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
- LANDR offers a range of advanced features, such as track splitting and lyric integration, as well as professional mastering services.
- LANDR has a user-friendly interface and offers a range of promotional tools, such as social media integrations and custom landing pages.
Some potential cons of using LANDR for music distribution include:
- Some users have reported that the service can be expensive, with higher fees for certain online platforms and additional charges for advanced features.
- LANDR may not be as well-known or widely recognized as some other distribution services, which can affect the visibility of your music.
- LANDR does not offer as much personalized support and guidance as some other distribution services, so you may have to do more research and experimentation on your own to get the most out of the service.
There are many different music distribution services available, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. By considering factors like pricing, features and tools, reputation, and ease of use, you can find the service that is right for you and your music.
