If you want to get your music heard by the masses, or better yet, to sell your music to the masses, you’ll need to get your music up to all the Digital Streaming Platforms (DPS) such as Spotify, Beatport, Apple Music, and more. Distributors are the middlemen in this process and can be an invaluable tool for spreading your music online.
With more and more artists going indie than ever and more boutique record labels popping up to support the artist, a rising demand for different distribution platforms has arisen. With so many options, it can be hard to know if you are making the right choice for your artist project or record label.
So we researched, asked the tough questions, and compiled the ultimate list of what we deem the best distributors in the game. Not only did we list our favorite ones, but we figured out what each one’s X-Factor is for indie artists and labels and made a confident recommendation as to which ones are the best depending on your stage in your career or the size and scale of your label.
Manual Distribution
Manual Distribution is a boutique digital distribution wing of the larger company Manual Music. Based out of the Netherlands and founded by industry veteran Paul Hazendonk, Manual Distribution started of necessity in 2009 for the budding music group to have its platform to get their music onto popular music streaming platforms and digital marketplaces.
More labels and artists soon joined their family, and over the past decade and a half, they have grown their roster of clients to number in the hundreds (including both labels and artists).
What It Takes To Use Manual Music
The barrier of entry to join Manual and utilize their services is one of the better ones in the industry. It requires only a flat fee upfront while allowing you to keep 100% of the royalties of the release in perpetuity.
While a larger company, they still consider themselves a boutique and offer many benefits. This is a fancy way of saying that while their usual deals are a simple one-time free and allow you to keep all your royalties, they are flexible enough to customize each deal depending on each client’s needs, wants, and profile.
This quality is an easy segway into our next topic of discussion…
What Makes Manual Music Unique?
No matter how much Manual Distribution scales, their emphasis remains on small teams and tight-knit relationships between them and their clients. They work up close and personal, are involved in every step of the process, and offer industry advice and insights whenever artists and labels ask.
Manual’s team is comprised mainly of label owners and artists themselves; they know firsthand what it takes to keep the well-being of their clients at the forefront of everything they do.
“Having extensive experience in running labels ourselves, we’ve always felt that having to pay a big chunk of your income to your distributor is unfair. Therefore, we believe that our clients should pay us for what we do, and the way we go about that is always in consultation with our clients.” – Paul Hazendonk, founder and owner at Manual Distribution
Who Is Manual Music Best For?
While Manual’s roster of clients includes everything from independent artists to big-time labels, they see most often that labels get the most benefit and value from what they offer. This is doubly true for labels in the progressive house, techno, and other more underground genres of dance music.
Not only because of the simple nature that platforms like Beatport only work with labels (Paul hints here that they’ve worked with artists to find workarounds on this), but running multiple successful labels has given them frontline expertise on what it takes to run a label successfully.
But that’s not even all of it…
Manual Distribution services don’t start and stop with getting your music onto popular DSPs. They offer full, A-Z label management and more high-level label operations services at a discounted fee for anyone already in their network.
ampsuite
ampsuite is a unique distribution platform and industry resource that allows you to manage all your releases and distributions in one central place, acting more as a comprehensive tool for your digital music business than anything else.
Their suite of tools offers flexible solutions to all the worst parts of dealing with the backend of releasing music in the modern age. Their suite of tools handles more than just distribution, allowing artists and labels to handle contracting, accounting, promo, and more from anywhere in the world.
What It Takes To Use ampsuite
ampsuite takes zero fees upfront and only retains a percentage of the royalties of the release when used as part of a distribution package with them. At the cost of this percentage, you gain access to their entire bank of tools and industry resources at no additional cost.
ampsuite prides itself on its flexibility, offering several different packages that allow you to lease its powerful backend software for you to use to deliver your release into the stores under your deals & then incorporate import templates for each DSP to enable royalty processing of their reports within ampsuite. These packages come with set up & monthly fees attached, based on the individual requirements of the artist or label’s profile.
Additional hybrid options are also available on a case-by-case basis depending on the client’s needs and want and are all based on the level of royalty processing & track deliveries required.
