independent music industry

How To Distribute Your Music Without A Label: Top Platforms & Strategies

A musician using the microphone at a concert

You’re an indie artist with tracks ready to hit the world—but there’s one problem. You don’t have a label to help distribute your music. Guess what? You don’t need one. In today’s digital age, distributing music independently is not just possible; it’s the norm. You’re in control of your artistry, your revenue, and your reach. Let's break down how you can take your music to the masses without a label.


Before we jump in... 


Let’s talk TikTok—the platform that’s catapulting indie artists into the spotlight. TikTok isn’t just a place to post dance videos or lip-sync songs—it’s become a launchpad for independent artists to get noticed. Pitch-Us' TikTok Campaigns are the ultimate cheat code for independent musicians who want to take their music to the next level in 2025.


This service simplifies music promotion by connecting you with influencers who align with your sound and audience. No forced ads, just organic content that resonates with listeners. TikTok has made it possible for artists like Lil Nas X and Doja Cat to go viral, and with the right campaign, you could be next.


Here’s how Pitch-Us' TikTok Campaigns can help distribute your music without a label: 

  • Boost your reach: Connect with influencers who align with your vibe and introduce your music to their dedicated followers.

  • Authentic promotion: Forget about cringy forced ads—Pitch-Us helps you create genuine content that resonates with TikTok’s audience. This kind of organic promotion can do wonders for your credibility.

  • Save time: Pitch-Us handles the heavy lifting of finding influencers and managing the campaign. You can focus on your music and let Pitch-Us take care of the rest.


Follow these steps to get a TikTok Campaign package with Pitch-Us: 

  1. Select your TikTok package from Pitch-Us based on your budget.

  2. Provide the song you want to promote.

  3. Sit back and let the TikTok magic happen.


For a more comprehensive strategy, check out how to promote your music independently in 2025Distributing music on your own means you call the shots. No middlemen eating up your profits. No creative control battles.

Top platforms to distribute your music without a label

A laptop and record player are positioned on a flat surface. Consider the top platforms to distribute your music without a record label.

These platforms make it easy to distribute your music without a label:

  1. DistroKid

  2. TuneCore

  3. CD Baby

  4. Amuse

  5. LANDR

1. DistroKid

DistroKid is a popular choice for independent musicians looking for fast and affordable distribution.


Here’s what DistroKid offers:

  • Fast and efficient uploads.

  • Artists keep 100% of their royalties.

  • Price plans starting at $22.99 per year for one artist.

2. TuneCore

TuneCore is known for its international reach, making it an excellent choice for artists aiming to distribute their music globally.


TuneCore's key features include:

  • Strong international distribution options.

  • Clear, per-release pricing.

  • Great for artists who want to sell music in multiple countries.

3. CD Baby

CD Baby is a great option for artists who release music sporadically, offering one-time fees instead of ongoing annual charges. 


CD Baby's features include: 

  • One-time fees for distribution, with no annual renewal.

  • Additional services like sync licensing, physical distribution, and more.

  • Great for artists who release fewer tracks or are new to distribution.

4. Amuse

Amuse offers free distribution, making it an attractive option for new and emerging artists. It’s designed to help you get your music out without upfront costs, and also offers:

  • Free distribution for new artists.

  • Paid plans with additional features like royalty splits.

  • A good option for artists just starting out or testing the market.

5. LANDR

LANDR is known for combining music mastering with distribution, making it an excellent all-in-one solution for artists. 


Here's what you can expect from LANDR: 

  • Offers both music mastering and distribution services.

  • Affordable pricing options for smaller artists.

  • A convenient choice for artists seeking an integrated solution for mastering and distributing their music.


Each platform offers distinct advantages, so you’ll want to evaluate your specific needs—whether it’s international distribution, royalty management, or mastering services—before deciding which one to use.

Step-by-step guide to music distribution

A woman is playing music in her kitchen. Follow this step-by-step guide to music distribution for independent musicians.

Getting your music out there is easier than you think. Follow these steps: 

  1. Choose the right distribution platform

  2. Prepare your track

  3. Design killer artwork

  4. Upload and set metadata

  5. Promote like crazy

1. Choose the right distribution platform

Pick a service based on your needs: budget, speed, and audience reach. Platforms like DistroKid are perfect for artists who want full control and fast uploads. TuneCore is ideal if you need international distribution with a more traditional approach, and CD Baby works for those who want to sell both digitally and physically.

2. Prepare your track

Ensure your track is mixed and mastered to the highest standard. Quality is everything. If your song doesn’t sound professional, listeners won’t be as inclined to engage with it. Mastering ensures your track sounds polished and professional across all listening environments.

3. Design killer artwork

Your cover art is the first thing listeners see when they come across your track. It needs to stand out. Use tools like Canva, hire a freelance designer on Fiverr, or invest in a professional graphic designer who can create a custom design that reflects your musical identity. Strong, professional artwork helps build your brand and ensures your music gets noticed.

4. Upload and set metadata

Upload your music and set your metadata. This includes your track title, artist name, genre, and release date. Double-check spelling. Mistakes in metadata, like misspelling your name or song title, can make your music harder to find on streaming platforms. Accurate metadata also helps with royalty collection.

5. Promote like crazy

Once your music is live, shout it from the rooftops. Use music marketing tools for indie artists to boost your visibility. Social media, email lists, and, of course, TikTok campaigns are your best friends. The more you promote your music, the more opportunities you create for it to be discovered. 


How to promote with TikTok Campaigns

TikTok has become the go-to platform for discovering new music. Independent artists have gone viral overnight, thanks to the right content paired with the right influencers.


Here’s how you can use Pitch-Us’ TikTok Campaigns to promote your music effectively:

  1. Sign up for a campaign. Visit the Pitch-Us website and explore our TikTok Campaign packages. Choose a package that aligns with your budget and goals. Whether you're targeting micro-influencers or big names, there’s an option for you.

  2. Submit your track. Provide your song file. Keep in mind that we only promote one song per campaign for maximum results.

  3. Let Pitch-Us handle the rest. Once you’ve provided your details, Pitch-Us connects your music with influencers who can create relatable and engaging content. Influencers will incorporate your song into their videos, making it an organic part of their storytelling.

  4. Track the results. Monitor engagement metrics like views, likes, and shares on TikTok. A single viral video can lead to thousands of streams on Spotify and other platforms.


Adding TikTok Campaigns to your promotional mix is an easy way to ensure your track gets noticed by the right audience. It’s a no-brainer for any indie artist looking to make waves.

Be in control of your music

Distributing your music without a label is all about taking control of your career, creativity, and revenue. By choosing the right platform, like DistroKid or TuneCore, you manage the technical side of distribution, while still maintaining full creative freedom. Leveraging tools like Pitch-Us’ TikTok Campaigns allows you to take your music promotion to the next level, ensuring your tracks reach the right audience through authentic, organic influencer marketing. 


The world of independent music distribution is full of opportunities—don’t miss out on the chance to chart your own path and control your artistic journey. The tools are available, and the audience is waiting. Start your music distribution journey today, promote your tracks, and get them into the hands of listeners who will love them.

Do I need to copyright my music before distributing it?

While not required, copyrighting protects your work. In the U.S., you can register through the U.S. Copyright Office.

How much does it cost to distribute music?

Platforms like Amuse offer free plans, while others like TuneCore charge per release (around $10-$50). Budget-friendly options exist for everyone.

Can I distribute music to all platforms at once?

Yes. Most distributors, like DistroKid, let you upload your music to Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and more in one go.

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