Why choose LightSound
over other distributors?
Not all music distributors work the same way. Whether you're comparing Distrokid, TuneCore, Amuse or CDBaby - pricing, business models and what's truly included make all the difference, especially in the long run.
The comparison, feature by feature
Each column shows what individual distributors actually offer. Data verified on each distributor's base/standard plan.
| Feature | DistroKid $22.99/year | TuneCore $29.99/release | CDBaby $9.95/single | Amuse Free / $24.99+ | Too Lost $20/year | RouteNote Free / 15% | LightSound from €3.74/mo Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royalties withheldon your music | 0%bank fee on some stores | 0% | 9%fixed commission | 0–15%0% only on Pro plan | 0% | 0–15%0% only on Premium | 0%100% to you, always |
| Pricing model | Annual fee | Per release | One-time + % | Free limited / Pro | Annual fee | Free with % / Premium | Flat subscription |
| Unlimited releases | ✓ | Pay per release | Pay per release | Limited on Free | ✓ | ✓ | ✓always included |
| Artist profilesmultiple primary artists | 1 included, extra $ | 1 per account | ✓ | 1 on Free | ✓ | ✓ | Unlimited |
| AI toolspitch, cover art, editorial plan | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓LightSound Copilot |
| Link in bio / smart linkartist page with pre-save | HyperFollow (basic) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓Light Tree included |
| Customer support | Email/bot only | Ticket, slow | Email ticket | Bot only | Ticket | Human, direct | |
| YouTube Content ID | Extra $4.99/year | Paid add-on | ✓ | Pro plan only | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic pre-save | ✓ | Limited | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Catalogue transfer | Self-service | Unassisted | Not supported | Unassisted | Self-service | Self-service | Assisted and free |
| Feature | DistroKid $22.99/year | LightSound from €3.74/mo Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Royalties withheld | 0%bank fee on some stores | 0%100% to you, always |
| Pricing model | Annual fee | Flat subscription |
| Unlimited releases | ✓ | ✓always included |
| Artist profiles | 1 included, extra $ | Unlimited |
| AI tools | ✗ | ✓LightSound Copilot |
| Link in bio / smart link | HyperFollow (basic) | ✓Light Tree included |
| Customer support | Email/bot only | Human, direct |
| YouTube Content ID | Extra $4.99/year | ✓ |
| Automatic pre-save | ✓ | ✓ |
| Catalogue transfer | Self-service | Assisted and free |
Data based on each distributor's standard/base plans as of July 2025. LightSound reserves the right to update this information.
Six concrete reasons
Here's why hundreds of artists are switching to LightSound.
The fairest price on the market
At €3.74/month (biennial plan) you get everything included: unlimited distribution, Copilot AI, Light Tree, ISRC, UPC and support. No extras, ever.
AI included by default
LightSound Copilot generates editorial pitches for Spotify, cover art and release plans with AI. You won't find anything like it elsewhere, included in the plan.
Real human support
We're an Italian startup. The team responds, understands the market and follows you as a partner - not as a number in a queue.
Light Tree included
Every LightSound artist automatically receives a personal link page on lsme.link. Zero extra subscriptions, zero extra configuration.
No future surprise costs
All new stores and features we add are included in your existing plan. We never ask you for anything extra for new additions.
Analytics in one place
Spotify, Apple Music and all stores: all statistics brought together in a clear dashboard. No more logging into five different sites every time.
Dedicated comparisons
Dive deeper into head-to-head comparisons with each competitor.
Try LightSound free for 3 months
No charge for 3 months. Distribute immediately to Spotify, Apple Music and 100+ stores.