Musicinfo

Musicinfo is a Finland-based music distributor founded in 2012 and headquartered in Jyvaskyla, Central Finland. The company specializes in distribution to China and South Korea, offering access to 56+ Chinese and South Korean platforms, the most of any distributor for these regions. Musicinfo also offers global distribution to 70+ platforms. The company uses a pay-per-release model starting at approximately $32 per release with 15% commission. Musicinfo's exclusive partnership with Taihe Music Group provides unprecedented access to Chinese audiences, and the platform includes sync opportunities to China at no additional cost after purchasing distribution. The company employs 16 people across Finland, the United States, Poland, and Turkey.

Pricing and Plans

Musicinfo uses a pay-per-release model with tiered distribution options and promotional bundles:

Distribution Tiers

• Star Distribution (approximately $32 per release): Basic distribution to Chinese, South Korean, and global platforms with 15% commission.
• Bronze, Silver, Gold Distribution: Higher tiers with more features and broader platform coverage. Prices increase with tier level.

Bundle Pro Packages (Distribution + Promotion)

• Indie Power Pack ($54): 1 Star Distribution, 1 Social Media Promotion.
• Artist Pack ($174): 1 Bronze Distribution, 2 Social Media Promotions, 1 Video Distribution.
• Celebrity Pack ($433): 1 Gold Distribution, 5 Social Media Promotions, 3 Video Distributions.

Promotion Pro Bundles (Promotion Only)

• Spotlight ($490): 3 Playlist placements, 3 Social Media Promotions, 1 Video Sharing.
• Top Chart ($650): 6 Playlist placements.
• Superstar ($1030): 6 Playlist placements, 4 Social Media Promotions, 5 Video Sharings.

The pay-per-release model with 15% commission is more expensive than subscription-based distributors for frequent releasers. However, for artists specifically targeting the Chinese market, Musicinfo offers access to platforms that no other distributor can match.

What Sets Musicinfo Apart

1. 56+ Chinese and South Korean platforms: Musicinfo distributes to more Chinese and South Korean platforms than any other distributor. This includes Tencent Music Entertainment DSPs (QQ Music, Kugou, Kuwo), Netease, Douyin (Chinese TikTok), Bilibili, Huawei Music, Alibaba Short Video Platform, Ximalaya FM, Changba Karaoke App, and many more.
2. Exclusive partnership with Taihe Music Group: Musicinfo has an exclusive partnership with Taihe Music Group, one of China's largest music companies. This provides unprecedented access and opportunity to get artists' music heard and monetized in China. No other distributor has achieved this level of relationship with Chinese audiences.
3. Sync opportunities to China at no additional cost: Musicinfo includes sync opportunities to China at no additional cost after purchasing music distribution. This is a unique feature no other distributor offers for the Chinese market.
4. Promotion on Chinese social media: Musicinfo promotes digital music in China through the most popular Chinese social media and video platforms, including Weibo, Red (Xiaohongshu), and video sharing platforms.
5. Playlist placement in China: Musicinfo offers playlist placement on influential Chinese playlists. The Top Chart and Superstar bundles include 6 playlist placements each.
6. Copyright protection in China: Musicinfo secures music copyright and collects royalties from 20+ DSPs in China. This is important because copyright enforcement in China is complex and requires local expertise.
7. Non-exclusive distribution: Musicinfo operates on a non-exclusive basis. You can continue using your current distributor for the rest of the world and use Musicinfo only for China. Many customers distribute their music with another distributor to the rest of the world except China by opting out of the territory of China in their other distribution service.
8. Global distribution to 70+ platforms: In addition to China and South Korea, Musicinfo distributes to 70+ global platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, Deezer, Tidal, Napster, YouTube, and more.
9. 90+ total music and media services: Musicinfo reaches 90+ total music and media streaming and internet services across China, South Korea, and the world.
10. Finland-based with EU jurisdiction: Musicinfo is based in Finland, operating under EU jurisdiction. This means no US tax withholding for international artists.

