Reference Modules

What each thing is, when you need it, and what it costs — in plain English. Every fee/deadline is tagged for how solid it is.

Distribution

Getting your master onto streaming platforms.

Collecting performance royalties for the SONG — as both writer AND publisher.

Mechanical royalties for the composition — the check most artists never collect.

Digital-performance royalties for the MASTER — separate from your PRO.

Collecting ad revenue from every video using your music.

International master-performance royalties SoundExchange doesn't cover.

Registering with the U.S. Copyright Office — PA vs SR.

Legally releasing someone else's song.

The identifiers that track royalties back to you.

Getting your music placed in TV, film, ads, and games — and how those deals pay.

Pricing models change constantly in this space — confirm current pricing on each site. Domains marked UNVERIFIED need confirmation.

Distributor	Model	Link
DistroKid	Annual subscription; unlimited uploads on most plans.	visit
TuneCore	Subscription / per-release tiers (restructured over time).	visit
CD Baby	One-time per-release fee (no annual renewal, historically).	visit
UnitedMasters	Free tier (revenue share) plus paid subscription tiers.	visit
Symphonic Distribution	Self-serve Starter subscription plus application-based Partner tier (revenue share).	visit
AWAL	Selective / application-based; revenue share.	visit
Amuse	Paid annual subscription tiers (the former free distribution tier was discontinued).	visit
RouteNote	Choice of free (revenue share) or paid (keep 100%) per release.	visit
ONErpm	Revenue-share distribution with label-services options.	visit
EMPIRE	Distribution + label + publishing services (more selective).	visit
Stem	Distribution with automated splits/advance features.	visit
Ditto Music	Annual subscription; unlimited releases on plans.	visit