How to evaluate and choose the right music distributor for your independent career or record label. Compare royalty terms, catalog retention policies, payment friction, and Indian DSP reach.
Not all music distribution services operate on the same business model. Before signing up and uploading your sound recordings, evaluate these six essential factors.
Does the distributor take a percentage commission (typically 15% to 20%), or do you retain 100% of your net royalties? A flat subscription or transparent model often saves thousands of dollars over time.
What happens if you stop paying your yearly fee? Some services remove all your music from Spotify and Apple Music, permanently destroying your accumulated streams and playlist placements.
For artists in India and non-US territories, international wire fees ($15-$30) and currency conversion cuts can devour earnings. Look for local INR bank transfer and UPI support.
Ensure delivery extends beyond Western streaming apps to regional leaders like JioSaavn, Wynk, Gaana, and telecom ringback caller tunes (Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL).
Some distributors charge separate hidden fees for assigning barcodes and tracking codes per track or album. Quality distributors include standard ISRC and UPC generation for free.
When an urgent release issue arises, automated email bots can take days to reply. Direct human WhatsApp or phone support in your local time zone is invaluable for active creators.
| Feature | Harmonet Music | Annual Fee Distributors | Commission Distributors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royalty Payout % | 100% | 100% (Subject to annual fees) | 80% – 85% (15-20% cut) |
| Takedown on Expiry | Never (Lifetime retention) | Yes (Unless extra fee paid) | Generally No |
| Indian Bank / UPI Payouts | Direct UPI & NEFT (INR) | PayPal / US Wire only | PayPal / US Wire only |
| Indian CallerTunes (CRBT) | Yes (Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL) | No | Rarely |
| ISRC & UPC Codes | Included Free | Included or extra fee | Included Free |
Get 100% royalty retention, lifetime catalog safety, and dedicated domestic support with Harmonet Music.