Submission and Upload Process

1. Create a Musicinfo account.
2. Choose a distribution tier (Star, Bronze, Silver, or Gold) or a Bundle Pro package.
3. Upload your audio files, artwork, and metadata.
4. Musicinfo distributes to 56+ Chinese and South Korean platforms plus 70+ global platforms.
5. For promotion: Add social media promotion, video distribution, and playlist placement bundles.
6. Musicinfo secures copyright and collects royalties from Chinese DSPs.
7. Track performance and receive royalties through the platform.

Important Note on Chinese Distribution

Musicinfo can distribute your music even if you have already distributed to Tencent (TME: QQ Music, Kuwo, and Kugou) and/or Netease through another distributor. Many distributors now deliver to one or both of these Chinese streaming services. Musicinfo offers 20+ additional services in China from which you can collect royalties.

With the exception of TME and/or Netease, ensure your music is NOT already distributed to China with another distributor before using Musicinfo. If your music has already been distributed in China by another service, contact Musicinfo to learn about your options.

Drawbacks and Things to Consider

• 15% commission is high. Musicinfo takes 15% of your royalties on all distribution tiers. Compare this to DistroKid (0%), Too Lost (0%), or CD Baby (9%). At $10,000/year in revenue, Musicinfo takes $1,500.
• Pay-per-release is expensive for frequent releasers. At $32 per release with 15% commission, releasing 12 singles per year costs $384 plus 15% of all royalties. DistroKid costs $24.99/year for unlimited releases with 0% commission.
• No global distribution to all major DSPs. While Musicinfo offers global distribution to 70+ platforms, its primary focus is China and South Korea. If you want maximum global reach, use a distributor with 150+ to 450+ stores (DistroKid, Too Lost, DistroVibe).
• No publishing administration. Musicinfo does not provide publishing admin. You need separate PRO and MLC registration.
• No YouTube Content ID as a standalone service. YouTube Content ID is included with global distribution but not prominently featured as a standalone service.
• No royalty splits. Not prominently featured. If you need automated collaborator splitting, use DistroKid, Too Lost, or Stem.
• Promotional bundles are expensive. The Superstar promotion bundle costs $1030 for a one-time campaign. This is a significant investment for independent artists.
• Limited information on delivery speed. Musicinfo does not prominently publish delivery timelines. Delivery to Chinese platforms may take longer due to copyright verification processes.
• Niche focus limits appeal. Musicinfo is specifically designed for artists targeting the Chinese and South Korean markets. If you have no interest in these markets, there is no reason to use Musicinfo over a general distributor.
• Small company. Musicinfo has 16 employees, which is small. Support capacity may be limited.
• Complex Chinese distribution rules. Distributing to China involves navigating complex copyright laws, platform requirements, and government regulations. Musicinfo handles this, but the process may be slower and more complicated than distributing to Western platforms.
• May require a second distributor for global reach. Many Musicinfo customers use a second distributor for the rest of the world and Musicinfo only for China. This means managing two distributor relationships, two sets of metadata, and two royalty streams.

Who Musicinfo Is Best For

Musicinfo is best for artists who specifically want to reach the Chinese and South Korean music markets. If your music has potential appeal in China (pop, hip-hop, electronic, K-pop influenced, or crossover genres), Musicinfo provides access to 56+ platforms that no other distributor can match. The exclusive partnership with Taihe Music Group and the inclusion of sync opportunities to China make Musicinfo the clear leader for Chinese market entry.

Musicinfo is less ideal for artists who want general global distribution (use DistroKid, Too Lost, or DistroVibe for 150+ to 450+ stores), artists who want 0% commission (nearly every other distributor offers better royalty rates), artists who need publishing admin or sync licensing for Western markets (use TuneCore, Songtradr, or Ditto), or artists on a tight budget (the pay-per-release model with 15% commission is expensive). If you have no specific interest in the Chinese market, there is no reason to choose Musicinfo over a general distributor.

Royalty Retention

Musicinfo takes 15% commission on all distribution tiers. Artists keep 85% of royalties. This applies to the Star Distribution tier and higher tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold).