What Makes ampsuite Unique?
ampsuite’s X-Factor is their complete and comprehensive suite of tools that they offer artists and labels, which can help streamline the entire release process from start to finish. The total integration of their tools – which takes a release from the initial contracting stage through to release, promotion, marketing, and even the royalty accounting and analysis – could be done on your own, but would lead to a mass amount of headache and require skillsets many artists and label owners don’t naturally possess.
This provides their clients with a highly efficient tool, reducing data duplication when using multiple systems & of course, a cost-saving tool!
The fact that ampsuite is a subsidiary of The Beatport Group is also a factor that shouldn’t be overlooked. If you are releasing music in the electronic music world, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more integrated network of platforms and resources to release your music.
Who Is ampsuite Best For?
The resources and networks that ampsuite brings make them a fantastic platform for labels and artists looking to fill in the holes of their industry expertise and need help managing some of the more tedious aspects of releasing music. Many label owners and artists start their endeavors with an emphasis on the music, as they should, but get overwhelmed by the nuances of the backend side of the business.
ampsuite is the Swiss-Army-Knife solution for those grappling with the essential aspects of distribution and can be an invaluable resource to help streamline your releases and let you get back to focusing on what’s most important: the music.
If Drumcode can credit ampsuite as an essential piece to the puzzle of running the most esteemed Techno labels in the industry, then they must be doing something right.
Ditto Music
Ditto Music is a Liverpool-based distribution company that has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. Ditto offers a suite of powerful tools that allows you to maximize the effectiveness of your releases and see the success of those releases faster than ever.
With innovative tools that allow you to fast-track your releases, collect royalties ASAP, and additional promotional tools to help your music land on charts and playlists, Ditto brings many quality-of-life features to the table that make it an easy recommendation on this list.
What It Takes To Use Ditto Music
Ditto offers a low barrier of entry for artists and labels to use their services. A single artist can join their ecosystem for as little as just $19/year and instantly be able to release an unlimited amount of music while keeping all of the royalties.
Furthermore, their most basic plan still allows you to access all of the app’s most powerful tools and features, including automatic split royalty payments, access to listener data & demographics, and significant label promo tools.
What Makes Ditto Music Unique?
Apart from being one of the most affordable distributors in the game, Ditto’s secret sauce is the amount of knowledge and education they give back to the community and their subscribers. Their blog and YouTube channel are constantly updated with new and innovative content that can help you get the most out of their platform and your label and artist project.
They also run an annual music conference and networking event in London named “Ditto X: Meet the Music Industry,” aimed at educating upcoming artists and music students. 1500 people attended in 2022, and they’re launching their first event in New York this year in 2023.
Who Is Ditto Music Best For?
Ditto is a great one-stop shop for artists looking to crack the code of the music industry. Ditto has worked with some of the biggest stars in the game right now throughout varying stages of those artists’ careers. Ed Sheeran, Chance the Rapper, Stormzy, Sam Smith, Dave, Royal Blood, AJ Tracey, and more have all relied on Ditto’s resources.
Ed Sheeran released music on Ditto as little as just a few months ago! So it’s not just a passing platform; it’s designed to help you from your nascent stages to when you inevitably hit stadium status.
Proton
Proton SoundSystem is an all-inclusive promotion and distribution system that functions more as an online ecosystem for your digital music business than a conventional distribution platform. Acting as more than just the middleman between the music and DSPs, Proton has a wealth of platforms, such as radio and promo, that help create and enact a plan for the growth of your project.
But that’s not all…
Proton emphasizes its ingenuity above all things and constantly pushes the boundaries to help streamline the tedium of distribution and label management. We’ll discuss these in detail momentarily, but for now, know that these endeavors go beyond simply getting your music heard and gaining exposure – they help you get paid too.
What It Takes To Use Proton
Proton is another platform requiring zero out-of-pocket money to start using. They take 30% of the royalties generated from the release in exchange for an upfront fee. And while that might seem like a hefty chunk of revenue, especially once you consider the remaining 70% must then be split between the artist and label, having access to the suite of powerful tools and services the platform has helps recoup that investment.
