Music Distribution
Music Distribution: Choosing a Distributor Wisely
Distributors get your music onto streaming platforms. The fee model and the fine print matter more than the logo.
What a distributor does
Distributors deliver your releases to Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok and other stores, then pass along your master earnings. They do not collect songwriting royalties.
Fee models
Some charge a yearly fee and keep 0% of earnings; others take a percentage per release. Label-services distributors may offer advances and marketing but often require longer terms.
What to check
Confirm you keep 100% ownership of your masters, how to exit, whether your releases come down if you stop paying, and how splits with collaborators are paid.
Key Takeaways
- Distributors pay master income only
- Compare flat-fee vs. commission
- Read the exit and takedown terms
For More Insight
Go deeper with CHI books
40 Crucial Things Every New Music Artist Should Know
The essentials every new artist needs before they start — rights, teams, deals and mindset.
Sources
CHI Entertainment Network provides general educational information and does not provide legal, tax, financial or professional advice.