DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby are the three distributors most independent artists start with. Their pricing and models shifted significantly in 2025-2026. Here is an honest comparison for each career stage.
The best TuneCore alternatives for independent artists in 2026. Real pricing, royalty splits, payout speeds, and honest pros and cons for DistroKid, CD Baby, AWAL, UnitedMasters, and more.
An in-depth comparison of major music distributors to help you choose the best option for your releases.
Aggregator and distributor are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things depending on context. This guide clarifies the distinction and explains how it affects what you actually need for your music career.
DistroKid is the largest music distribution service by artist count, with over 2 million artists using it to distribute to Spotify, Apple Music, and 150+ platforms. The flat annual fee and unlimited uploads make it attractive. But the pricing is more complex than it appears once you account for add-ons. This guide covers everything you need to know before subscribing.
A data-backed breakdown of when to release music in 2026. Learn which months give independent artists the best shot at playlist placement, algorithmic traction, and listener engagement.
CD Baby is the oldest independent digital music distributor, founded in 1998. Now owned by Universal Music Group following UMG's $775 million acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings in early 2026. Charges a one-time fee per release ($9.99/single, $14.99/album) with a permanent 9% commission. Your music stays live forever with no annual fees. Based in the United States.
Downtown Artist & Label Services is a US-based full-service music distribution and marketing company, part of Downtown Music Holdings. Now part of Virgin Music Group alongside FUGA, CD Baby, Ingrooves, and Songtrust after Universal Music Group acquired Downtown Music Holdings for $775M in February 2026. Offers distribution, bespoke marketing solutions, project management, and funding for entrepreneurial artists, labels, and their partners. Artists retain ownership of masters and full creative control. Provides white-glove distribution, DSP promotion, account management, hands-on A&R support, enhanced analytics, split pay, and complete audio and video asset management. Preferred partner status at all key DSPs. Not open-signup. Curated roster with application required. No public pricing. Downtown Music Holdings serves 1.7 million clients in 145+ countries with 23 million music assets in catalog. Best for established artists and labels seeking white-glove service with global reach.
Governors Ball is New York City's premier multi-day music festival, held at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The 2026 edition runs June 5 to 7 with headliners Lorde, Baby Keem, Stray Kids, Kali Uchis, A$AP Rocky, and JENNIE across 60 acts.
