Key Features Every Music Distribution Platform Should Offer

A good music distribution platform means fair pricing, broad reach, and payments. Choose the wrong one and you get hidden fees and limited exposure.

Vocal Media outlines seven crucial features every high-quality music distributor should offer. Here’s what to look for.

Broad Distribution

A music distribution platform should put your music on all major streaming services to get maximum reach.

Where Your Music Should Be:

• Major platforms – Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Tidal;
• Regional platforms – Boomplay (Africa), Anghami (Middle East), JioSaavn (India);
• Niche services – Deezer, Audiomack, SoundCloud Pro.

MusicAlligator distributes to both major and niche platforms so you get global visibility.

Fair Pricing

Pricing varies among music distribution platforms. Some charge flat fees, and others take a percentage of royalties, which can eat into your earnings.

Pricing Models

• Flat-fee distributors – DistroKid, TuneCore, and Ditto charge an annual fee.
• Revenue-sharing models – CD Baby, RouteNote Free take a percentage of earnings.
• Pay-per-release services – MusicAlligator lets you pay per release and keep 100% of earnings.

If you don’t release often, pay-per-release models save you money in the long run.

Playlist and Marketing Support

Getting on streaming platforms is just the first step. A quality music distribution platform should also help increase exposure.

Essential Features

• Playlist pitching. Helps artists get on curated playlists.
• Pre-save links. Allows fans to save songs before release.
• Marketing tools. Social media integrations for better reach.

MusicAlligator has playlist pitching and pre-save campaigns to help you engage your audience before and after release.

Fast and Transparent Payouts

Artists should get quick and clear access to earnings. Some music distribution platforms delay payments or have high withdrawal limits.

What to Look for in Payout Systems

• Regular payouts. Some distributors delay payments for up to 90 days.
• No high withdrawal limits. Some require at least $50-$100 before withdrawing.
• Detailed earnings breakdown. MusicAlligator provides clear payout reports with no hidden fees.

Choose a distributor that provides timely and transparent payments.

Advanced Analytics

A good music distribution platform should have analytics so artists can track and adjust.

Key Features

• Listener demographics. Age, location and engagement trends.
• Streaming performance. Which platforms generate the most plays.
• Playlist tracking. How playlist placements affect streams.

MusicAlligator has deep analytics so you can make informed decisions about your music.

Customer Support

Even the best platforms have issues. A music distribution platform should have fast support.

What Good Support Looks Like

• Quick response times. Delayed support can impact releases.
• Multiple contact options. Email, live chat, and phone support.
• Artist assistance. Music promotion and distribution guidance.

MusicAlligator has responsive support, so you get help when you need it.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Music Distribution Platform

A quality music distribution platform should have:

• Broad reach;
• Fair pricing;
• Playlist and marketing tools;
• Fast, transparent payouts;
• Reliable customer support.

For independent artists who want total control over earnings and distribution, MusicAlligator is the best. It has pay-per-release pricing, 100% royalty retention, and strong promotional tools so your music can reach its full potential.