Independent artists have more control than ever over how they release and monetize their music. Digital distributors like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby remain the top choices for self-releasing musicians worldwide.
All three services distribute to more than 150 platforms—including Spotify and TikTok—but they differ significantly in pricing models, royalty structures, analytics depth, and additional services.
Choosing the right distributor in 2026 depends largely on your release frequency, long-term strategy, and whether you prioritize speed, analytics, or lifetime distribution.
Pricing Comparison in 2026
Pricing structures have evolved to favor unlimited release models for high-volume artists.
DistroKid
- $24.99/year (Musician Plan, unlimited uploads)
- $44.99/year for two artists
- No one-time release fees
- 100% royalties retained
DistroKid continues to dominate among artists who release frequently. For a flat annual fee, you can upload unlimited singles and albums.
TuneCore
- $22.99/year (Rising Plan, unlimited releases)
- +$14.99/year for each additional artist
- Singles: $9.99/year renewal (legacy structure still applies in some cases)
- 100% royalties retained
TuneCore has shifted toward more flexible annual plans while still offering strong à la carte services for publishing and licensing.
CD Baby
- No unlimited annual plan
- Singles: $9.99 one-time fee
- Albums: $29.99 one-time fee
- Artist keeps 91% (CD Baby takes 9%)
CD Baby remains attractive for artists who prefer no annual renewals. Once you pay, your music stays up permanently.
Royalty Structures: Who Keeps What?
Both DistroKid and TuneCore allow artists to keep 100% of royalties, though optional add-ons and commissions (such as publishing administration) can reduce net earnings.
CD Baby takes a 9% commission, meaning artists keep 91% of streaming and download revenue. While that cut may seem small, it becomes significant at scale.
For example:
- $10,000 in streaming revenue
- DistroKid/TuneCore: Artist keeps $10,000 (minus optional fees)
- CD Baby: Artist keeps $9,100
Key Features Breakdown
🎵 DistroKid: Built for High-Volume Creators
DistroKid is widely known as the fastest distributor in the industry, with releases typically going live within 1–5 days.
Key features:
- Unlimited uploads on all plans
- Free revenue splits for collaborators (recoupment tools available as paid add-ons)
- TikTok timestamp optimization
- Video distribution add-on ($99/year)
- Automatic split payments
Strength: Ideal for artists releasing singles frequently or collaborating often.
Weakness: Analytics remain basic compared to competitors, and add-ons can increase costs quickly.
📊 TuneCore: Growth-Focused and Data-Driven
TuneCore positions itself as a distributor for artists serious about scaling their careers.
Key features:
- Advanced daily sales and streaming analytics
- Playlist pitching tools
- Publishing administration ($75 setup + 15% commission)
- Built-in cover song licensing
- Detailed geographic performance tracking
TuneCore’s publishing admin service allows artists to collect additional mechanical royalties worldwide—something many independent artists overlook.
Strength: Strong analytics and career growth tools.
Weakness: Slower distribution times (3–7 days), tiered customer support, and some social monetization services take a 20% cut.
💿 CD Baby: Lifetime Distribution and Extras
CD Baby remains popular for its simplicity and long-term model.
Key features:
- Lifetime distribution (no renewals)
- Sync licensing opportunities
- Physical CD and vinyl distribution options
- SoundExchange registration via Boost ($39.99 add-on)
Because there are no recurring annual fees, CD Baby appeals to artists who release infrequently or want their music online permanently without subscription concerns.
Strength: No recurring payments, beginner-friendly extras.
Weakness: 9% commission, slower processing times, limited built-in split features.
Pros and Cons Summary
DistroKid
Pros
- Unlimited affordable uploads
- Fastest turnaround time
- Excellent for collaborations
Cons
- Basic reporting tools
- Add-ons increase total cost
- Customer support variability
TuneCore
Pros
- Detailed insights and daily data
- Strong promotional tools
- Publishing and licensing support
Cons
- Slower release approval
- Tiered support access
- Social monetization commission (20%)
CD Baby
Pros
- No recurring fees
- Lifetime hosting
- Sync and physical distribution options
Cons
- 9% royalty commission
- Slower processing
- Limited advanced split functionality
Which Distributor Should You Choose in 2026?
Your decision should align with your release strategy:
If You Release Music Frequently
DistroKid offers the most cost-effective unlimited model. If you drop singles every month, the annual fee pays for itself quickly.
If You Focus on Analytics and Growth
TuneCore stands out. Its detailed reporting, publishing tools, and playlist pitching capabilities give artists deeper insight into audience behavior and monetization opportunities.
If You Prefer One-Time Payments
CD Baby remains attractive for artists who release occasionally and want long-term stability without yearly renewals.
For Artists Focused on Streaming Economics
For musicians deeply interested in maximizing streaming revenue—especially those studying platform performance or optimizing for Spotify growth strategies—TuneCore currently edges ahead in 2026. Its analytics dashboard and publishing administration tools provide more actionable data than DistroKid’s simpler reporting interface.
That said, no distributor guarantees success. Streaming revenue ultimately depends on audience growth, marketing execution, playlist placements, and fan retention.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, independent artists are no longer limited by gatekeepers. DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby each offer powerful tools to distribute music globally to platforms like Spotify and TikTok.
The best choice depends on:
- How often you release
- Whether you need advanced analytics
- If you prefer subscription or one-time fees
- Whether publishing and sync licensing matter to you
For high-volume creators, DistroKid is cost-efficient and fast. For data-driven growth, TuneCore provides more strategic insight. For long-term simplicity, CD Baby offers permanence without subscriptions.
The modern music industry rewards informed decisions—and choosing the right distributor is one of the most important business moves an independent artist can make.