DistroKid vs CD Baby

The core of the DistroKid vs CD Baby question is one decision: do you want to pay a yearly subscription for unlimited uploads, or a one-time fee per release with nothing recurring? Both are trusted music distributors that get your songs onto every major streaming platform and let you keep your rights. The pricing model is the real fork in the road.

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Quick answer

Choose DistroKid if you release often and want unlimited uploads under one annual fee. Choose CD Baby if you would rather pay once per release with no subscription and want options like physical distribution and sync. Both let you keep your streaming royalties.

Pricing model: subscription vs pay-once

This is the headline difference. DistroKid charges an annual subscription that allows unlimited song and album releases — great value if you put out music regularly. CD Baby charges a one-time fee per single or album with no recurring subscription, so the release stays live without ongoing payments. Prices change over time, so the durable distinction is structural: recurring vs one-time. Pick the model that matches your release frequency.

What happens if you stop paying

With DistroKid’s subscription, your music can be removed from stores if you let the plan lapse, so you need to keep paying to keep it live. With CD Baby’s one-time model, you pay once and the release generally stays up without further fees. For artists who release a single project and want to “set and forget,” that is a meaningful advantage.

Royalties

Both let you keep your streaming royalties rather than taking a cut of distribution income. CD Baby has historically applied a small percentage on certain revenue depending on the plan you choose, while DistroKid’s model centres on the subscription. Check current terms, and if you want to understand the income streams involved, see what music royalties are.

Features and extras

• DistroKid: unlimited uploads, automatic revenue splits to collaborators, fast delivery, pre-save tools and various add-ons. Known for speed and a streamlined experience.
• CD Baby: one-time pricing, optional publishing administration, sync licensing pitching, and physical distribution (CDs and vinyl). Known for breadth of services and a long independent-music heritage.

For the wider context, see the full best music distribution services guide and how to release a song independently. If you also want publishing collection bundled in, compare DistroKid vs TuneCore.

Which is right for you?

If you release frequently, want the lowest cost-per-release, and like a fast modern dashboard, DistroKid wins. If you release occasionally, hate subscriptions, or want physical and sync options, CD Baby is the better fit. A useful rule of thumb: more than a couple of releases a year tends to favour DistroKid’s subscription; one-off projects often favour CD Baby’s pay-once model.

Frequently asked questions

Does CD Baby charge yearly like DistroKid?

No. CD Baby’s defining feature is a one-time fee per release with no annual subscription, while DistroKid charges a recurring yearly fee for unlimited uploads. That difference is the main reason artists choose one over the other.

Will my music come down if I stop paying DistroKid?

It can. DistroKid is subscription-based, so letting your plan lapse may result in your catalogue being removed from stores. CD Baby’s one-time model generally keeps releases live without further payment.

Which has better royalties?

Both let you keep the bulk of your streaming royalties. The difference is in fee structure rather than royalty rates, so the better deal depends on how often you release and whether you prefer subscription or one-time pricing.