Free music distribution

Start distributing your music for free and keep up to 100% of your sales royalties.

Release your first single for free Looking to distribute large quantities?

Release everywhere

Release to over 300 DSPs including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.

<

Keep your royalties

Don't share your earnings, become a Pro and keep 100% of your sales royalties

Free mastering

Use advanced AI mastering to improve the sound of your tracks before you release.

Instant set-up

Upload your song, provide a few details and release. We even provide a UPC code if you don't have one.

Transfer your music

Transfer music already released through other distributors to save big and earn more from every listen.

Free IMB Anti-Piracy

Protect your music and your earnings on every stream/download with automatic takedowns of illegal copies.

Cover song distribution

Release and distribute your cover songs quickly and easily ensuring you include all necessary UK and US licensing requirements.

Album distribution

Distribute your album (including waterfall distribution) to Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Tidal, TikTok, YouTube, and over 300 other worldwide DSPs.

YouTube content ID

Our YouTube content ID service makes sure you get paid when other people use your music in their YouTube videos.

Digital distribution

No matter the size of your catalogue, we have a digital distribution solution for you.

Music and artist promotion

From branding to media management, asset creation to airplay - we have over 30 years of experience working with artists.

Sync management

We work with some of the biggest names in the business to make sure we get the very best placement opportunities.

Music Distribution: How To Distribute Music Using Free Music Distribution Services

If you’re an artist looking to reach your audience when you release your music, music distribution is what will get you there. Keep reading to learn more about music distribution, how to distribute your music and how free music distribution services work! In short, music distribution is the process by which music (mixed and ready to go) is sent to music providers (major streaming services, radio channels, advertising agencies, etc) to reach your future fanbase. Distribution enables listeners to hear and fall in love with your tunes. If you’re familiar with the industry but asking yourself, how can I distribute my music, this article should help guide you in the right direction! We’ll be taking a look at what digital music distribution involves and whether there are any free music distribution services available to independent artists. As well as highlighting the best online music distribution options. Global streaming revenue alone is forecast to hit $16.4bn this year, accounting for well over the 56% of music sales it reached in 2019 so selling your music is a win-win. Accessing this future, the online fanbase is all about positioning your digital music distribution. Read on to find out how.

How To Distribute Music

Current trends in music distribution have been surprising, with a consistent and long-term shift towards digital ownership/streaming over CDs has been seen since the noughties. Even for those looking to sell physical copies, digital distribution via online marketplaces (streaming and download) now exceeds physical sales in brick-and-mortar stores. For emerging artists looking for independent music distribution, digital distributors are the way to go. It’s forecast to keep growing and is certainly cheaper than using a record label that will take a chunky cut from your royalties. And/or demand a crippling exclusivity deal. If you have a record label, the label is usually responsible for distribution. It’s a large part of why you might sign a record contract. If not, you’ll need to start looking at independent music distribution companies. It is possible to go it alone but working with a music distributor makes the process far simpler and more likely to be successful. Streaming services no longer have helpful explanations of how to upload music as an artist and are regularly inundated with tunes by artists. They much prefer music to be submitted to their platform via a registered distributor. Music distribution services’ goal is to get your music onto streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and Tidal, as well as digital music stores, like Amazon and iTunes. Once available on these platforms, the royalties can start rolling in as your music is downloaded, streamed and bought. Different platforms offer different royalties per play; check out our streaming royalties calculator here for more details.

Best Free Music Distribution Services

The main thing to remember as an artist is that it is entirely possible to keep 100% of your royalties in 2020 and you should aim to do this! In past ages of record company dominance, this would have been a far-fetched dream. However, it is worth checking the details of different packages. Some distribution packages might have a 70/30 split (you keep 70% royalties) but include specialised artist development packages. Or, even a better overall pay-out strategy than competitors. Equally, some companies promise that you can keep 100% of your royalties. But, have T&Cs which effectively cut the profits you can make from your music. As always, be savvy and don’t take all claims at face value. Amuse, for example, is a Swedish music distribution company that considers itself a record label with a vested interest in developing talent. The Amuse distribution system is free to use, but it emphasises that the more successful an artist becomes via their platform, the more likely they are to offer the artist a deal, involving anything from marketing to playlist pitching. At this point, however, Amuse expects a 50/50 split, very much resembling an old-school record label. Another model is that provided by Stem music distribution, a free music distribution service that works out and pays out royalties to everyone involved for you but takes a 5% cut. As a music artist, it’s important to be savvy about budgeting. You probably don’t want to pay large upfront fees to an independent distributor. You probably also don’t want to be hit by a cut to your royalties just as things start taking off. Luckily Music Gateway is not only 100% free upfront, but will guarantee not to take any royalties on distributed music.

