The Complete Digital Distribution Guide for Independent Artists
Everything you need to know to release music successfully in 2026
Introduction
I went into work at a distributor called AWAL in 2011 and walked out of a kick-ass indie label, part of Sony, 14 years later. I cut my teeth in Digital distribution and I still have love for my roots. Without distro, your tracks stay on your hard drive. With it, you’re on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and everywhere else listeners actually consume music going into 2026.
But here’s the thing: distribution is simultaneously essential and confusing as hell. The market is crowded with options, each claiming to be the best. Pricing models vary wildly. Technical requirements aren’t always clear and with support being beyond patchy - when things go south, they take far too long to get resolved. And the stakes feel high because you’re putting your creative work out into the world.
This guide cuts through the noise. I’ve spent 14+ years working with thousands of independent artists at AWAL, helping them navigate releases from bedroom demos to chart-topping records. I’ve seen every mistake, answered every panicked email, and watched artists lose streams (and money) because they didn’t understand the fundamentals.
What follows is everything you actually need to know to distribute your music successfully. No fluff, no affiliate links pushing you toward specific services, just straight answers to the questions that matter. We’ll cover the basics, help you choose the right distributor, explain what things actually cost, walk through the technical requirements, and show you how to avoid the common pitfalls that trip up even experienced artists and managers.
Whether you’re releasing your first single or your tenth album, whether you’re doing this as a hobby or building a career, this is your reference guide for 2026 and beyond. Distribution is the foundation - get it right, and you can focus on what actually matters: making great music and building a community.
Let’s get started.
Basics & Getting Started
Understanding the fundamentals before you commit to anything.
What is digital distribution and why do I need it?
Digital distribution is the service that delivers your music to streaming platforms and download stores like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. You need it because these platforms don’t accept uploads directly from artists - they only work with approved distributors.
What’s the difference between a distributor and a label?
A distributor simply delivers your music to platforms and collects royalties, while a label typically invests in your career, owns rights to your music, and provides additional services like marketing and A&R. Distributors usually don’t take ownership of your music or offer creative input.
Can I distribute music without owning the copyright?
No, you need to own or control the rights to both the composition (song) and the recording (master) to legally distribute music. Distributing music you don’t own the rights to can result in takedowns and legal action.
Do distributors own my music once I upload it?
No, legitimate distributors don’t take ownership of your music - they simply act as a delivery service. Always read the terms carefully, but most distributors allow you to retain 100% of your rights.
Do I need to register anywhere before I can distribute my music?
No. You should register your music with PROs but it’s not a blocker to distributing music just an additional revenue stream you can tap.
Can I use multiple distributors at the same time?
You can use different distributors for different releases, but you cannot distribute the same release through multiple distributors simultaneously in the same territories - this creates duplicate listings and violates platform policies.
Can I distribute music I made with AI-generated vocals?
This is a rapidly evolving grey area - some distributors accept it while others don’t, and platforms like Spotify are still developing their policies. If you’re using AI to clone a real person’s voice without permission, that’s definitely not cool. If it’s original content not modelling someone else it’s risky to let on that it’s AI generated - could get rejected.
Choosing a Distributor
Making the right choice for your needs and budget.
Which distributor is best for beginners?
DistroKid and Ditto are popular beginner choices due to their simple interfaces and low annual fees. Symphonic and Too Lost are flavour of the month, but for the moment my vote is with Tunecore (Professional) - it’s $50 a year unlimited uploads with one day turn around for support queries.
What’s the difference between DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby?
The biggest dividing lines are these, the quality of support - they’re both around £20/yr for unlimited uploads but the support from Tunecore is much better/quicker at the standard tier and the pro tier is even quicker.
Should I use a free distributor or pay for one?
Free means “No-subscription distributors” and they all take a percentage of your royalties but they’re entirely “invite-only”. Don’t feel left out - the subscription model is cheaper if you’re seeing audience engagement anyway so use those.
Does it matter which distributor I use if I want to get on Spotify?
No, all major distributors deliver to Spotify and the technical outcome is identical. Your choice of distributor has zero impact on whether Spotify accepts your music or how it performs on the platform.
Do bigger distributors have better relationships with Spotify?
No, this is a myth - Spotify treats all properly delivered music the same regardless of which distributor sent it. That said - for things like playlist pitching or other marketing tools not all distro platforms are equal. Some block the Discovery Mode marketing tool at Spotify and others have better relationships with the editors and do pitch releases but this only available when you’re working closely with the Distro platform - it’s not part of the standard offering anyway.
Will using a certain distributor help me get more streams?
