The Truth About DistroKid, TuneCore & CD Baby: What Every Artist Should Know Before Distributing Their Music

"Paying to share my music with the world has always felt wrong to me."

In today’s digital-first music industry, independent artists have more tools than ever to get their music out into the world. Among the most popular are paid distribution platforms like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby—each offering a fast track to streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. These companies often promote one key selling point: “Keep 100% of your royalties.” But what does that actually mean—and is it as good as it sounds?

The Truth Behind “100% of Your Royalties”

When distributors say you keep 100% of your royalties, it sounds like a dream. But the reality is more nuanced.

What they actually mean is: you’ll receive 100% of the royalties they collect after everyone else takes their cut.

Before a penny hits your distributor’s account, digital streaming platforms (DSPs) like Spotify and Apple Music already deduct their percentage. Then, depending on the platform, additional middlemen may take a slice—whether it’s publishing administrators, content ID networks, or collection societies. By the time your distributor forwards your payment, you may be looking at a fraction of what your music truly earned in the marketplace.

The Hidden Costs: Fees That Add Up

Each distribution service has its own pricing model, and those costs can sneak up on unsuspecting artists. Here’s what to watch for:

• Annual or recurring subscription fees

• Percentage cuts from sales, streams, or sync licensing

• A la carte charges for add-ons like YouTube monetization, Shazam indexing, or store-specific delivery

So while the promise of “100% royalties” sounds attractive, it only applies to the revenue after your distributor collects its share of what’s left.

Middlemen in the Pipeline

Think of distribution like a chain. The artist creates the music, the distributor packages it, and DSPs deliver it to the listener. But at every link in the chain, someone takes a percentage. This is a reality few platforms advertise.

If a listener streams your song and generates $1 in revenue:

• The DSP may keep 30%

• The distributor may take a fee (or operate on a subscription model)

• You get what remains—and it may be far less than you expected

Choosing the Right Distribution Partner

Before jumping into a distribution agreement, artists and labels should carefully consider:

• Pricing structure (one-time fee, annual fee, revenue share, etc.)

• Customer support quality

• Access to promotional tools, analytics, sync licensing, and advance payments

• Ease of use and platform transparency

Every artist’s goals are different. For some, self-service platforms may work. For others—especially those looking to scale—a more personalized, strategic approach is essential.

Why More Artists Are Turning to Label Aggregators

If you're aiming to grow beyond simple DIY distribution, label aggregators offer a powerful alternative. Companies like FUGA, Revelator, and Legend Group Records give serious artists and independent labels a direct path to professional-grade distribution—without the fine print and fees of legacy platforms.

The Legend Group Advantage

Here’s what sets Legend Group Records apart:

• 🎧 Major Label Distribution AccessEven if your numbers don’t yet meet the majors’ threshold, we can get your music into the same pipelines used by the biggest names in the industry.

• 💸 No Hidden Subscription FeesWe don’t nickel-and-dime you with recurring charges. Our model is transparent, artist-first, and focused on your growth—not our margins.

• 🤝 Real Human SupportSay goodbye to endless support tickets. Our dedicated team works directly with you to provide strategic guidance, marketing resources, advances, and production services.

Ready to Level Up?

If you're a qualified label or artist ready to scale your career with professional distribution, Legend Group Records is here to help. We’re not just a distributor—we’re a partner invested in your long-term success.

📧 Contact us at admin@LegendGroupRecords.comLet’s build something legendary.