Catalog
Distributor Comparison Calculator
Compare flat-fee, commission, and label-service distribution models against your release plan.
Catalog
Tool inputs
Generated output
Distributor Fit
Best fit: label-service distributor
- Estimated annual streaming revenue: $350.
- 6 releases per year changes whether annual pricing is efficient.
- Pitching support is a real buying criterion.
- Team and split tools matter for collaborator-heavy catalogs.
Next best move
Velveteen handles distribution, release validation, royalties, and label-style pitching in one workflow. Use this result to tighten the release, then move it into a real distribution plan.
Frequently asked questions
How do flat-fee and commission distributors differ?+
A flat-fee distributor charges a yearly amount and lets you keep close to all of your royalties. A commission distributor takes a percentage of every payout instead. Flat fees favor frequent releasers, while commission can cost more as your streams grow.
What is a label-services deal?+
A middle option between pure DIY distribution and a full label deal. You keep ownership but pay a revenue share, often 15 to 30 percent, for added support like pitching, marketing, and team tools. It fits artists who want help without giving up their masters.
Which model is cheapest for me?+
It depends on your release volume and streaming income. A frequent releaser with steady streams usually saves on a flat fee, while a low-volume artist may prefer paying only when they earn. This tool models all three against your own numbers.
Does this need an account?+
No. It calculates in your browser, stores nothing on a server, and needs no signup.
Related guides
All guidesPillar guide
Label Services vs DIY Distribution
A distribution deal delivers your music to streaming services for a flat fee, and you keep 100% of your masters and 86 to 100% of royalties.
Guide
What a Record Label Does That
A distributor delivers your music to streaming services and collects royalties.
Guide
Distribution Deal vs Label Services Deal
Three deal types differ on one axis above all: who owns your masters.
Guide
How to Evaluate a Label Services
Read four things before you sign a label services offer: the revenue split (15% is the modal cut, higher tiers run 20 to 30%), the term and whether it's exclusive, whether the advance is recoupable, and who keeps the masters.