This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:11:36
The video provides an in-depth comparison of various digital music distribution services and their unique features, fee structures, and commission models. It emphasizes that music artists need to work with distributors to get their music on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, as direct submission isn't possible. Key distributors discussed include **DistroKid**, **CD Baby**, **TuneCore**, **United Masters**, **Horus Music**, **Lander**, **Root Note**, **Songtradr**, **Spinup**, **Amuse**, **AWAL**, **Ditto**, **Fresh Tunes**, **One RPM**, **Sound Drop**, and **Stem**.
**DistroKid** stands out for its $20 annual unlimited distribution service with no royalty commission, while **CD Baby** and **TuneCore** charge per release and for annual upkeep, with CD Baby taking a 9% commission from sales. **United Masters** and **Horus Music** offer either commission-based or fee-based service models. **Lander** provides both mastering services and distribution, with a sliding commission scale.
Other distributors like **Songtradr** integrate sync licensing, and **Spinup** has links with Universal Music Group, offering potential label deals. **Amuse** provides budget-friendly services but limited reach. **AWAL** offers selective label services with a 15% commission.
**Ditto** is noted for its poor reputation despite some artist successes, while **Fresh Tunes** offers free distribution with no commission but has issues with payment delays. **One RPM** and **Sound Drop** offer specialized services with the former providing significant artist support and the latter focusing on cover songs. **Stem** requires invitation and offers exclusive, hands-on support and payment splitting, taking a 10% commission.
The video concludes with recommendations, urging viewers to consider their budget, distribution needs, and the reputation of the services, referring them to Ari’s Take for more detailed insights.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the creator discusses various companies that can be used to distribute music digitally. They clarify that you cannot directly approach digital service providers (DSPs) like Spotify or Apple Music but must work with a distributor. The video lists many distributors including Amuse, CD Baby, DistroKid, and TuneCore, emphasizing that distributors simply provide a service without owning the music, unlike record labels.
The focus then shifts to the differences between distributors, such as the fees they charge. Some ask for an upfront fee, others take a commission on royalties, and some do both. The video highlights DistroKid as one of the most prominent distributors, known for charging a base fee of $20 per year for unlimited distribution, though additional costs apply for specific services like Shazam integration. DistroKid does not take a commission, so artists receive 100% of their earnings after DSPs pay the distributor.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion revolves around different music distribution services, their fee structures, and commission models. Key points include:
– **DistroKid**: Automatically deducts taxes for international artists, particularly those not in countries with a tax treaty.
– **CD Baby**: Charges per release (single or album) and takes a 9% commission on sales. Few hidden fees are mentioned.
– **TuneCore**: Charges per release and an annual fee to keep music in stores. Currently, it’s $50 per year for an album, which can become expensive with multiple albums but does not take any commission from royalties.
– **United Masters**: Offers an either/or model – either $60 per year for unlimited distribution with no commission, or no yearly fee with a 10% commission.
– **Horus Music**: Uk-based company with a similar either/or model – users can pay a fee for no commission or opt into certain services for a 20% commission.
– **Lander**: Known for automatic mastering services, it now offers distribution on a sliding commission scale (0-15%). Annual plans are about $90 for unlimited releases with no commission or individual release fees with a 9% commission.
Each service provides different benefits tailored to artists’ needs and budget considerations.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, various music distribution services are discussed, highlighting their pricing models and potential benefits. The video covers free and paid plans, with details on commissions taken from streaming revenue by services like Root Note, Songtradr, and Spinup. Songtradr also integrates sync licensing. Spinup, affiliated with Universal Music Group, has the unique potential for artist label deals. Amuse, while newer and cheaper, has limited distribution reach compared to others boasting wider DSPS coverage. Lastly, AWAL is described as offering selective label services but takes a 15% commission and isn’t particularly effective in playlist support.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker reviews various music distribution companies and offers their recommendations and cautions. They discuss Ditto, noting that despite some artists’ success, Ditto has a poor reputation due to frequent artist complaints and unprofessional behavior from its founders. Fresh Tunes, based in Russia, provides free distribution without commission but has a history of delayed payments and poor reporting. One RPM offers label services, takes a 15% commission, and provides extensive artist support if they notice potential in an artist. Sound Drop specializes in distributing cover songs and offers free distribution to 12 digital service providers (DSPs). Stem is a selective and exclusive distributor that requires an invitation, provides hands-on support, and payment splitting, taking a 10% commission. The segment concludes by highlighting the various features offered by these distributors and referring viewers to a comprehensive article on Ari’s Take for further details.