No, your distributor doesn’t influence your stream count - that’s determined by the quality of your music, your marketing efforts, and how listeners respond to your work. Anyone claiming a distributor will get you more streams is selling you snake oil.
What distributor does [insert popular artist] use?
This doesn’t matter and shouldn’t influence your decision - major artists often have custom deals or use services that aren’t available to most independent artists. Choose based on your needs, not celebrity endorsements.
Are there distributors that specialize in specific genres?
Some niche distributors focus on specific genres (like Amuse for pop/hip-hop or Distro Kid’s appeal to DIY artists), but most major distributors work across all genres. Genre specialization rarely provides meaningful advantages since all distributors deliver to the same platforms.
Which distributor pays the fastest?
Payment speed varies a little, but most distributors pay monthly, 45 days after they receive the funds.
Can I switch distributors without losing my streams?
Yes, just make sure you use the same ISRCs and metadata.
SIDEBAR: “ If you’re looking for 1-on-1 support for upcoming releases in 2026 then take some time with someone who has built out campaigns with hundreds of successful artists. The platform we’ve built The Team Around You means you can book in time with one of our fantastic experts. Like Conor, Phil (me) or Umong”
(Phil Loutsis, Founder of The Team Around You)
Costs & Pricing Models
Understanding what you’ll actually pay.
How much does it cost to distribute a single?
It’s included in the subscription model for the major distribution platforms - that means the ~£20/year will cover the single.
Is it cheaper to pay per release or get an annual subscription?
The annual subscription is almost always cheaper as you’re not likely to release just one track each year.
Do distributors take a percentage of my royalties?
For the most part no.
What are the hidden fees I should watch out for?
Make sure they’re including delivery to UGC services like IG, TikTok and Youtube CID included in the deal and if not (Distrokid doesn’t) check how much extra it is.This is a non-negotiable part of the delivery service.
Why do some distributors charge for UPC codes?
Most don’t charge - those that do are looking to boost their income.
Do I have to pay extra to distribute to TikTok or Instagram?
Most modern distributors include TikTok and Instagram in their standard package, but some distributors charge extra for social platform distribution - notably Distrokid. This should be included in any distributor you choose in 2026.
Is it worth paying more for “premium” distribution features?
Rarely - most “premium” features are marketing add-ons that you can do yourself for free or that don’t actually provide meaningful value. The core distribution service is what matters; don’t pay extra for playlist pitching services or promotional packages that promise results. The difference is the extra for delivery to UGC deliveries.
Do I get charged every time I want to update my release?
Most don’t charge.
If I stop paying my distributor, do my releases get taken down?
Yes, after the annual subscription elapses.
Can I get a refund if my release doesn’t go live?
No.
Upload & Delivery Timeline
Planning your release schedule properly.
What’s the minimum lead time I need before my release date?
Most distributors recommend 2-4 weeks minimum to ensure your music goes live on time and you can pitch to Spotify editorial playlists. You need at least 7 days before your release date to submit for playlist consideration.
How long does it take for my music to go live on Spotify?
Typically 3-5 business days once delivered, though it can be faster. This doesn’t include the time your distributor takes to process your release before sending it to platforms.
Why does it take longer to get on Apple Music than Spotify?
It doesn’t.
Do all platforms go live on the same day?
Yes, if you’ve given adequate lead time.
Can I release my music the same day I upload it?
No, streaming platforms need time to process and approve releases. Same-day distribution doesn’t exist for major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Can I schedule a release for a specific time (like midnight)?
For the most part - no. You can if you have a close relationship with the platform but not on the standard tiers.
How long does it take to get on TikTok after uploading?
TikTok distribution can take 1-4 weeks after your music is live on streaming platforms. It’s often slower than other platforms and less predictable. Obviously you can deliver it directly with your posts.
My release date passed but my song isn’t live yet - what do I do?
Contact your distributor immediately to find out what’s happened - it could be a metadata issue, a technical problem, or a platform delay. The sooner you address it, the quicker it can be resolved.
What happens if I miss my release date?
If you miss submitting by your planned date, you’ll need to choose a new release date that allows proper lead time. Missing your date means missing playlist consideration windows and potentially disappointing fans who were expecting new music.
Can I expedite the distribution process?
Not generally but if you’re in touch with a really good reason they might help but remember the delays in support queries will impact your ability to move quickly.
Metadata & Technical Requirements
Getting the technical details right first time.
What audio format should I upload in?
WAV files at 16-bit/44.1kHz are the standard, though most distributors also accept FLAC and high-resolution formats. Never upload MP3s - always use lossless formats. That means don’t take MP3 and turn it into a WAV and send that in as it will get compressed a second time after delivery to some stores and the recording will sound crap.
