Introduction
Choosing the best music distribution service is critical to your success as an artist. Not all music distributors are created equal—some may take a significant portion of your earnings, others could negatively impact your audio quality, and only a few truly deliver excellent service and transparency. In this guide, I’ll share my personal insights and experiences with popular distributors like TuneCore, DistroKid, LANDR, and CD Baby, revealing which platforms are truly worth your time and investment. Additionally, I’ll cover the essential details about submitting your audio files correctly to ensure your music sounds its absolute best upon release.
Importance of Sending the Right Audio Files
As a mixing and mastering engineer, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to submit the right audio file format when distributing music. MP3 files might seem convenient due to their small size, but their compression methods can drastically degrade audio quality. I’ve personally noticed that MP3s often diminish high frequencies, soften important transients, and introduce noticeable artifacts, especially in subtle details like reverb tails or stereo enhancements.
In my professional experience, submitting WAV files is always the best choice. WAV files are lossless, meaning they retain 100% of your audio quality, exactly as it was mastered. I always recommend submitting 24-bit WAV files, as these align with the standard recording quality used in most professional studios. However, if you’re planning on releasing CDs, you’ll need a 16-bit WAV master because CDs only support this bit depth.
When it comes to sample rates, consistency is key. I usually recommend artists to stick with the same sample rate used during their recording and mixing processes. While 44.1kHz is still common, I’ve increasingly advised clients to record at 48kHz, especially if there’s any possibility they’ll release Dolby Atmos or immersive audio versions later. This approach helps avoid unnecessary conversions that could potentially degrade your audio quality.
TuneCore – My Personal Experience
Having worked with numerous artists over the years, I’ve observed TuneCore consistently proving itself as one of the most reliable and trustworthy music distributors available. Their established reputation is a major factor why many of my clients prefer using TuneCore.
One aspect I appreciate about TuneCore is their detailed analytics and sales insights. This is valuable for artists looking to understand precisely how their music is performing. TuneCore provides clear data on streams, downloads, earnings, and more, allowing artists to make informed, data-driven decisions about their music career.
Another strong advantage is TuneCore’s distribution speed. In my experience, music typically goes live on Apple Music in just one or two days and on Spotify within two to five days. This rapid turnaround helps artists keep their release schedules on track without stress or delays.
LANDR – AI Mastering & Distribution Combined
I’ve noticed that LANDR has gained attention because it uniquely combines AI mastering with music distribution. On the surface, this seems convenient—especially if you’re looking for a quick way to get your tracks mastered and released. Their distribution speed is decent, usually delivering tracks within two to seven days.
However, from my professional perspective, LANDR’s AI mastering can be problematic. While AI mastering might occasionally produce acceptable results, it’s inconsistent and doesn’t reliably match the quality that a professional mastering engineer can deliver. I’ve personally encountered tracks mastered through LANDR’s AI that required significant adjustments afterward.
Additionally, LANDR’s pricing structure is another major drawback. At $99 per year for basic distribution or $143 per year if you want WAV file distribution, it’s pricier than most competitors. Worse still, their basic distribution option only releases your tracks as MP3s, significantly reducing the audio quality you carefully worked to achieve. Given these factors, I generally advise artists to explore other mastering options that won’t compromise their audio integrity.
DistroKid – A Popular and Cost-Effective Option
DistroKid has quickly become one of the most popular distributors, and in my experience, it’s easy to see why. It offers an affordable annual price ($22.99) for unlimited uploads, making it perfect for independent artists who frequently release music. I’ve personally seen artists benefit greatly from DistroKid’s rapid distribution times, typically getting music onto streaming services within two to seven days.
Another big advantage is DistroKid’s extra features, like easy split payments for collaborators and instant Spotify verification. However, it’s important to be mindful of their aggressive upselling practices. Many of the add-ons they promote aren’t always essential and could unnecessarily increase your costs. Additionally, I’ve occasionally heard from artists who faced issues with customer service responsiveness or delays in resolving payment concerns.
CD Baby – Audio Quality Concerns
Years ago, CD Baby was a go-to option for independent artists, particularly because of their support for physical formats like CDs and vinyl. However, in recent years, I’ve noticed significant issues that make it far less attractive in 2025.
My primary concern with CD Baby is their strict audio quality limitations. No matter how high-quality your master is, CD Baby only accepts 16-bit, 44.1kHz WAV files.
Additionally, CD Baby’s approval times can be painfully slow—up to ten business days unless you pay extra for expedited service. While their one-time fee per release ($9.99) might initially seem appealing, the hidden costs of revenue sharing are substantial. CD Baby takes a 9% commission on streaming and download revenue and 15% of publishing royalties if you use their pro publishing feature. In my professional opinion, giving up such a significant portion of your revenue is never advisable.
Final Verdict – My Recommendations
After thoroughly evaluating each distributor through personal experience and professional interactions with artists, my clear recommendations are TuneCore and DistroKid. Both platforms allow artists to upload high-quality WAV files without audio degradation, provide quick release times, and do not take percentages of your earnings.
TuneCore is particularly ideal if you highly value detailed analytics and faster distribution, while DistroKid is perfect for artists seeking affordability and frequent releases without additional costs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right music distributor significantly impacts your music’s success, from audio quality to your financial returns and distribution efficiency. I’ve shared my personal experiences to help guide you through this critical decision. I’d love to hear about your own experiences—have you had any positive or negative experiences with these or other distributors? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
