vs
DistroKid vs CD Baby
One of the oldest names in the game vs. today's flat-fee standard.
CD Baby is one of the longest-running independent distributors, known for its one-time payment model instead of a recurring fee.
| DistroKid | CD Baby | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | $19.99/year flat, unlimited releases | One-time fee per release ($9.99/single, $14.99/album), no renewal |
| Royalty share kept by artist | 100% | 91% (CD Baby keeps a 9% commission, ongoing) |
| Best for | Artists releasing multiple times a year | Artists who release rarely and want to pay once, forever |
| Processing time | Typically fast | Standard review can take 7–14 days (faster options available for a fee) |
CD Baby's one-time fee sounds appealing, but the 9% royalty cut applies forever on every release, on top of the one-time payment. If you release more than occasionally, DistroKid's flat unlimited fee with 100% royalties tends to add up to less over time.
Ready to release your music?
DistroKid
$18.59 first year
Upload unlimited songs for one flat yearly fee and keep 100% of your royalties. Use our link for 7% off your first year.
Start with DistroKidRouteNote
$0 upfront
Don't want to pay anything upfront? RouteNote lets you distribute for free — they just keep a share of your royalties instead.
Try RouteNote freeFrequently asked questions
Does CD Baby really charge only once?
Yes for the initial distribution fee — but it also keeps a 9% commission on your royalties indefinitely, which is a separate ongoing cost.
Is CD Baby legitimate?
Yes — it's one of the oldest and most established independent distributors.
Which is cheaper long-term?
It depends on your streaming revenue and how often you release — the 9% ongoing cut can add up to more than DistroKid's flat fee if your music does well.