How to choose the BEST music distributor for you Song /Album

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

What distributor do you use? What do you like about your distributor and what do you wish was different? I want to know! And if you haven't picked yet, use the "assessment tool" to help you decide if you're still unsure (link in description). Just leave a comment and I'll do my best to reply!

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

@Megafrica That's a good goal! AWAL is awesome, but nowadays there are TONS of great options that don't require an application.

[@PreacherElbiz]

@@IndieMusicAcademy how can I apply for Awal?

[@stefski1]

Aloaded checks in with a LOT on the list tbh. Playlist pitching, awesome DSP editorial relations, synch (!), human label managers + support, TikTok including major Asian/Middle Eastern DSPs, KZbin content ID, DSP direct deals. Independent and Stockholm based.

[@Lokkiey]

I need a distribution with playlist pitching on KZbin and Spotify and more.. When you can say it to me?

[@annedavismusic]

I would love to see a straight up comparison/breakdown listing very specifically the name of the distributor and if they do fill in the blank or not. You mentioned several different options but only mentioned 2-3 times if this distributor or that one does a certain thing or not. It would just be super helpful if see side by sides. Hope that makes sense. Thanks though for all the helpful content you’re putting out!

[@allenhayesmusic]

I am literally debating this decision now! I would love if you keep going on this topic. Keep up the good work!

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Will do, what would you like the next video to be?

[@allenhayesmusic]

@@IndieMusicAcademy pros and cons and extras of each along with pricing would be great!

[@wildherbsslicesco.9123]

Made a decision yet?

[@allenhayesmusic]

@@wildherbsslicesco.9123 not yet…

[@BdeJJG]

@@allenhayesmusic update?

[@shining9315]

I was thinking about using Distrokid, but after this video I change my mind! I really need to reconsider it.

[@Maxmarch-0009]

Hi dear, can you tell me please what distributor did you choose ? I am using Distrokid now

[@destroyerofmorons]

@@Maxmarch-0009 DEAR YOUR MOMS NUTS I DIOT S TFU!

[@AMYClareese]

I'm so freaking glad i came across this channel. This is amazing, thank you thank you so so much, dude!!

[@Lenkadu]

I second that. THANK YOU for supporting independent artists by sharing what you know!!! What's the best way to support you? (besides the obvious subscribing to your channel)?

[@MelvalinShand]

I find this thoroughly useful and informative..the only knowledge I had prior to listening to this is writing lyrics, copyright, but no idea to get my works off the ground. Thanks for holding my hands to make my first baby step

[@kaarism.ssj3]

Had so much troubles with Distrokid, with Amuse too but now I distribute mu music to GetSoundset and I've never been so happy

[@GoodgirlLisa]

I uploaded to distrokid but I’m not happy with them. I signed up with Sound Cloud today but I’m wondering if that was the right thing to do

[@christ_inspire_daily]

How is the pricing?

[@adamakone1283]

A lot of you in the comments are really overlooking landr and I'm kinda shocked service is good for unlimited distribution during for all year. Yhea it's pricier but it's once a year. You got a lot of options for your plan, you can master, you have credit that you can use to get sample packs, they got distribution

[@chrisfofficial]

Online mastering services are terrible. You can create far greater result with little training and a few plugins (say Pro-Q 3, Pro-MB, Saturn 2 and Pro-L 2 or smart:limit)

[@srproduciones3404]

Thank you so much for this information. I need so much help. This is a great start!

[@hbinfinity]

Thanks for this video! Dunno if you're looking for ideas for more videos, but I would LOVE to see how to actually execute a waterfall release using a distributor. There's so much confusing and conflicting information.

[@rocokorean6913]

So nice video. Thank you, its really helpful and thoughtful. And would be even better (imo) if you said list of services in general about territory of the distribution. Like which is largest and etc. Anyway have a good day 💫

[@100HitsMix]

Thank you for uploading these videos. I appreciate at it. Cheers

[@danaparsons854]

You kinda look like a young Arthur in Peaky Blinders:) thanks for this video:)

[@mariocorrales7453]

Now that Tunecore incorporated their unlimited plan, would you say it's the best option as of now? (Comparing with other subscription distributors as Ditto or Distrokid)

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

I'd say that Tunecore and Landr have the most enticing unlimited plans. I really like the included song mastering that Landr includes in their plan!