Do I need different artwork for each platform?
No, one square image (typically 3000x3000 pixels minimum) works across all platforms. Make sure it’s high-resolution, RGB color mode, and doesn’t include URLs, social handles, or streaming logos.
What’s an ISRC code and do I need one?
An ISRC is a unique identifier for each recording that tracks streams and helps you get paid properly. Most distributors generate these automatically, but if you’re moving distributors, you’ll want to reuse your existing ISRCs to maintain your play counts.
What’s the difference between primary and featured artist credits?
Primary artist is the main artist name shown on the release, while featured artists are credited with “feat.” or “ft.” in the track title. This affects how streams are counted and which artist profiles the release appears on.
Can I add multiple producers and writers to the credits?
Yes, most distributors allow you to add detailed credits for producers, writers, and other contributors. Proper crediting is important for royalty collection and professional recognition.
How important is choosing the right genre?
Very important - genre affects which playlists you’re eligible for and how algorithms recommend your music. Choose the most accurate primary genre even if your music crosses boundaries.
What’s the difference between release date and original release date?
Release date is when your music first went live on streaming platforms, while original release date is when the music was first made available anywhere (including physical releases or other platforms). Use original release date when re-releasing previously available music.
Can I upload explicit and clean versions of the same song?
Yes, you can upload both versions, and platforms will display them as separate tracks with appropriate explicit content warnings. Some listeners filter out explicit content, so offering both versions can maximize your reach.
Can I change my artist name after uploading?
Yes-ish, but it’s complicated and will split your artist profile on some platforms. Some distributors have a process for name changes and some refuse. This is because it’s not supported by all streaming platforms and without the ‘operations’ team at your distro, manually working with those platforms, the artist name won’t be consistent / up-to-date on all platforms.
What happens if you spell your artist name wrong?
You’ll need to submit a metadata correction through your distributor, which can take time to process and may temporarily create duplicate profiles. Always double-check spelling before submitting. You can hit some of the same challenges as discussed re ‘Artist Name Changes’ but you’ve got to do your best to fix it so try to get on it ASAP.
Artist Profiles & Branding
Building and maintaining your streaming presence.
Why are my releases showing up under different artist names?
Artist mapping issues, is where releases turn up on the wrong artist page and whether that means your track on someone else’s page or another artist to track on your page. It can be rectified at all of the distribution platforms. Gett in touch with them and they will tell you what’s needed. 9 times out of 10, you’ll need to clarify which is the right artist page for your release to be on or request that ‘a release be removed from your artist page’. Be ready to go and get the actual links from the platform in question to share with your distributor.
Can I have the same artist name as someone else?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended - it causes confusion and can lead to your releases appearing on someone else’s profile. If someone already has your desired name with significant presence, consider adding a differentiator. While this can be managed at an operational level I think the impact for you when building a community and marked in the release is the more important challenge and not one you should ignore.
How do I claim an artist profile that already exists?
Sign up for Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists, etc., and go through their verification process to prove you’re the artist. You’ll need to show you control releases under that artist name.
How do I get verified on Spotify?
Apply through Spotify for Artists once you have music on the platform. That means a few days after the delivery has happened but doesn’t require the release is live. Verification (the blue checkmark) is granted to artists who meet certain criteria, though Spotify doesn’t publicly share exact requirements.
How do I get my photo and bio on streaming platforms?
Claim your artist profiles on Spotify, Apple, Amazon etc., where you can add photos, bios, and social links. Each platform has its own artist dashboard where you control this information.
Can I customize my artist profile on Apple Music vs Spotify?
Yes, each platform has its own artist dashboard where you can customize your profile independently. What you change on Spotify doesn’t affect Apple Music and vice versa.
How do I link my social media to my streaming profiles?
Through some platform’s artist dashboard, you can add links to your Instagram, Facebook, X, and website. The more useful linking is done ad hoc from your social channels to your artist page on Spotify etc.
What’s an Artist URI and why do I need it?
An Artist URI is a unique identifier (like
) that definitively identifies your artist profile on a platform. You sometimes need it when working with distributors to ensure your releases attach to the correct profile but normally when resolving artist mapping issues.
How do I remove someone else’s music from my artist page?
Contact the platform’s support (through Spotify for Artists or Apple Music for Artists) and report that music has been incorrectly attributed to your profile. They’ll investigate and remove it if it’s indeed an error.
Playlisting & Promotion
Getting your music in front of listeners.
How do I pitch my song to Spotify editorial playlists?
