Comparison · 6 min read
How to Choose a Music Distributor: 7 Criteria
There are many distributors, and their terms vary a lot. Below are seven criteria for comparing services if you're an independent artist who wants to release music without giving up your rights.
1. Reach: platforms and countries
The more platforms and countries, the more listeners can find your track. A good benchmark is hundreds of digital services and worldwide availability, not just 2–3 major streaming apps.
2. Music rights
A distributor should not become a co-owner of your tracks. You grant the right to deliver to platforms, while copyright and related rights stay with you. If the contract says “we own the master”, that's a label model, not pure distribution.
3. Regional platforms
Check not only Spotify and Apple Music but also TikTok, YouTube and regional services. In many markets, local streaming platforms bring a noticeable share of streams.
4. Publishing speed
Ask about the minimum time to release. A reasonable benchmark is from 24 hours after review. If a service requires 2–4 weeks for no reason, that's inconvenient for timely releases.
5. Payouts
How often you get paid, what the minimum withdrawal is, and whether you can withdraw to a card without complicated middlemen. Transparent revenue analytics by country and platform is a big plus.
6. Dashboard and extra tools
Easy uploads, release statuses, stats, Content ID, pitching and catalog transfer (UPC/ISRC). The less manual work, the faster your catalog grows.
7. Transparent terms
Choose a service whose terms are clear upfront and fixed in the agreement. With SONOMUSE, your rights stay with you and your releases go to 450+ platforms in 200+ countries.
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