CD Baby

CD Baby is one of the original and most respected independent music distributors. It allows musicians to upload their songs and albums for distribution to Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and over 150 other digital platforms. Unlike subscription-based distributors, CD Baby charges a one-time fee per release and takes a small commission (9%) on sales.

This model is ideal for artists who want their music online forever without paying annual fees. CD Baby also offers physical disc manufacturing and sync licensing services (getting music into TV/Film). It is a legitimate partner for indie artists to monetize their music rights globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. specific upfront fees?

Yes, CD Baby charges a one-time fee per release: typically $9.99 for a single and $29.00 for an album (standard tier). There are no recurring annual fees to keep your music online.

2. How much commission do they take?

CD Baby keeps 9% of your digital distribution revenue (streaming and downloads). You keep 91% of the earnings. This commission structure ensures they are incentivized to help you sell.

3. How do I get paid?

CD Baby pays artists weekly via Check, Direct Deposit (ACH), or PayPal. You can set a minimum payout threshold (e.g., $10) so you only get paid when it's worth it.

4. What is Sync Licensing?

Sync Licensing is an optional service where CD Baby pitches your music for use in TV shows, movies, video games, and YouTube videos. If your song is used, they collect the royalties for you and take a higher commission (usually 40%) on that specific revenue stream.

5. Do I keep my rights?

Yes, you retain 100% ownership of your music and copyrights. CD Baby simply acts as the distributor. You can remove your music from their platform at any time if you choose to switch distributors.