If you're an independent artist looking to get your music on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms, you've probably wondered: how much does music distribution actually cost?
The answer isn't straightforward. Distributors use different pricing models—some charge per release, others charge annual subscriptions, and some take a cut of your royalties. This guide breaks down the real costs so you can make an informed decision.
Quick Answer: Music Distribution Costs $0–$300/Year
Here's the range you're looking at in 2026:
- Free options: $0 (with limitations or revenue share)
- Budget subscriptions: $20–$50/year
- Full-featured platforms: $100–$300/year
- Per-release models: $10–$50 per release + ongoing commission
But the advertised price rarely tells the whole story. Let's dig into what each model actually costs.
The Three Pricing Models Explained
1. Subscription Model (Annual/Monthly Fee)
You pay a flat fee for unlimited releases. This is the most common model today.
Pros: Predictable costs, unlimited releases, usually keep 100% royalties
Cons: Some features cost extra, music may be removed if you cancel
Examples: DistroKid, TuneCore, ALERA, Ditto
2. Per-Release Model (Pay Per Upload)
You pay each time you release a single or album. Some also take a percentage of royalties.
Pros: Low upfront cost for occasional releases
Cons: Costs add up quickly for active artists, ongoing commission cuts into earnings
Examples: CD Baby, RouteNote (paid tier)
3. Commission Model (Revenue Share)
No upfront cost, but the distributor takes a percentage of your streaming royalties.
Pros: Zero upfront cost
Cons: You lose money forever on every stream, less transparent earnings
Examples: UnitedMasters (free tier), Amuse (free tier), CD Baby (9% commission)
2026 Pricing Comparison: Major Distributors
| Distributor | Base Price | Royalties | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALERA Plus | $9.99/month | 100% | Subscription |
| ALERA Pro | $24.99/month | 100% | Subscription |
| DistroKid | $22.99/year | 100%* | Subscription |
| TuneCore | $22.99–$49.99/year | 80–100%* | Subscription |
| CD Baby | $9.95/single, $29+/album | 91% | Per-release + Commission |
| Ditto | $19/year | 100% | Subscription |
*See hidden fees section below for the full picture
Hidden Fees That Add Up
The base price is just the beginning. Here are the extras that can significantly increase your costs:
YouTube Content ID
Lets you earn money when your music is used in YouTube videos.
- DistroKid: $4.95/year per song
- CD Baby: Included in Pro ($69+/album)
- TuneCore: Included, but they take 20% of social platform royalties
- ALERA: Included in Plus and Pro plans
If you release 12 songs a year, DistroKid's Content ID adds $59.40/year.
Royalty Splits for Collaborators
If you work with producers or co-writers, you need to split earnings.
- DistroKid: Extra fee (Teams feature required)
- TuneCore: Extra fee
- ALERA: Included in all paid plans
- CD Baby: Not available (manual payments required)
Keeping Music Live After Cancellation
What happens to your catalog if you stop paying?
- DistroKid: Music removed unless you pay "Leave a Legacy" ($29+ per song)
- TuneCore: Music removed after subscription ends
- ALERA: Music stays live even if you downgrade
- CD Baby: Music stays live (you already paid per release)
If you have a catalog of 50 songs and want to leave DistroKid while keeping music live, the Leave a Legacy fee alone could cost $1,450+. Factor this into your long-term costs.
Social Media Royalty Commissions
Some distributors take a cut of royalties from TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube specifically:
- TuneCore: Takes 20% of social platform royalties
- ALERA: 100% royalties on all platforms
- DistroKid: 100% royalties
With TikTok becoming a major revenue source, that 20% adds up quickly.
Real Cost Scenarios
Let's calculate actual annual costs for different artist types:
Scenario 1: Casual Artist (4 singles/year)
| Distributor | Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ALERA Plus | $119.88 | All features included |
| DistroKid | $42.79 | Base + Content ID for 4 songs |
| CD Baby | $39.80 + 9% forever | Per-release fees + ongoing commission |
Scenario 2: Active Artist (12 singles + 1 album/year, with collaborators)
| Distributor | Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ALERA Pro | $299.88 | Everything included: splits, Content ID, merch, CRM |
| DistroKid | $150+ | Base + Teams + Content ID for all songs |
| CD Baby | $169+ + 9% forever | 12 singles + album + Pro upgrade |
Scenario 3: What You'd Pay Separately
If you use basic distribution and add the tools ALERA includes:
- Distribution (DistroKid): $22.99/year
- Link-in-bio (Linktree Pro): $60/year
- Email marketing (Mailchimp): $156/year
- Merch store (Shopify): $348/year
- Total: $587/year vs. ALERA Pro: $299.88/year
Is Free Distribution Worth It?
Free distribution exists, but comes with trade-offs:
Free Tier Limitations
- Slower release times: 2–4 weeks vs. days
- Revenue share: Give up 15–30% of royalties
- Limited stores: May not include all platforms
- No support priority: Issues take longer to resolve
- Missing features: No Content ID, splits, or analytics
Best free options:
- ALERA Free: Smart Bio + Fan CRM (upgrade when ready to distribute)
- Amuse: Free distribution with revenue share
- RouteNote: Free tier with 15% commission
"Free distribution can work for testing the waters, but serious artists should budget for a paid plan. The features and support are worth it when your music starts gaining traction."
How to Choose Based on Your Needs
Choose a per-release model (CD Baby) if:
- You release very rarely (1–2 songs per year)
- You don't mind ongoing commission
- You want music to stay up without annual fees
Choose a budget subscription (DistroKid, Ditto) if:
- You want the lowest possible annual cost
- You don't need advanced features
- You're okay with paying extra for add-ons
Choose an all-in-one platform (ALERA) if:
- You want everything in one place
- You collaborate and need royalty splits included
- You want Smart Bio, Fan CRM, and merch without extra subscriptions
- You prefer keeping 100% royalties on ALL platforms
The Bottom Line
Music distribution costs between $0–$300/year for most independent artists. The "cheapest" option isn't always the best value when you factor in:
- Hidden fees for essential features
- Commission on royalties (especially social platforms)
- Cost of separate tools you'd need otherwise
- Long-term costs if you ever want to leave
Do the math for your specific situation. If you release frequently, collaborate with others, and want more than basic distribution, an all-in-one platform often provides better value than piecing together separate services.