The Ultimate FAQ on Music Distribution Costs

This Ultimate FAQ on Music Distribution Costs breaks down everything you need to know; no fluff, no misleading claims, so you can choose the right distributor, protect your earnings, and make smart financial decisions as an artist. Let's dive in.

What Is Music Distribution?

Music distribution is the process of getting your tracks onto streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and more. Distributors (like YEEBRA) act as the bridge between you and those platforms. Without a distributor, you can't upload your music directly to DSPs (digital service providers) and you are not able to get paid.

So, How Much Does Music Distribution Cost?

It depends on the distributor and more importantly, how they charge. There are typically four pricing models you'll see:

1. Flat Annual Fee (Unlimited Releases)

• Example: YEEBRA - €12/year per artist
• Pros: Predictable pricing, unlimited releases, transparent pricing
• Cons: You still need to release consistently to get your money's worth

2. Per-Release Fees

• Example: Some platforms charge €10 - €50 per single or album upload
• Pros: Pay only when you release
• Cons: Gets expensive quickly if you release often

3. Percentage-Based Commission

• Some distributors take 9% - 30% of your royalties
• Pros: No upfront cost
• Cons: Can eat into your earnings for years to come

4. Hybrid Models

• Some charge a small upfront fee plus a royalty cut
• Watch out: This often sounds "cheap" but costs more long-term

What Do You Get for the Price?

Not all distributors offer the same features, so always check what's included:

Do Any Distributors Take a Cut of My Royalties?

Yes, unfortunately many of them do, and it's a big deal. Here's what to watch out for:

A "free" distributor isn't really free if they take 15% of your streaming income forever. That's why YEEBRA uses a flat-fee model, so your royalties stay yours.

Do I Need to Pay for Every Release?

That depends on your distributor:

• Per-release fee model: Yes, you pay every time you upload a new track
• Flat-fee model (like YEEBRA): No, you can upload as many releases as you like for one yearly price

If you release regularly, a flat-fee distributor will save you a lot of money long-term.

Is Global Distribution Included?

Not always. Some platforms only distribute to a limited number of stores or exclude key platforms like TikTok or Beatport unless you upgrade.

YEEBRA includes:

• Spotify
• Apple Music
• Amazon Music
• YouTube Music & YouTube Content ID
• TikTok
• Instagram & Facebook Music Library
• Beatport (electronic music only)
• Tidal
• Deezer
• Boomplay
• Anghami
• Shazam
• Dozens more regional DSPs

No upgrade required, it's all part of the €12/year plan.

What About ISRC and UPC Codes?

These are essential:

• ISRC (International Standard Recording Code): Identifies individual tracks
• UPC (Universal Product Code): Identifies albums or bundles

Some distributors charge extra for these codes, often €1–€10 per code. YEEBRA includes ISRC + UPC codes for free, auto-generating them during upload.

Are There Hidden Costs?

Here's what to look out for, so always read the fine print:

How Often Do I Have to Pay?

YEEBRA's €12/year fee is:

• One artist profile
• Unlimited releases
• No hidden extras
• Cancel anytime

Can I Make My Money Back?

Absolutely, with the right strategy, your €12 investment can generate real returns. Let's do the math:

• Spotify pays ~€0.0035 per stream
• To earn €12, you'd need about 3,500 - 4,000 streams
• Release 3 - 4 solid tracks and promote them well, and this is very doable

Now compare that to a platform that takes 15% of your royalties. You could be giving away hundreds every year, just for the "privilege" of distribution.

Who Should Use Flat-Fee Distribution?

A flat-fee model is ideal for:

• Artists releasing more than 1–2 tracks per year
• Artists who want to keep 100% of their revenue
• DIY musicians who want to plan ahead financially
• Creators distributing music to platforms like Beatport, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts

Basically: if you're serious about your music, this model gives you the most freedom and the least friction.

What If I Want to Switch Distributors?

Good news: Switching is easier than you think and you won't lose your streams if you do it correctly. Here's how to switch to YEEBRA without losing plays:

1. Upload the same audio files and metadata
2. Once the new version is live, remove the old one

Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music will recognize the match and transfer play counts and playlists (in most cases).

Final Thoughts: Pricing Should Empower Artists, Not Limit Them

As an indie artist, your resources are limited. Every euro counts and every decision you make should support your career, not someone else's profit margin. Unfortunately, many music distributors hide behind confusing pricing models.

That's why YEEBRA exists.

We offer a simple, transparent pricing structure:

• €12 per year
• Unlimited releases
• Transparent pricing
• Distribution to all major (and niche) platforms

Join YEEBRA today and put your money where your music is, not in someone else's pocket.