Through Spotify for Artists, submit your upcoming release at least 7 days before the release date. You can only pitch one song per release, so choose wisely if you’re releasing an album. Outside fo that, some label partners & distributors give you support here and tools like Un:Hurd give you a chance to pitch too.
What’s the deadline for submitting to Spotify playlists?
You must submit at least 7 days before your release date in the Spotify ecosystem. Earlier is better - submitting 2-4 weeks in advance gives editors more time to review. You cannot pitch after your music goes live.
What should I write in my playlist pitch?
Be concise and genuine - describe the song’s vibe, genre, notable influences, and any story behind it that makes it compelling. Mention any momentum you already have like previous playlist adds or press coverage.
Can I pitch to playlists on Apple Music?
Apple Music doesn’t have a direct pitch tool like Spotify.
Does my distributor help with playlist pitching?
Some distributors offer pitching services as a paid add-on, but these rarely guarantee results and you can do the same thing yourself for free through Spotify for Artists. Be skeptical of any platform promising playlist placement.
Does releasing through certain distributors improve my playlist chances?
No, playlist editors don’t know or care which distributor you use. Your chances depend entirely on the quality of your music and how well you pitch it.
Can I see which playlists my song is on?
Yes, Spotify for Artists shows you all playlists featuring your music, including follower counts. Apple Music for Artists provides similar data. Your distributor should also shows this info but obviously some playlists only have a few followers so it will be limited.
If I get on a big playlist, do I keep those streams forever?
Yes, Well you won’t stay on the playlist forever any streams you do get will remain attached to that recording.
How long after release can I still pitch to editorial playlists?
You can only pitch before your release goes live - once it’s released, that window closes. This is why advance planning and early submission are crucial.
Can I pay my distributor for guaranteed playlist placement?
No legitimate playlist placement can be guaranteed.
Making Changes & Corrections
Fixing mistakes and updating releases.
Can I change my song after it’s already live?
You can update audio after you’ve delivered if it’s only a small change, like maybe, the mastering was a bit off or the volume was wrong or a glitch is pointed out. changing the audio substantially is not supported. You can update metadata (track title, artist name, artwork) through your distributor.
How do I fix a mistake in my song title or artist name?
Submit a metadata correction request through your distributor. Processing time varies (typically 5-10 business days), and some distributors charge a fee for corrections.
Will updating my release affect my stream count?
Metadata updates (title, artwork, etc.) won’t affect stream counts. ISRC codes are what tie streams to a recording, so never change those and your streams will remain if you redeliver content.
Can I add a feature credit after the song is already out?
Yes, you can update metadata to add featuring artists, though it takes time to process and may not be possible on all platforms immediately. Get it right the first time if possible.
Can I change my album artwork after release?
Yes, most distributors allow artwork updates, though some charge a fee and it takes time to process across all platforms. The new artwork will replace the old one everywhere.
Can I remove my music from specific platforms but keep it on others?
Yes, most distributors let you choose which platforms to distribute to, so you can remove from some while staying on others. This is useful if you want to go exclusive to one platform temporarily.
How do I update my release to include more stores?
Through your distributor dashboard, you can usually add additional platforms to an existing release. The music will then be delivered to those new stores with your existing streams intact on current platforms.
What happens to my streams if I take down and re-upload a song?
Stream count will remain as long as you’ve used the same ISRCs. it is worth noting though that if a releases offline for a while it will be grayed out from any playlist it was added to on Spotify and that might mean that the curator will delete it from that playlist full stop if however there was no gap between it being taken down and redelivered then the playlist curators and users would not have noticed the difference.
Can I move a single into an album after it’s been released?
Yes, It’s worth acknowledging you don’t move a single into an album. You will upload an album that includes the single. You can then take down the single if you want, but most people tend not to bother.
How do I report fraudulent streams on my release?
If you see activity that looks like artificial streaming or fake streams or bot streaming on your tracks then reporting it to your distributor can be a smart move. It doesn’t necessarily protect you from future challenges but it does indicate to the distributor that you take these things seriously and that you are looking to cooperate if one of these streaming platforms were to flag the issue with them. Also if you see you’ve been added to a fraudulent playlist on Spotify you can report it directly to Spotify using this tool.
Moving & Managing Releases
Switching distributors and managing your catalog.
Can I switch distributors without losing my streams?
Yes, if done correctly - the key is coordinating the takedown from your old distributor with the delivery from your new one, and ensuring you reuse the same ISRC and UPC codes. Timing is critical.
How do I transfer my music from one distributor to another?
