TL;DR
Is Velveteen better than Stem?
Velveteen is the better Stem alternative for artists and small labels that want open signup, transparent pricing, DSP distribution, direct-sale pages, pitching, royalty reporting, API access, and catalog tools without a service-led relationship. Stem is better evaluated as an application-based distribution platform with personalized global distribution and payment tools, with custom terms and services for rights holders that need more hands-on support.
Label tools.
Artist price.
Everything Stem charges extra for — or doesn't offer at all — comes standard. Real product, built for artists and labels running six-figure catalogs.
Vee runs your catalog
A tool-aware agent that validates metadata, pushes releases to every DSP, and answers questions about your royalties in plain English.
See every dollar, across every platform
Real-time dashboards break down earnings by DSP, track, and territory. 0% commission — you keep what you earn.
Pay collaborators automatically
Configure splits once. Producers, co-writers, and features get paid direct — no spreadsheets, no chasing.
Pitch editorial on every major DSP
Submit releases for Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and YouTube editorial — something most distributors don't offer.
FEATURE COMPARISON
See how Velveteen stacks up against Stem, feature by feature.
THE REAL COST
Artist or small label deciding between self-serve distribution and label-services support
Velveteen is the transparent self-serve option because published plans start at $19/year and DSP royalties stay at 0% commission. Stem is best evaluated as a service-led partner with custom pricing, revenue-share, or deal terms rather than as a posted-price distributor.
WHAT ARTISTS SAY
“It's been an absolute pleasure working with the Velveteen team, complete night and day experience. Highly recommend for artists looking to take their music to the next level!”
“I built Velveteen because independent artists deserve label-level tools without the label deal. Every feature exists because I needed it myself.”
FAQ
Common questions about switching from Stem to Velveteen.
Is Stem a music distributor?
Yes. Stem is positioned around music distribution and services for artists, labels, or rights holders. Velveteen is also a distributor, but it is built as an open artist and label catalog stack with direct sales, pitching, royalty reporting, and API access.
Is Velveteen cheaper than Stem?
Stem does not publish a simple self-serve price or universal revenue-share rate for comparison. Velveteen starts at $19/year for Artist and keeps DSP royalties at 0% commission, so it is the clearer option when transparent pricing matters.
Does Stem use revenue-share deals?
Stem's public positioning is service-led rather than posted-price subscription distribution. Exact terms are custom or not publicly listed, so compare Velveteen's flat pricing and 0% DSP commission against the value of Stem's hands-on services.
Should I choose Velveteen or Stem?
Choose Velveteen if you want self-serve distribution, direct-sale pages, pitching, and catalog operations with published pricing. Consider Stem if you need artists who can qualify for an application-based distributor and value stem's payment/splits workflow and are ready for a partner/client relationship.