What Makes Proton Unique?
While the list of unique and innovative features offered by Proton is quite extensive and can be viewed on their FAQ page, what stands out as the most unique and X-Factor-deserving of Proton is their ability to maximize potential earnings from a release. Once a piece of music is released, it is all too easy for its myriad potential revenue streams to start slipping through the cracks. This is especially true for older releases that fall to the back of the catalog.
Proton says that, on average, labels switching to their platform from other distributors have significantly increased their Beatport payout. And while money isn’t always the priority for many labels, keeping the lights on and having more money to reinvest in your artists is never bad.
Another thing to note about Proton’s streamlined process is its entire backend and accounting process is automated, including contracting, statements, payments, and expenses.
Who Is Proton Best For?
The variety of tools and services that Proton brings to the table allows both artists and labels to use the platform in creative ways, meaning it’s hard to pigeonhole them as being best for “only artists” or “only labels.”
That being said, the best use case of any platform is to see how other top-industry names are maximizing the potential of their resources. After digging, it’s clear that many actively touring DJs who have then gone on to start their labels are relying on Proton’s resources and workflow to help juggle the chaos of touring and label management simultaneously.
Miss Monique & Siona Records, Sabo & Sol Selectas, Nick Warren & The Soundgarden, and Mikey Lion & Desert Hearts use Proton to put this idea into perspective.
Symphonic
Symphonic Distribution is a digital music distribution and marketing company that helps independent artists and record labels distribute their music globally across major music streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and more. They provide various services, including music distribution, marketing, and analytics, to help artists and labels achieve their goals.
Symphonic Distribution’s focus on providing personalized services and support to independent artists and record labels makes it unique. They have a dedicated team of music industry experts who work closely with their clients to help them achieve their goals and grow their music careers. They also offer a transparent pricing model with no hidden fees, and their clients retain full ownership of their music and rights.
Additionally, Symphonic Distribution is firmly committed to social responsibility and has implemented initiatives to support underrepresented artists and promote diversity and inclusion in the music industry.
What It Takes To Use Symphonic
Symphonic Distribution provides two plans for independent artists and record labels to use their platform.
The Partner plan offers advanced marketing services, a dedicated client manager, and additional marketing tools. With the Partner plan, clients gain access to a dedicated marketing team, a client manager who works closely to provide personalized support, and a range of additional marketing tools designed to boost their visibility on major streaming platforms. This plan is only available on an approval basis and involves a 15% cut from the royalties earned by the clients.
The Symphonic Starter plan costs $19.99 USD annually and provides access to the company’s technology and customer service. While this plan doesn’t offer access to the advanced marketing and support services included in the Partner plan, it still provides excellent value for independent artists and record labels just starting in the industry and looking for an affordable way to distribute their music.
What Makes Symphonic Unique?
The company has built a strong reputation for providing exceptional customer service, with an average email response time of just 5 hours. This dedication to customer support has helped the company foster strong relationships with its clients and has contributed to its overall success.
In addition to its customer service, Symphonic boasts cutting-edge technology that helps artists, managers, and labels make better business decisions. The company is the only distributor in the industry offering TikTok Analytics and a suite of other powerful tools that provide valuable insights into how artists’ music performs on major streaming platforms. These tools enable artists and labels to understand their audience better and make data-driven decisions to optimize their music careers.
Finally, Symphonic Distribution’s talented Client Marketing team has helped secure playlist placements for clients across various genres. This team works closely with clients to create targeted marketing campaigns and secure placement on major playlists, helping them to grow their fanbase and increase their streaming revenue.
Who Is Symphonic Best For?
Symphonic’s resources make it a fantastic option for labels and artists alike. Still, having dug deeper into their services, I would recommend them as one of the better choices for artists looking to release music independently and those looking to retain complete control over their artistic IP.
Having somebody in your corner in the music industry is invaluable, and for those artists without labels or many industry connections, Symphonic’s resources and team are an ideal substitute. Their small fees allow you to get a ton of mileage out of your money as they do what they can to get you a seat in the broader music industry.