Contact your new distributor first to understand their migration process, coordinate a takedown date with your old distributor only after all your catalog has been redelivered. Also, ensure all metadata and codes match exactly. Most distributors have step-by-step migration guides.
Will I lose my streams if I switch distributors?
Not if you do it properly - by reusing the same ISRC codes and coordinating the timing so there’s minimal or no gap in availability. Poor migrations absolutely can lose streams.
What’s the safest way to switch distributors without losing momentum?
Plan the migration weeks in advance, coordinate carefully with both distributors, do it during a quiet period (not around a release). Don’t rush it.
How do I make sure my artist profile doesn’t split during a move?
Most distributors give you the opportunities to select your artist from a drop-down menu during the upload process if you have delivered catalog historically full stop simply make sure you pick the right artist obviously.
Royalties & Payment
Understanding your earnings.
How much do I earn per stream on Spotify?
Spotify pays roughly £0.003-0.004 per stream on average, though this varies by country, subscription type, and your distributor’s deal. More useful to understanding things - 1M streams = ~$3000
Do I get paid for streams in all countries equally?
No, streams from premium subscribers in wealthy countries (US, UK, Norway) pay significantly more than free-tier streams or streams from countries with lower subscription prices. Geography makes a big difference in royalty rates.
When do I actually get paid by my distributor?
Most distributors pay monthly or quarterly, typically 45 days after the platforms pay them. So streams in January might not reach your account until March or April.
What’s the minimum threshold before I can withdraw earnings?
This fairies across the different distributors partly because bank supply fees to payments so paying out very small amounts can be pointless. once you’re creating consistent Revenue that becomes less relevant conversation and you will be receiving funds on a monthly basis from all of the main platforms.
Why is my payment less than what my stream count suggests?
Stream counts include all streams (free tier, premium, all countries), but royalties vary massively by stream type and location. Also, distributor fees, tax withholding, and currency conversion can reduce your payout. It is worth asking the question if things don’t look right. The first thing to check though is whether or not you have waited long enough to receive the funds.
Do I get paid for playlist adds even if people skip my song?
You only get paid for streams that last at least 30 seconds. Skips before 30 seconds don’t count as streams and generate no royalties.
How do YouTube royalties work compared to Spotify?
YouTube pays based on ad revenue share, which is generally less predictable and a lot lower per view than Spotify per stream generally. YouTube Music (subscription service) pays more like traditional streaming services.
Can I see exactly where my streams are coming from?
Most distributor dashboards show breakdowns by platform and country, while platform-specific tools like Spotify for Artists show more granular data including playlist sources, listener demographics, and discovery methods. Combine both for full visibility.
Why did my royalty payment decrease this month?
Royalty fluctuations happen due to changes in where your streams come from (more free-tier listeners, different countries), seasonal variations in how platforms calculate rates, or simply fewer streams than previous months. Month-to-month variation is normal.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, you now know more about digital distribution than 90% of artists releasing music today. That’s not an exaggeration - most people just click upload and hope for the best.
Here’s what you need to remember: distribution is foundational, but it’s not where you should be spending most of your energy. Once you’ve chosen a distributor that fits your needs and budget, once you understand the technical requirements and timeline, once you’ve got your metadata sorted - distribution becomes routine. Upload, schedule, done. The real work is making music people want to hear and getting it in front of them.
Distribution has also become commoditized. The technical barriers that existed a decade ago are gone. Pretty much every legitimate distributor can get your music onto the same platforms at roughly the same speed. The differences are in pricing models, customer service, and additional features - important considerations, but not make-or-break for most artists.
What isn’t commoditized is everything else: understanding your audience, developing your sound, building genuine connections with listeners, making smart decisions about where to invest your time and money. That’s where most artists need help, and it’s why we built The Team Around You - to connect independent artists with experienced music industry professionals who can provide guidance on the things that actually move the needle.
Get your distribution sorted using this guide, then shift your focus to the creative and strategic work that only you can do. Your music deserves to be heard, and now you know exactly how to make sure it reaches every platform that matters.
Now go release something.
I have a question. Can you opt out of distributing to Spotify for political reasons? A million streams equating to £3000. Heck, if I got a million streams I’d expect a £million lol
Thank you for writing this! After trying CD Baby, Ditto and Distrokid, and having a terrible experience of late with the last one of that list who removed an entire album for 'artificial streams' I never participated in acquiring (streams spotify for artists said were from their algorithmic playlists), I have really bad feelings about the future using these platforms that are kind of 'free for alls'. If you were to list the best invite-only, curated distributors that are not owned by major labels and have a good reputation, which would you recommend?