Distribution
A distributor delivers your track to Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, YouTube Music and the rest, and collects your streaming royalties. The big choice is the pricing model: a flat annual fee (DistroKid, Amuse) where you keep ~100% of royalties, versus a per-release or revenue-share model (CD Baby, UnitedMasters). For AI music specifically, check each distributor's and DSP's AI policy — some restrict or require disclosure of fully AI-generated tracks.
The steps
- 1Pick a model: flat annual fee (keep all royalties) vs per-release/revenue-share.
- 2Confirm the distributor accepts AI-generated music and how it must be disclosed.
- 3Upload your 24-bit WAV + 3000×3000 art + metadata; set a release date 2–4 weeks out.
- 4Grab your ISRC/UPC codes (the distributor issues them) — you'll need them for rights.
- 5Submit at least 2–4 weeks early so you can pitch playlists before release.
AI policies vary a lot: DistroKid accepts AI music if you own 100% of the rights, while TuneCore blocks fully-AI tracks (AI-assisted human work may be OK) and CD Baby reviews AI more strictly — check the current policy before you upload.
Identical mechanics; indie originals face fewer AI-policy questions.
Everyone needs a distributor, ISRC/UPC, correct metadata, and a 2–4 week lead time.
Tools compared
| Feature | DistroKid | TuneCore | CD Baby | Amuse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Annual sub | Per-release / unlimited | One-time per single | Free + annual |
| Entry price | ~$25/yr | $9.99/yr (single) | $9.95/single | Free / $23.99/yr |
| Keep royalties | 100% | 100% | ~91% (keeps 9%) | 100% |
| Accepts AI music | If you own 100% | Blocks fully-AI | Stricter review | Check policy |
| Best for | 4+ singles/yr | Few releases / unlimited | Infrequent releases | Budget / free start |
Verified June 2026. Pricing & features change — check each vendor's own page for the latest. "—" = not a standard feature to our knowledge.
Some links to third-party tools are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our honest, dated picks.
Sources: Distribution comparison 2026 (Ari's Take) · Best music distributor 2026 (Chartlex)
For most releasing artists a flat-fee distributor like DistroKid (keep ~100% of royalties) wins — but AI artists must check policies: TuneCore blocks fully-AI tracks, DistroKid allows them if you own the rights.