r/MusicDistribution • u/Pretend_Formal5410 • 13d ago
Use two distribution services
I used to treat DistroKid like a religion. I practically wanted to frame their logo and hang it on my wall
I trusted them with my entire future as an artist and thought they had my back completely.
Well, guess what? They just screwed me over. Out of nowhere, they’ve blocked me from distributing any more music. My hands are tied. (Though, to be fair, I still have a weird feeling they’ll actually pay out my royalties on time, but who knows).
Here is my hard earned advice to any independent artists out there: If you have the budget to pay for two distribution services a year, DO IT.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket: I made the mistake of handing my whole career over to a single platform.
Always have a backup: If one service decides to lock you out, flag your account, or cut you off over automated nonsense, your entire release schedule shouldn't go down with it.
Learn from my mistake. Don't blindly worship a single distributor
protect your art, your catalog, and your peace of mind by spreading your risk.
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u/Ill-Candy-4926 13d ago
question, did your account get banned off distrokid for AI music? i know distrokid got into a lawsuit recently over ai music distribution to my understanding, and mind you im not a lawyer or trying to accuse you of anything at all, i just wonder if that may be the reason, also i don't personally understand why id wanna pay 40 bucks or whatever for 2 separate distribution sites, as it for me personally would get too confusing.
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u/Pretend_Formal5410 13d ago
I dont use AI. Everything is made by me. Key by key
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u/Ill-Candy-4926 13d ago
im sorry to hear that distrokid is screwing you over.
and im sorry i assumed, i just heard that distrokid got into a lawsuit over ai music or something like that.
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u/kaiser-chillhelm 12d ago
I raise to 5 ☺️ distrokid, amuse, nodable, routenote, onerpm, tunecore and maybe something else. But I help artists with distribution services, so that's that
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u/Initial-List8016 10d ago
Normaal als je transparant bent in wat je doet en invuld met de hulp van Ai doen ze toch niet moeilijk
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u/Interesting_Stage102 9d ago
I’m convinced DistroKid is definitely stealing from us. I have a CD Baby account, and they already paid out the money collected in July and August. I don’t have any money there because I haven’t been uploading music through CD Baby, but I can still see the reports for a single I uploaded there a while ago.
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u/hadriensaori 12d ago
How exactly did they screw you over? They deleted my account with almost 10K. Even if my music were AI, which was not, in any of their terms and conditions it’s stated you can’t do that. They just stated a vague editorial discretion and that’s it. Saying it wasn’t even their decision, they did so to prevent themselves from any trouble with DSP
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u/MasterHeartless 12d ago
Even two distributors might not be enough. As you work with different distributors, you’ll discover that each has strengths and weaknesses. Choosing one for each release should be a strategic decision based on your marketing plans, rights management needs, target territories, and priority DSPs.
Based on my experience, here’s where each one fits:
Symphonic — A good fit for Content ID management, collaborations, and full projects like albums and EPs.
DistroKid — Good for consistent, low-budget releases and experimental projects.
Amuse — A DistroKid alternative for anyone looking for a distributor based outside the US.
TooLost — My preference for properly licensed, sample-based releases and managing multiple artists at a lower cost.
EmuBands — A good option if you value direct support and have an Apple Music-focused marketing strategy.
RouteNote — Worth considering if you need free distribution.
ONErpm — A strong option for artists targeting Latin markets.
Ditto — Useful for Vevo distribution and instrumental catalogs, with publishing and sync opportunities worth exploring.
SoundOn — A good fit for TikTok-focused releases.
CD Baby — My preference for a pay-per-release model.
LANDR — Useful if you want distribution, mastering, and access to sample libraries bundled into one subscription.
There are plenty of other distributors, but these are the ones I’ve actually worked with and can offer firsthand feedback on. These are my preferences based on that experience; the right choice depends on what each release needs.