[@thesultryprincess3120]

@@IndieMusicAcademy Do you know about Routenote?

[@laurosilvestrejr.106]

*How about getting my music to be used in TV commercials and in TV shows like if I make a piece of music and its sound would fit best in an advertising commercial for children? Is there a difference in distribution here?

[@CrossRoadsMusicCollabs]

this was a very informative video (as are many of yours), and are extremely clear. I wish I would have found these before my song registrations hit the public. I am believing now, 4 years later and alot wiser, that previous songs were registered wrong and I missed or am still missing out on royalties. How does one back track and piece together the mess? Where do Project managers/songwriters start?

[@Ncognitomusic]

Please do what others won’t ; Do a 10hr video; I will promote it like messs!!!

[@Freddyfury]

Or maybe like a series of videos

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Haha, maybe a livestream. 10000 hours of video editing doesn't sound fun lol

[@Freddyfury]

@@IndieMusicAcademy that's true though, I agree with you

[@Ncognitomusic]

@@IndieMusicAcademy 😳😅oooo, I felt that one 😅

[@dj_aljnmusic]

Im using Symphonic 🤙

[@NametagAlexander]

I highly recommend Believe Digital for distribution.

[@paulprince5672]

I wonder how many read the terms of service - for ex cd baby and symphonic others too, because Now if you sign, you have just given away many rights to your music that would normally be a big negotiated sync deal, where you would be paid well but its easy to miss if you dont read terms . Then they can actually sublicense your music in many ways inc. make new derivative versions, sell rights to "new creations" derived from your music, and according to one agreement these could then be sub licensed to their affiliates, used in sync licensing etc for ad music etc, - ,unlike tiny stream %s sync licensing can generate real money. But if you dont read the terms of service you might not realize this arrangement and in one I read, you also get zero pay and zero attribution - ie no credit as composer, thats why it's imperative to read these agreements before signing .

[@kevinconlon5662]

I have used CD Baby Pro in the past however with recent releases I am seeing a massive delay in registration with BMI. I cannot find out what the issue is from either CD Baby or BMI.

[@Metalpazallteway]

If you're the producer for another artist what is the first steps to take on a final product or single? Where to copyright or do they do that service as well? Does any of the service and for example you mentioned at 5:45 details, which one of these platforms would have the best of these services? How does Landr work?

[@M.M_15-16]

Thanks for the advice, me and my friend already started something called LT7 Music, and now were looking into uploading to Spotify and such.

[@Lenkadu]

Is CD baby a good choice for a video-heavy songwriter? I always perform w visuals so I put most effort into having fans to listen to songs on my KZbin. This is a Q about your point on You TUbe content ID - and whether CD baby does this already. THANK YOU

[@erskinlamotte4063]

Very helpful, thanks

[@DJ_Manifest_707]

Have you heard of amuse? I’m starting a label. Do you think this is a good option?

[@zipperhead101]

What are you meaning when you say "cover song licensing"? Are you talking about obtaining the necessary permissions to record another artist's songs?

[@johnlars6010]

Very helpful video, thx

[@ShihanTomCallahan]

You should check out the new guys…”Indie Advance” .

[@369FAMMVLOGS]

THANK YOU

[@mercyolagunju7485]

Thank you so much

[@simeongospel]

What do you think about (Sonomo)

[@KirkYardley]

I’m sure this is not a smart question, but if I’m with distrokid do I still need to register songs on BMI for sync licensing

[@jandsking4938]

What distrobutor would you recommend out of all of them?

[@digitaltrash_]

AWAL now The Orchard, woohoo!

[@kevinnichols9836]

So which ones do what again? Did you say or am I faded?

[@OnceGentilesMusic]

Currently leaning toward CD Baby due to no yearly subscription costs. Any downsides to it?

