CD Baby
Claim this toolDistribute your music to 150+ global platforms with a one-time fee and keep over 90% of your earnings.
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Tracked since2026
0 reviews tracked·1 press mentionThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Paid plans only
Biggest pro
Simple, transparent pricing with one-time fees and no annual costs.
Biggest con
Artists must pay an upfront fee for each release.
TL;DR - CD Baby
- Distributes music to 150+ global platforms for a one-time fee.
- Artists keep over 90% of their earnings with no annual fees.
- Offers marketing tools, monetization options, and expert support for independent artists.
Pricing: Paid only
Best for: Enterprises & pros
What is CD Baby?
CD Baby provides comprehensive music distribution services for independent artists, enabling them to release their music to over 150 streaming and download platforms worldwide, including major services like Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and Amazon. The platform operates on a one-time payment model per release, eliminating annual fees and allowing artists to retain over 90% of their digital distribution revenue. This structure ensures that CD Baby's success is directly tied to the artist's success, fostering a partnership approach.
Beyond distribution, CD Baby offers a suite of tools and resources designed to help artists promote their music and grow their fanbase. This includes access to marketing tools, YouTube Content ID for monetization, inclusion on discovery tools like Shazam, and consideration for promotional services and playlist pitching. Artists also receive a free UPC barcode and ISRC codes, along with expert support, making it a robust solution for independent musicians looking to manage their releases and maximize their reach and earnings.
Available on: Web
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Simple, transparent pricing with one-time fees and no annual costs.
- High artist royalty split (over 90%) incentivizes artist success.
- Extensive global distribution network ensures wide reach.
- Comprehensive suite of tools for marketing and monetization beyond just distribution.
- Strong support system and resources for independent artists.
Cons
- Artists must pay an upfront fee for each release.
- CD Baby retains 9% of digital distribution revenue.
Key Features
Global music distribution to 150+ platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, etc.)One-time payment per single or album releaseArtists keep over 90% of digital distribution revenueYouTube Content ID monetizationFree UPC barcode and ISRC for each releaseAccess to expert artist support teamMusic marketing tools includedConsideration for promotion services and playlist pitching
Pricing
Paid
CD Baby offers paid plans. Visit their website for current pricing details.
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CD Baby FAQ
How does CD Baby help artists monetize their music beyond just streaming?
CD Baby offers YouTube Content ID for monetization, ensuring artists can earn revenue when their music is used on YouTube. It also includes artists on discovery tools like Shazam, increasing their visibility and potential for earnings. Additionally, artists are considered for promotional services and playlist pitching.
What kind of user benefits most from CD Baby's services?
Independent musicians looking to manage their releases and maximize their reach and earnings benefit most from CD Baby's services. The platform provides a robust solution for artists seeking wide distribution and comprehensive support for their music careers.
How is CD Baby's pricing structured for artists?
CD Baby operates on a one-time payment model per release, meaning artists pay an upfront fee for each song or album they distribute. This model eliminates annual fees and allows artists to retain over 90% of their digital distribution revenue.
Which teams would find CD Baby most useful for music distribution?
Independent artist teams, solo musicians, and small labels focused on direct distribution and artist-friendly revenue splits would find CD Baby most useful. It provides the tools needed to distribute music globally and manage royalties effectively without recurring annual costs.
How does CD Baby's royalty split compare to TuneCore?
CD Baby allows artists to keep over 90% of their digital distribution revenue, while TuneCore artists retain 100% of their royalties. However, CD Baby charges a one-time fee per release, whereas TuneCore typically charges annual fees for its services.
What are the main trade-offs for artists using CD Baby?
Artists must pay an upfront fee for each release they distribute through CD Baby. Additionally, CD Baby retains 9% of the digital distribution revenue generated from the artist's music, which is a trade-off for their services and support.
Can artists receive UPC and ISRC codes through CD Baby?
Yes, artists receive a free UPC barcode and ISRC codes when they distribute their music through CD Baby. These codes are essential for tracking and identifying music releases globally.
Source: cdbaby.com