The UK music distribution market in 2026 is crowded with services that look similar on the surface but differ significantly in royalty rates, metadata handling, label-tier features, and support quality. This guide compares the main options for independent UK artists and labels.
What this covers
A comparison of the main digital music distribution services available to UK independent artists and record labels in 2026. We evaluate each on royalty structure, metadata quality, platform reach, label-tier features, customer support, and UK-specific considerations.
Who this is for
Independent UK artists releasing their own music, small to mid-size independent UK labels managing multiple artists, and managers or label services companies evaluating distribution partners. The right choice differs depending on catalogue size, release frequency, and whether you need label-tier functionality (ISRC registry, custom label name, multi-artist management).
What to evaluate in a distributor
Before comparing specific services, these are the criteria that matter most for UK artists:
- Royalty rate: what percentage of net revenue you receive. 100% distributors charge an annual fee instead of a commission; commission-based distributors take a percentage of every payment.
- ISRC handling: does the distributor assign ISRCs automatically, or can you bring your own? Can you reuse ISRCs if you switch distributors?
- Metadata standards: does the distributor deliver your metadata in a DDEX-compliant format? Poor metadata is the leading cause of royalty misattribution.
- Platform reach: all major distributors cover Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube. Differences appear in TikTok, Boomplay, Audiomack, and regional platforms relevant to Caribbean, African, and South Asian audiences.
- Label features: sublabel management, multi-artist accounts, custom label name, and royalty splitting between collaborators.
- UK-specific support: do they understand PRS/MCPS interaction? Do they provide UK VAT-compliant invoices?
DistroKid
DistroKid is the most widely used DIY distributor globally. It passes 100% of royalties to artists and charges an annual subscription (starting at around £19.99/year). Releases go live quickly (typically 24 to 48 hours). Its weaknesses for UK labels are the lack of advanced label-tier features in base plans and historically weak metadata standards — DDEX compliance has improved but remains below specialist distributors. Support is primarily ticket-based with no dedicated account management. Best for: solo artists releasing frequently who prioritise speed and low cost.
TuneCore
TuneCore charges per release (around £9.99 per single, £29.99 per album annually) and passes 100% of royalties. It has stronger label features than DistroKid in its label plan tier, including multi-artist management and publishing administration add-ons. Metadata quality is generally solid. TuneCore's parent company is Believe, one of the largest independent label services groups in the world, which gives it strong platform relationships. Best for: UK independent labels wanting reliable delivery with decent label-tier tools.
Ditto Music
Ditto is a UK-founded distributor (now operating globally) with plans starting at £19/year for unlimited releases and 100% royalties. Ditto has strong UK brand recognition and decent platform coverage. Its label plan includes custom label branding and multi-artist management. Metadata standards are competent. Support quality is variable — solid for standard releases, slower for complex queries. Best for: UK artists who want a UK-headquartered distributor and straightforward unlimited release pricing.
Amuse
Amuse offers a free tier with slower delivery and a Pro tier (around £24.99/year) with priority distribution and 100% royalties. The free tier passes 100% royalties but lacks the speed and metadata controls of paid tiers. Amuse has a scouting function that flags commercially promising tracks to their A&R team. Best for: artists in the early stages who want free distribution with an upgrade path.
AudioSalad
AudioSalad is a UK-based B2B distributor operating at the label and aggregator tier, not directly for individual artists. It delivers DDEX-compliant metadata, supports complex catalogue structures, and offers white-label distribution for label services companies. AudioSalad is not the right choice for individual artists — it is the infrastructure layer that powers several UK label services businesses. Best for: independent labels with 50+ releases per year requiring enterprise-grade metadata and delivery.
Kudos Distribution
Kudos is a UK-based independent distributor with physical and digital distribution. It is particularly strong for UK independent labels releasing physical product (vinyl, CD) alongside digital. Kudos has deep relationships with UK independent record shops and the mainstream physical retail network. Best for: UK indie labels with a physical release strategy alongside digital.
Which distributor is right for you?
Solo artist, low budget, high release frequency: DistroKid or Amuse Pro. UK indie label with multiple artists, moderate catalogue: Ditto label plan or TuneCore label. Label with 50+ releases, complex metadata requirements, DDEX-compliance needed: AudioSalad via a label services partner. Label with physical distribution needs: Kudos. If metadata quality and royalty maximisation are your primary concerns, pairing any distributor with a publishing administrator who audits your metadata before delivery is more valuable than any choice of distributor alone.
Code Group Music offers digital distribution as part of its label services package, with metadata auditing built into the release process. Start with a catalog assessment at codegroupmusic.co.uk/#catalog-assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch distributors without losing my streams?
Yes, if you bring your own ISRCs. When you re-deliver a release with the same ISRC through a new distributor, platforms can attribute historical streams to the new delivery. This requires the original distributor to remove the release first. See our guide on switching distributors for the full process.
Do UK distributors handle PRS and MCPS?
Distribution and publishing are separate. Distributors deliver your music to streaming platforms and collect master recording income. PRS and MCPS collect composition royalties. Most distributors do not handle PRS registration — that is either done by you directly or by a publishing administrator.
What is a white-label distributor?
A white-label distributor provides distribution infrastructure under another company's brand. Label services companies often use white-label distributors like AudioSalad to power their distribution offering under their own name.
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