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

No downsides at all!

[@redpillcomedy8568]

Can I Put my Music on Multiple Distributors? Awal, CD Baby, and Distrokid?

[@zesttvugandaTv]

Awal is free? In terms of joining

[@denisgoulet798]

I would appreciate if you would elaborate more on this topic. Looking at the comments, it seems many of your subscribers would appreciate it. You did a very good video, but it seems you only scratch the surface. More info please.

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

What would you like the next video to be?

[@Jawncan]

@@IndieMusicAcademy this is really late but it looks like everyone was wanting you to tell them what you think is the best distribution service.

[@inhousekillaproductions]

I'm thinking of starting off with amuse it's free and gives you 100% royalties and then take the money I make and invest into the paid plan or going to another distribution service or use two at once. I don't know this is my first time doing this.

[@Singwithmeltaylor]

Any update with amuse? Did you like it?

[@bollymagic6225]

Need a detailed video of ForeVision Digital.

[@mazinsalah4054]

awal is getting 30% of the earnings not 15% i use awal for 2 years now and the support is so slow and they release your music after 1 month and they don't offer KZbin Content ID are you getting paid to say all the lies??

[@billylovelacejr]

Totally unhappy with Distrokid and looking for a distributor that will be more involved, where I can direct my time elsewhere. One that will take a higher percentage of my earnings and less cash upfront . Any suggestions?

[@saythatsh_t7017]

What do you think about Songtrust

[@vtunz1298]

Hey, what's up, are you going to do the new TuneCore low price? similar to distrokid low price.

[@og951]

I dont like the percentage system because if you was to make a hit and make $100,000 in one year that means they taking away $15,000

[@everayofficial]

I agree I think it’s really cheeky to take royalties from artists. It’s really stealing from artists. Taking royalties for distributing music as well as payment upfront it doesn’t sit right with me

[@georgymusic]

Ok, regardless of price, which one has all or most features?

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

I’d say that SoundCloud Repost has my attention right now for having one of the most feature-rich offerings!

[@georgymusic]

@@IndieMusicAcademy thank you for replying!!!

[@4ynn]

@@IndieMusicAcademy I heard that that they take a percentage of royalties from every other platform you post on. True?

[@Juliano_DJOL]

@@IndieMusicAcademy that's actually what I've been looking into today, mainly cause the repost deal! Only thing I'm a little worried about is what happens after a year of the starting/promo price?

[@treybruce9789]

Vydia and Symphonic are possibilities

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Symphonic is awesome. Never heard of Vydia.

[@NirajPundir]

@@IndieMusicAcademy How to get and apply for Symphonic please make a video

[@freegamerondo]

Is united masters A good distributor?

[@YUNGBOSSAP]

Yes I use them never had a problem just pay fee it’s best one time only

[@macaroon147]

Distrokid all the way

[@epiesco3334]

How do I benefit from the KZbin content ID? And how do I know if I'm the one benefitting from it and not my distributor? Thanks

[@Travelplaces369]

no need youtube content id for new artist , just make it free and people will know you

[@epiesco3334]

@@Travelplaces369 thanks

[@squaredupstudios]

you don’t need youtube content id? as a new artist especially?

[@Travelplaces369]

@@squaredupstudios yes because if a youtuber mostly that using adsense they dont earn if using your song (because content id). thats why your song never heard lot people

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

You're going to want to collect from KZbin just in case other channels use your music on their videos. For your own channel, you'll want to enter into the KZbin partner program where you earn ad revenue from your views. You'll need a minimum of 1000 subscribers and 4000 watch hours on your channel to qualify.

[@lunemstyles]

Thank you 💯💯 TL Jones

[@frankfurtbrdi5171]

AWAL just kicked us out, no reason? Any clue why this is? We uploaded one Suno song but shouldnt be the issue?

[@DjMicr0dot]

broseph....ur makiN my head spin😵‍💫 I just wanna jam & not get jacked

[@donnas8408]

Does CD Baby offer sound scan recordings?

