The music distribution landscape has changed dramatically in the last decade. While platforms like DistroKid and TuneCore have become household names for independent musicians looking to get their tracks on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, and beyond, not every artist can afford subscription fees or yearly costs. The good news? There are now multiple free alternatives to DistroKid and TuneCore that allow you to release your music worldwide without upfront costs.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top free distribution platforms, how they compare, and what you need to know to choose the best service for your career. Whether you’re an emerging bedroom producer, a touring rock band, or a hip-hop artist looking to break through, this article will give you the complete roadmap.
Why Look for Free Alternatives?
DistroKid and TuneCore both charge artists to release music:
- DistroKid: Subscription-based, usually around $22.99/year for unlimited uploads. Affordable, but still a yearly cost.
- TuneCore: Charges per release ($9.99 per single, $29.99 per album first year, then renewal fees). Costs add up quickly.
For many indie musicians, especially those just starting out or not yet monetizing streams, these costs are a barrier. Free services provide a way to distribute music at zero upfront cost, often taking a small percentage of royalties instead.
Top Free Alternatives to DistroKid and TuneCore
1. Amuse
Best for: Beginners who want simple, free distribution.
- Cost: Free (Pro plan available with more features).
- Royalties: Artists keep 100% on Pro; on Free, Amuse keeps 15%.
- Platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon, TikTok, YouTube Music, and more.
- Pros: Mobile app is super easy to use, quick delivery times, solid analytics.
- Cons: Free tier users sometimes face slower support and limited features.
If you want a completely mobile-friendly solution, Amuse is one of the best free choices.
2. RouteNote
Best for: Artists who want flexibility between free and paid distribution.
- Cost: Free plan available; also has a paid “Premium” plan.
- Royalties: Free plan keeps 15%, Premium plan lets you keep 100%.
- Platforms: Spotify, iTunes/Apple Music, Deezer, YouTube Content ID, and more.
- Pros: Great for YouTube monetization, flexible payment structure, large reach.
- Cons: Dashboard isn’t as sleek as DistroKid’s, payments may take time.
RouteNote is one of the oldest free alternatives and remains very popular among independent artists.
3. Rebel Music Distribution
Best for: Independent artists who want truly free music distribution service without hidden costs.
- Cost: 100% Free.
- Royalties: Artists keep all royalties.
- Platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer, TikTok, YouTube Music, and more.
- Pros: Simple process, no upfront costs, tailored for indie musicians.
- Cons: Newer player in the industry compared to big names.
Rebel Music Distribution focuses on empowering artists without charging them. For musicians who want to avoid subscriptions and keep their music earnings, this is one of the most authentic free alternatives to DistroKid and TuneCore.
4. FreshTunes
Best for: Artists who want a completely free distribution model.
- Cost: Free.
- Royalties: Artists keep 100%.
- Platforms: Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, and many more.
- Pros: 100% royalties, simple dashboard.
- Cons: Limited features, mixed reviews about customer support.
FreshTunes is very appealing for artists who want to keep everything they earn, though the lack of premium features can be limiting.
5. Soundrop
Best for: Cover artists and creators of niche releases.
- Cost: Free to create an account, but charges per release ($0.99 per song).
- Royalties: Artists keep 100% (minus the per-release fee).
- Platforms: Major DSPs like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer.
- Pros: Excellent for cover songs (handles licensing), easy setup.
- Cons: Not fully free if you release a lot of music, slower upload times.
If you do a lot of cover songs, Soundrop is a solid option that solves licensing headaches.
6. Level Music
Best for: Artists looking for a mix of free and premium distribution.
- Cost: Free plan available.
- Royalties: Artists keep 100%.
- Platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon, Tidal.
- Pros: Backed by Warner Music, clean interface, strong industry credibility.
- Cons: Still developing, less customizable compared to others.
Level Music has the weight of Warner Music behind it, making it an attractive option for those who may want to scale later.
Comparison Table: Free Alternatives at a Glance
| Service | Cost | Royalties Kept by Artist | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amuse | Free / Paid | 85–100% | Beginners |
| RouteNote | Free / Paid | 85–100% | Flexibility |
| Rebel Music Distribution | Free | 100% | True free distribution |
| FreshTunes | Free | 100% | Zero-cost option |
| Soundrop | $0.99/song | 100% | Cover songs |
| Level Music | Free / Paid | 100% | Scaling artists |
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Free Service
- Royalties Split – Some “free” platforms take 15% of your earnings. Decide if you’re okay with that or want to keep 100%.
- Speed of Delivery – Paid services are often faster. Free ones can take longer to get your music live.
- Customer Support – Smaller companies may not have the same support infrastructure as TuneCore or DistroKid.
- Extra Features – Consider whether you need YouTube monetization, publishing administration, or sync licensing.
Who Should Use Free Alternatives?
- New Artists: If you’re testing the waters and don’t want to commit money yet.
- Indie Musicians: Those who want to keep costs low but still get global reach.
- DIY Artists: Creators who value control and don’t mind slower support in exchange for free services.
Final Thoughts: Are Free Alternatives Worth It?
Absolutely. Free music distribution platforms have democratized the industry. You no longer need to pay upfront just to be heard on Spotify or Apple Music. While DistroKid and TuneCore remain strong, reliable choices, free services like Amuse, RouteNote, Rebel Music Distribution, FreshTunes, Soundrop, and Level Music offer amazing opportunities for artists who want to save money and still reach global listeners.
If you’re serious about your music career, start with a free option, monitor your growth, and then upgrade to paid features only when it makes sense financially.