Choosing the right distribution company in the ever-evolving music industry can significantly impact your success as an artist. Whether you’re an emerging musician or an established artist looking to reach a broader audience, understanding the top players in music distribution is essential. Here, we explore the 20 best music distribution companies, their locations, business models, and what sets them apart.
1. TuneCore
Location: New York, USA Business Model: B2C TuneCore offers a straightforward, artist-friendly distribution model. Musicians keep 100% of their sales revenue after a flat fee.
2. CD Baby
Location: Portland, USA Business Model: B2C CD Baby distributes to all major platforms and offers additional services like marketing, sync licensing, and physical distribution.
3. DistroKid
Location: New York, USA Business Model: B2C DistroKid’s appeal lies in its simple, affordable annual subscription, allowing artists to upload unlimited songs while retaining all earnings.
4. AWAL (Artists Without A Label)
Location: London, UK Business Model: B2C AWAL offers distribution, marketing, and promotional services, targeting both independent and signed artists.
5. Ditto Music
Location: Liverpool, UK Business Model: B2C Ditto Music provides distribution, social media tools, and a record label in a box service for independent artists and labels.
6. UnitedMasters
Location: New York, USA Business Model: B2C UnitedMasters combines music distribution with brand partnerships, giving artists access to unique promotional opportunities.
7. Symphonic Distribution
Location: Tampa, USA Business Model: B2C Symphonic Distribution offers a wide range of services, including digital distribution, monetization, marketing, and royalty collection.
8. Poise Music
Location: Wyoming, US Business Model: B2C Poise Music offers distribution, publishing, and label services, targeting both emerging and established artists.
9. Amuse
Location: Stockholm, Sweden Business Model: B2C Amuse offers free distribution and also provides an opportunity for artists to get signed to their label based on performance.
10. ReverbNation
Location: North Carolina, USA Business Model: B2C ReverbNation combines music distribution with a powerful promotional platform, artist tools, and fan engagement features.
11. LANDR
Location: Montreal, Canada Business Model: B2C LANDR is known for its AI-driven mastering services, but it also provides music distribution to major platforms.
12. Record Union
Location: Stockholm, Sweden Business Model: B2C Record Union focuses on empowering independent artists with straightforward distribution services and artist-friendly terms.
13. The Orchard
Location: New York, USA Business Model: B2B The Orchard is a subsidiary of Sony Music, providing comprehensive digital and physical distribution services to labels and artists.
14. Believe Digital
Location: Paris, France Business Model: B2B Believe Digital offers distribution, marketing, and promotional services to artists and labels, with a strong presence in Europe.
15. Ingrooves
Location: Los Angeles, USA Business Model: B2B Ingrooves provides distribution, marketing, and analytics services to independent labels and artists.
16. FUGA
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands Business Model: B2B FUGA offers digital distribution, royalty management, and marketing services, focusing on independent labels and rights holders.
17. OneRPM
Location: New York, USA Business Model: B2C OneRPM provides digital distribution, marketing, and fan engagement tools, targeting both independent artists and labels.
18. Redeye Worldwide
Location: North Carolina, USA Business Model: B2B Redeye Worldwide offers global distribution, label services, and marketing support to independent labels and artists.
19. Vydia
Location: New Jersey, USA Business Model: B2B and B2C Vydia combines distribution with video monetization and rights management, catering to both artists and labels.
20. Spinnup
Location: Stockholm, Sweden Business Model: B2C Owned by Universal Music, Spinnup allows independent artists to distribute their music globally and potentially get signed by Universal.
Choosing the Right Distributor
When selecting a music distribution company, consider your specific needs as an artist or label. Look for companies that offer the best terms, additional services that align with your goals, and a business model that fits your strategy. Each of these top 20 companies brings unique strengths to the table, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every artist looking to share their music with the world.