[@HarmonybonesBlueberryJohnson]

I’m trying to figure out why I needed a contract for my already uploaded music on to DSP’s

[@mikehunt576]

whatever you do NEVER CHOOSE the Harry Fox Agency, Audiam, etc

[@BdeJJG]

Why

[@mikehunt576]

@@BdeJJG they got caught and in a lawsuit for millions for defrauding artists, they actually signed documents in behalf of artists to release mechanicals with out their knowledge or consent.

[@zipperhead101]

At 4:20 you mention "Analytics". Briefly, what is that? And thank you for this and all your presentations.

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Analytics are the stats from your fanbase, i.e. how many streams from which countries and from what platforms.

[@yassinabidi7961]

4:20 nice

[@ghallabmusic]

Can you tell me your opinion about boomkit

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Never used them personally.

[@noahsolomonmusic6599]

(ASCAP) I messed up and I couldn't ignore the tab where I have to mention if the song was for a specific work (TV, Multimedia, Theater, ect...) I wrote "General Usage" and wrote a tv show that I thought would like it/I just like tbh. Is this end all be all? If you could please let me know if this tab is super important and will only show my song in one section or not that would be super helpful! Thank you, sorry I could not find this info on reddit or anywhere else :(...

[@davidtrionfetti]

Have you (or anyone) heard much about IndieMassive?

[@4ynn]

What distributor would you recommend for an Independent Music Artist to get the 100% of all their of everything and puts you on the most different platforms.

[@kayjaykush1]

@@merkurarts facts. Distrokid has the most good reviews. But I’ve seen several vids about them blocking artists from signing in under the guise of streaming fraud and stealing all their revenue without notice, same thing with tunecore

[@darkuncle77]

putting KZbin content id and other royalty programs is a big mistake. easy access of your song should be allowed and available to the oldest man to the youngest baby at all times. even the uploaders. shouldn't have to have an ad because your song is being used

[@shika04]

Tunecore doesn't distribute to all stores

[@scopeshawn2980]

So landr master the song for u when u release the song ? 🤔

[@Bradleybrookwood]

I would like the coupon to get discounted for CD baby. Can somebody please give me the coupon because if it's in the video description I can't see it if it's visual as I'm totally blind.

[@leeseh7137]

what is an isrc? 2:43

[@yas_scents]

I am a newbie, already joined distrokid for my first single. Is it possible, advisable to change now?

[@daonlyanswer732]

Looking for distributor that reaches State and Federal prisons worldwide. Currently with Tunecore and they do not.

[@snakeluccisnakehousetv5676]

If I’m a featured artist on a song is Soundexchange all I need to collect my royalties/publishing?

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Yes, as long as you're not a songwriter or master rights holder.

[@Getsmore]

What about RouteNote? That’s what I use…

[@Gates7405]

Please does anyone one have an idea how music distributors are able to send your music to all these streaming platforms at once? How do they create a code or software to make sure it is uploads automatically to all these platforms

[@afsaudio]

Are there any Free distributors that you would recommend?

[@blocheadsolo]

Do a video on United masters

[@rehaanshaikh9819]

Please tell me from which music distributor I can get good money and tax is also less

[@maxx2times161]

What is the best distribution for music

[@mr.houston1043]

At this point nothing smh they still seem to dig in your pockets one way or another I use distrokid and amuse but I’m not 100% satisfied do to subscription and add on services

[@lesproduction6806]

Is onerpm goood

[@Zalva10]

I can't find anything about Worldstar Distro

[@anandkarna3763]

first I distributed the song on spotify and then uploaded it on youtube.. BUt the video on my youtube channel got copyright claim from the same distributor who published my song on spotify. Can anyone explain?

[@BdeJJG]

Update?

[@Gbedu_beat]

I have a question

[@MichaelSwim]

I tried using United Masters and i now think its a scam but im not sure, can you give me some thoughts?

[@brandonroskom5890]

what distributor do YOU use???????????????