For comparison, DistroKid charges 0% commission ($24.99/year subscription). CD Baby takes 9% commission. ONErpm takes 15% commission on its free tier. At $10,000 in annual revenue, Musicinfo takes $1,500 in commission. DistroKid takes $0 above the $24.99 subscription fee.

Store Count and Delivery Speed

Musicinfo distributes to 90+ total music and media streaming services:

• 56+ Chinese and South Korean platforms (including QQ Music, Kugou, Kuwo, Netease, Douyin, Bilibili, Huawei Music, Alibaba Short Video Platform, Ximalaya FM, Changba Karaoke App)
• 70+ global platforms (including Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, Deezer, Tidal, Napster, YouTube)

Delivery speed varies by territory. Global platforms take up to 10 days for music to go live. Chinese platforms take up to 4 weeks due to copyright verification processes. Plan releases at least 4 weeks in advance for Chinese distribution. For comparison, DistroKid delivers in 24 to 72 hours globally.

Publishing Admin and YouTube Content ID

Musicinfo does not provide publishing administration as a standalone service. You need separate PRO and MLC registration to collect mechanical and performance royalties. Read our guide to mechanical royalties to understand what you are missing.

YouTube Content ID is included with global distribution to 70+ services. It is not offered as a standalone service. This is included at no additional charge with the distribution package.

Sync Licensing

Musicinfo includes sync opportunities to China at no additional cost after purchasing music distribution. This is a unique feature. No other distributor offers sync licensing specifically for the Chinese market as part of its distribution package.

The sync opportunities are focused on the Chinese market. If you need sync licensing for Western markets (film, TV, ads in the US and Europe), consider TuneCore, Songtradr, or Ditto Music. Browse our sync licensing directory for Western sync options.

Royalty Splits

Musicinfo does not prominently feature automated royalty splitting with collaborators. There is no advertised split payment system for dividing royalties with bandmates, producers, or featured artists. If you need automated collaborator splitting, use DistroKid, Too Lost, or Stem.

Release Protection

Musicinfo does not clearly state what happens to your releases if you cancel. The pay-per-release model suggests music stays live after the one-time payment, similar to CD Baby's permanent distribution. However, this is not explicitly confirmed. Contact Musicinfo to verify whether releases remain online indefinitely after payment.

For comparison, CD Baby keeps releases live permanently with no subscription. DistroKid requires a "Leave a Legacy" fee to keep releases online after cancellation. Subscription-based distributors like TuneCore remove releases when you stop paying.

AI Music Policy

Musicinfo does not publicly state its policy on AI-generated music. There is no published documentation about accepting or rejecting AI-assisted or AI-generated content. Given Musicinfo's focus on the Chinese market, AI music policies may also depend on individual Chinese platform requirements. Contact Musicinfo directly to confirm acceptance before uploading AI-generated tracks.

Hidden Costs

Musicinfo uses a pay-per-release model with transparent per-release pricing. Potential costs to consider:

• The 15% commission on all tiers is an ongoing cost. At $10,000/year in revenue, Musicinfo takes $1,500.
• Promotional bundles are expensive. The Superstar promotion bundle costs $1,030 for a one-time campaign. The Top Chart bundle costs $650.
• Higher distribution tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold) cost more than the Star Distribution base price of approximately $32 per release. Exact prices for higher tiers are not published on the main pricing page.
• Many Musicinfo customers use a second distributor for global distribution and Musicinfo only for China. This means paying two distributor fees and managing two royalty streams.
• The 16-person team may limit support capacity during peak periods.

Comparison Table

Videos

Compare with Other Distributors

• DistroKid - Flat $24.99/year subscription with 100% royalties and 150+ stores
• RouteNote - Free tier with 85% royalties and 100+ stores
• CD Baby - One-time fee per release with permanent distribution and 9% commission
• Ditto Music - $19.99/year subscription with 100% royalties and sync licensing
• ONErpm - Free tier with 85% royalties and 200+ stores including Chinese platforms

Related Resources

• Music Distribution Services Compared - Broader distributor comparison
• Streaming Royalty Calculator - Project your earnings
• Musicinfo Official Website - Current pricing and sign-up