Who Still Offers Free Distribution?

Releasing music today doesn’t require a label deal or a big budget—just the right platform. In 2025, several distributors still let independent artists upload their songs to Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok and more, without paying upfront fees. But which ones are actually free, and which are just “freemium” traps? Let’s explore the real Top 7 free music distributors you can trust this year.

1. Boost Collective

Best for: Independent artists who want 100% free distribution

Boost Collective offers truly free music distribution with no upfront cost and 100% royalties to the artist. The platform is growing fast thanks to its clean dashboard, focus on independent culture, and built-in promo tools for artists.

• Pros: 100% free forever, keeps full royalties, TikTok + streaming support
• Cons: Still new, not as well known as big distributors

2. RouteNote

Best for: Global reach with flexible payout models

RouteNote lets you choose: free distribution with 15% royalty share or a paid plan with 100% royalties. The free version covers all major platforms and YouTube Content ID.

• Pros: Forever free option, good analytics, YouTube monetization
• Cons: Long approval time, UI could improve

3. Soundrop

Best for: Cover songs and royalty splits

Soundrop makes it easy to license and upload cover songs legally, while also offering automated royalty splits. Their business model is based on a small commission rather than upfront fees.

• Pros: Cover licensing built-in, free to upload, great for collaborations
• Cons: Limited store list, slower support response

4. UnitedMasters

Best for: Artists looking for sync and branding deals

UnitedMasters is one of the only free distributors that offers sync licensing with major brands. Its clean mobile-first experience makes it a hit among hip-hop, afrobeat, and Latin artists.

• Pros: Sync deals (NBA, ESPN), mobile app, brand collabs
• Cons: 10% royalty share on the free plan

5. FreshTunes

Best for: Artists who want to keep 100% of their royalties

FreshTunes is simple, effective, and completely free. You retain 100% of your royalties and get basic analytics, with distribution to all major platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.

• Pros: 0% commission, straightforward interface, fast release times
• Cons: No cover song licensing, fewer marketing features

6. iMusician (Free Tier)

Best for: European artists who want no yearly fees

iMusician is a pay-per-release service with no subscriptions. While not entirely free, artists can release single tracks at no cost during promotional windows. It’s a decent semi-free option with EU copyright focus.

• Pros: Pay once, no ongoing cost, fair copyright management
• Cons: Limited features on free tier, extra cost for add-ons

7. Level Music

Best for: Low-volume artists and first-time distributors

Level is owned by Warner Music Group and caters to new artists with fewer than five releases per year. It’s clean, free, and ideal for testing your first drops on streaming services.

• Pros: No fees, backed by a major, simple UX
• Cons: Limited if you release music often
• 

⚠️ Not Actually Free in 2025: Amuse, DistroKid, TuneCore

Some distributors used to offer free plans, but that’s no longer the case. Amuse now requires a paid subscription even for basic distribution. DistroKid and TuneCore also charge annual fees or per-release payments. Always read the fine print before uploading.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, free music distribution is still alive—but not everywhere. Platforms like Boost Collective, RouteNote, and FreshTunes prove that independent artists can release tracks globally without breaking the bank. Just be mindful of royalty splits, feature access, and long-term control over your catalog.

Quick Comparison Table (Free Plans)

Want to drop your next track? Pick the platform that fits your release rhythm, keep ownership of your music, and let the world hear your sound—without paying a cent.