[@sagrsalem6340]

What if the publisher didn't tell the singer about the real downloads count ? let say My song real downloads are 20000 times and they tell me that it was only 1000 times ...How could someone knows the real Downloaded times ?

[@Albertmars32]

Im looking for a free distributor that ships to all stores including social media and that also have yt content id in exchange for royalties is routenote the only one or are there better alternatives ?

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

You should check out ONErpm that would fit everything you're saying. Routenote takes less of a cut but has less features on their free plan. You'll have to decide if the tradeoffs are worth it!

[@squaredupstudios]

would soundcloud repost be a bad option? i am looking for something that has unlimited posting, and gets me to all the social medias, i also want to be able to integrate my music without losing it if i ever go to a major label or just whatever my next step would be. i don’t mind the subscription based, cause i want to post a lot. i already am paying for soundcloud pro so i might take advantage of it.

[@squaredupstudios]

oh i’m also looking for something that releases relatively fast but ik soundcloud repost is like a week i think?

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Most distributors ask for a 4 week lead time, so one week is very fast. The fastest I've seen is a couple of days though. Soundcloud Repost as a whole is one of my favorite options!

[@RefaatMridhaMusic]

AWAL Really Good

[@Katkattarotandparanormal]

I’m new what is mastering?

[@willievaughn6474]

You're so amazing, I pray Jesus blesses you tremendously in His name I pray. Awesome 💯

[@PebbleEnt]

Are there any companies or distributors that will compute how much you owe for publishing royalties for covers or co-writers?

[@dustinyamchuk7400]

What doesnt anyone like about DistroKid ? Suggestions thx

[@SlyC]

Distrokid deleted all my music with no explanation. Lost all streams stay away

[@nfts6060]

Same.

[@obsoletemachines5027]

Me too. Found out you need to update your credit card if your old one has expired....even if they aren't charging you! Stupid but probably the solution. Hole that helps✌️

[@SlyC]

@@obsoletemachines5027 no that’s not what happens. My card was good, it got deleted

[@FreelancerJubaid]

Same

[@GIArc-xz3lx]

What about the ability to release as multiple artists, like what OneRPM and SongFlowr do

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Totally. I would consider this an important feature if you are looking for a "Record Label" style of account. I know that AWAL (my distributor) does this as well as Distrokid (for a higher subscription fee). Lots of distributors are allowing multiple artists nowadays even without a "Record Label" account like Soundrop, Symphonic, Tunecore, CD Baby, and more!

[@ashimkcmusic]

Is awal provide music publishing also?

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

No, publishing royalties are collected via your Performing Rights Organization (BMI or ASCAP) and not through your distributor.

[@luddeskutt]

Hello! I am about to release rock music as an unknown solo artist and make the most of it. I am close to choosing Amuse but they might fail according to a site, so Tune Core or Distrokid is my second choice. Which one should I go for? -Peter

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

Tunecore and Distrokid are both solid, but each have completely different pricing models. Tunecore you pay yearly per release while at Distrokid, you pay yearly for your account (huge difference). Let me know what you decide!

[@BdeJJG]

Update?

[@HarmonybonesBlueberryJohnson]

I had universal music group, release my music without an artist attached to it, and it never made any money. If you’re gonna release some music, you should have an artist connected to it.

[@mellowbenji]

united masters?

[@sandradib4128]

Have you had any experience with LevelMusic Distribution ?

[@HeavenlyBridegroomMusic]

How does soundrop distribution add up?

[@BdeJJG]

@@merkurarts who do you use?

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

I tried soundrop and ended up abandoning and asking for a refund

[@michellenoirstudios]

@@IndieMusicAcademyWhat made you abandon and ask for a refund?

[@PersonalIncomeSolutions]

There's a lot of posts recently, which indicates a paid advertising campaign, and so be well educated and do your homework... This seems like a social influencer paid post

[@Gbedu_beat]

Please I don't know if tunecore has unlimited plan that allows you to release as many song you want a yr

[@IndieMusicAcademy]

They do not :(

[@ngidiemmanuel8309]

They do now.check again