CD Baby

CD Baby is a music distribution service for independent artists that makes releases available on more than 150 streaming and download services worldwide, including Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, Amazon, Pandora, YouTube, and Deezer. It addresses the need to reach listeners across multiple platforms without recurring annual fees, charging a one-time setup fee per single or album. The company was founded in 1998 and is part of Downtown Music Holdings, now part of Virgin Music Group.

The platform includes global distribution, YouTube Content ID monetization, discovery tools such as Shazam and Jaxsta, free UPC barcodes and ISRCs, fast-pass verification on major streaming services, and access to an artist support team. Marketing tools for Spotify engagement, pre-saves, and email lists are included with an account. Additional monetization options cover video revenue on social apps, while CDB Boost adds eligibility for sync licensing revenue and publishing royalty collection. Artists retain all rights and receive weekly payments, with the service keeping 9% of digital distribution revenue.

CD Baby is designed for independent artists, producers, and rights holders at various career stages. Releases are priced per single or album with no subscription or annual fees, and the service earns revenue only when artists do.