Distribution9 min readChecked 18 September 2026

Choosing a distributor

Yearly fee, one-off fee, or free with a cut. The differences that matter, and the add-ons that quietly cost more than the plan.

A distributor is the only way onto Spotify, Apple Music and the rest. They also collect the streaming royalties for your recording and pass them on. They do not collect your songwriting royalties: that's APRA AMCOS.

Three pricing shapes

Yearly subscription (DistroKid, TuneCore, Amuse, Ditto): unlimited releases while you keep paying, usually 0% commission.
One-off fee per release (CD Baby, G.Y.R.O. Legacy): pay once, the release stays up, they keep a percentage forever.
Free with a cut (RouteNote): nothing up front, they keep a share of revenue.

The question that decides it

What happens if you stop paying? On a subscription, your catalogue comes down, links die and playlist placements go with them. If there's a real chance your next release is 18 months away, a one-off fee is worth the higher price. If you release regularly, a subscription is far cheaper per release.

For UK garage, house and anything DJ-facing, check Beatport and Traxsource access before anything else. It rules several distributors out immediately, and it's the detail people discover after they've paid.

The rest of this guide is inside droplr

Free accounts included. No card, and the knowledge board is open on every plan.

Current prices and commissions side by side
What happens to your music if you stop paying
The add-ons that cost more than the plan: Content ID, Beatport, social monetisation
Picks for a first single, a regular releaser, and a small label
Beatport and Traxsource access for DJ music

Read the full guide

Already have an account? Log in

Where this comes from

Facts checked 18 September 2026. General information for independent artists, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, prices and deadlines change: check the official pages linked at the end, and get advice for your own situation.