A release checklist for independent artists
A practical release plan covering your files, credits, distribution, links and the work that continues after release day.
Read guideWhich music distributor is best for independent artists?
Compare six music distributors for independent artists, including Ditto and RouteNote. See prices, royalties and what happens when you stop paying.
The best distributor depends on your release schedule and what you want to happen to your catalogue if you stop paying. Start with RouteNote if you need zero upfront fees or CD Baby if you prefer a one-off fee. Compare annual plans if you release regularly.
Compare prices and catalogue terms
Checked: . Prices shown in GBP or USD reflect the provider listings we checked. The currency indicates the quoted price. Check local checkout pricing, taxes and extras.
| Provider | Starting price | Billing | Fees and extras | If you stop paying | When to shortlist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CD Baby | US$9.99 single / US$14.99 EP or album | One payment per release | 9% of streaming and download revenue | No annual distribution renewal | Infrequent releases and predictable upfront fees |
| Amuse | US$23.99/year, Artist | Unlimited releases for one artist | Check payout and conversion fees | Catalogue can stay live with a 25% royalty commission | Regular releases with an exit option |
| TuneCore | US$24.99/year, Rising Artist | Unlimited plans and annually renewing per-release plans | Check social monetisation terms separately | Cancelling an Unlimited plan takes music down at expiry | Compare the exact tier and renewal cost before buying |
| DistroKid | £19.99/year, Musician | Unlimited releases for one artist or band | Optional extras cost more | A lapse can take music down. Leave a Legacy is bought per release. | Only shortlist if you’re comfortable with the renewal risk |
| Ditto | US$19/year, Starter | Unlimited releases for one artist | Release Protection is included on Pro and Label or available per release on Starter | Unprotected releases can be removed. An active subscription is required to withdraw royalties. | Compare protection and payout terms before choosing |
| RouteNote | No upfront fee on Free | Free or Premium per release | Free pays you 85% of net revenue. Premium singles start at US$10, then US$9.99 annually from year two. | Cancel Premium renewal to move the release to Free | Releasing with no upfront budget |
| Compare | CD Baby | Amuse | TuneCore | DistroKid | Ditto | RouteNote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | US$9.99 single / US$14.99 EP or album | US$23.99/year, Artist | US$24.99/year, Rising Artist | £19.99/year, Musician | US$19/year, Starter | No upfront fee on Free |
| Billing | One payment per release | Unlimited releases for one artist | Unlimited plans and annually renewing per-release plans | Unlimited releases for one artist or band | Unlimited releases for one artist | Free or Premium per release |
| Fees and extras | 9% of streaming and download revenue | Check payout and conversion fees | Check social monetisation terms separately | Optional extras cost more | Release Protection is included on Pro and Label or available per release on Starter | Free pays you 85% of net revenue. Premium singles start at US$10, then US$9.99 annually from year two. |
| If you stop paying | No annual distribution renewal | Catalogue can stay live with a 25% royalty commission | Cancelling an Unlimited plan takes music down at expiry | A lapse can take music down. Leave a Legacy is bought per release. | Unprotected releases can be removed. An active subscription is required to withdraw royalties. | Cancel Premium renewal to move the release to Free |
| When to shortlist | Infrequent releases and predictable upfront fees | Regular releases with an exit option | Compare the exact tier and renewal cost before buying | Only shortlist if you’re comfortable with the renewal risk | Compare protection and payout terms before choosing | Releasing with no upfront budget |
What happens if music is taken down?
Artists known to AUDEX have reported losing releases while using DistroKid. We don’t have the details to establish why those releases were removed or how often it happens.
DistroKid documents two distinct risks: removal after a subscription lapse and removal linked to artificial streaming. Leave a Legacy addresses the payment lapse. TuneCore also removes releases when a cancelled Unlimited plan expires.
Check before you pay
- Price the tier that includes your artist slots and scheduled release dates.
- Add recurring extras, payout fees and commission.
- Ask how to challenge a takedown and who handles the appeal.
- Keep masters, artwork, credits, ISRCs and UPCs somewhere you control.
Sources and further reading
Product details checked on 10 November 2026. Plans, fees and availability can change.
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