Online Music Distribution with Music Gateway

If you did want to opt for Music Gateway as your digital music distributor, there are some seriously good benefits – namely that you can distribute music for free! Music Gateway offers users a free account, where you can receive free music distribution forever, matched to your account type. Keep 100% control, 100% of your royalties and get access to exclusive music promotion opportunities to sky-rocket your music career. The platform has a number of artist development projects for you to get involved in if you’re looking for a little bit more from Music Gateway. Just scroll up to find out more and get started: click on our music distribution service above.

Is Music Gateway The Best Music Distribution Service For Independent Artists?

We may be biased, but we think it is! When it comes to music online distribution is king. The music distribution industry has changed dramatically in recent years. And democratised the musical landscape in ways we could never have expected. If musicians are smart, increasingly music distributors will focus on putting artists first. There are several factors to consider when choosing the best music distribution service for you. As an independent artist, you have to decide if you want to pay for digital distribution, if you’re willing to pay (potentially large) upfront fees and/or if you want to pay royalties. If the answer is no, don’t worry, there are still options available! We appreciate we’re not exactly objective – of course, we believe that as a music distributor, Music Gateway is the best distribution service in the music industry! Very few offer no upfront fees and will promise not to charge you any royalties in the future. But it’s up to you to find out for yourself whether you agree with us. It’s free, so what do you have to lose? Try it out today!

Still have questions?

No worries, here are the most common questions asked about Music Distribution.

Is it really free to start?

Yes. Release your first track completely free. Once you see how easy it is and how much we offer on top of just distribution, become a Pro to get up to unlimited releases! And when you’re an emerging artist trying to distribute music free is a magic word indeed. And as one of the leading free music distribution platforms in the world, we deliver what it says on the tin.

What percentage of sales do I retain?

Up to 100% of your sales with a Pro plan. If you choose a free plan, then we take a small 20% commission.

Is it unlimited distribution?

You can distribute as many songs as you like with a Pro Unlimited plan.

Can I promote my music for free within Music Gateway?

Yes, you can! We provide a variety of ways for you to use our promotion tools and offer one of the best music distribution services on the market.

Does Music Gateway own any of my copyrights?

No.

Can I see all my sales stats and reporting?

Yes, we offer full reporting allowing you to see where your streams and sales are coming from.

Can you master my track?

We sure can. Upload a track right now and give it a go. Then upload your music to all platforms for free! When it comes to distribution music quality is key, so make sure you get it right.

Can you provide a UPC code?

Yes, we offer free UPC and ISRC codes.

Can I get my music on TV, films, games and adverts?

Okay, so this isn’t a common question – you caught us out – but we wanted to make you aware that we work directly with major companies such as Netflix, Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, BBC, ITV and so many more to give our members the best opportunities for sync licensing. You can opt-in free of charge to our sync licensing agency and we’ll handle the rest. Learn more about sync licencing.

Are You An Artist?

If you are looking for a platform that offers everything you need in one place, why not try Music Gateway? We can help with promoting your music, music marketing, improving your streaming presence and providing Sync opportunities. Try it out for free today by signing up or clicking the button below.

Free music distribution

Start distributing your music for free and keep up to 100% of your sales royalties.

Free really does sound good.

You will also get free access to Music Gateway which includes...

Trusted by artists worldwide

How much can I earn?

Albums, covers and more

We've got everything you need.

Are you a label or catalogue looking to distribute large amounts of tracks?

We can create the perfect package for you that includes all your promotional and licensing needs

Sound good? Get in touch.