Revelator
Revelator is a leading digital asset management and distribution platform offering tools for independent artists and record labels. With a focus on helping artists succeed in the music industry, Revelator provides various services, including content management, distribution, marketing, and data analytics. The platform is designed to provide a one-stop solution for managing and monetizing digital music assets, allowing artists and labels to focus on creating great music and growing their fanbase.
Revelator’s advanced technology and innovative approach to music distribution make it a top choice for record labels looking to succeed in the digital music industry, making them a valuable partner for artists and labels looking to take their music to the next level.
What It Takes To Use Revelator
Revelator is a leading digital asset management and distribution platform that offers flexible pricing plans based on the size of the customer’s catalog and their monthly generated revenues. Starting at $249/month, Revelator’s monthly subscription plans allow customers to use their direct deals or utilize Revelator’s deals for distribution. If a customer chooses to distribute using a Revelator deal, the platform charges an additional 5% distribution fee.
New customers are charged a one-time onboarding fee, after which they can upgrade any plan to a white label for an additional $250/month. This white-label option allows customers to use their branding on the platform and provide a seamless experience for their clients. With a focus on flexibility and value, Revelator’s pricing plans make it an excellent choice for independent artists and record labels looking to distribute and manage their music assets effectively.
What Makes Revelator Unique?
The platform’s user-friendly design streamlines operational processes, allowing customers to focus on creating and promoting music rather than on tedious administrative tasks.
Revelator Pro’s advanced technology provides various powerful tools that enable music businesses to manage and monetize their assets effectively. With features such as efficient catalog management, automated royalty accounting, and detailed analytics, Revelator Pro empowers customers to make informed business decisions and optimize their music careers.
By freeing customers from the burdens of day-to-day operations, Revelator Pro enables them to focus on what matters most – the music.
Who Is Revelator Best For?
Revelator makes it no secret that they are designed explicitly for record labels, as they do not offer self-distribution services for individuals.
Their services and resources are designed to enable labels and music companies to maximize their profits, collect all potential revenue, and gain maximum growth from every release.
CD Baby
CD Baby makes it easy for independent artists to get started with their music distribution services. For just $9.99 up-front, artists can release a single or album with no annual fees. This cost includes a free UPC barcode, digital distribution to over 150 DSPs, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, free pre-saves, and access to other major label marketing tools.
CD Baby retains 9% of what artists earn through digital distribution, such as streams, downloads, and TikTok, and 30% of YouTube or Facebook/IG synchronization revenue. The platform’s no annual fee policy means that artists do not need to worry about their music being removed from services.
Additionally, CD Baby’s Stages program is free for qualified artists. With a focus on value and flexibility, CD Baby is an excellent choice for independent artists looking to distribute and monetize their music effectively.
What Makes CD Baby Unique?
CD Baby is dedicated to providing exceptional support and resources to independent artists. The platform offers two key advantages that set it apart from other distributors: timely payouts and a team that understands the needs of musicians. CD Baby issues payments to artists weekly as long as they meet their selected paypoint and provides transparent accounting of their royalties.
Moreover, many CD Baby employees are also musicians so they can empathize with artists’ challenges. Customers can contact CD Baby’s support team through live chat or email or access a wealth of educational resources, including a help center, blog posts, live events, and the DIY Musician podcast.
With its Stages program, CD Baby goes beyond just distribution, offering a career development platform that evolves with artists as they progress from emerging to rising to established stages. The program provides tailored support and unlocks new opportunities as artists advance. By combining exceptional service, resources, and career development, CD Baby is an ideal choice for independent artists looking to grow their fan base and monetize their music.
Who Is CD Baby Best For?
CD Baby is a great resource for newer artists looking to distribute their music and gain initial traction in the music industry. They have many upfront costs, allowing you to keep your music online forever, even once you’ve moved to a different company, and tons of fantastic resources that can help leverage your career to the next step.
And while retaining 9% of digital distribution royalties and 30% of YouTube and Facebook sync certainly seems like a lot, at the early stages of your career, it’s a small price to pay for the resources and experiences they provide.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
