How to Get Your Songs On iTunes and Spotify for Free (2026)

One of the best ways to get your songs on Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon is to use a music distributor that can upload them to all the big sites in one go. You don’t have to be signed to a record label to get your songs on the bigger music stores and streaming services online.

This definitely has its benefits. You don’t have to be tied up in the nest of confusion and license disputes that can occur from being part of a record label. Also, if you are good at getting many streams for your music, you get to keep the vast majority of your royalties from it!

Some of these services do not require an upfront fee. Most platforms will take a small percentage of the money you make by selling and streaming your tunes, particularly if you are on a ‘free’ plan. On the other hand, some platforms charge a subscription or a fee per track, so it’s worth separating the genuinely free options from the paid alternatives.

Free and Paid Music Distribution Services At a Glance

• Music distributors simplify getting songs on major platforms like Spotify and iTunes without the need for a record label.
• Some services offer free song uploads and take a percentage of earnings; others charge upfront.
• Notable options include RouteNote, Amuse, Stem, Soundrop, Music Gateway, TuneCore, and LANDR.
• RouteNote is beginner-friendly, with straightforward distribution to Spotify and iTunes.
• Amuse now requires a paid distribution plan and may offer separate artist services.
• Stem requires an application and lists a 10% distribution fee in its standard terms, with tools for paying contributors.
• Soundrop specializes in licensing cover songs and offers distribution with a standard fee.

RouteNote

When someone mentions free music distribution, RouteNote usually comes first to my mind. If you are a beginner, this is the right place for you. The best thing about this platform is its simplicity of use. With just a few clicks, you can start with uploading. It can’t go simpler than that. Distribution isn’t spectacular, but it’s definitely good enough for beginners.

RouteNote distributes your music to a lot of online stores and platforms, which should be more than enough for you as a starter. Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, and other global services are included as well.

RouteNote is perfect for those with a tight budget. Uploading songs are completely free, as well as distribution. However, once your music starts selling, you can count on 15% of a commission fee. If this sounds too high for you, its Premium option lets you keep 100% of the distribution revenue, with an upfront fee and a $9.99 annual renewal per release.

Unless you already have a large following, our advice would be to start with the first option and then later switch to the premium distribution once you start getting more and more streams. However, if you have a lot of releases with large streaming numbers, it might be better to go for distribution with a flat monthly fee.

Amuse

Amuse is the company that definitely stands out from the crowd, thanks to its interesting business model. However, it no longer offers free distribution. You now need a paid plan to release music, so this is an alternative to compare if you can budget for a subscription.

So, what’s the catch with Amuse? The company offers distribution alongside artist services, but uploading your music is not a promise of a record deal. You can release music independently through its paid plans, and any offer of funding or extra support needs to be considered separately.

If you receive a separate offer, the company may help with promotion, financing, or developing future projects. Read the terms before signing: the royalty share depends on the agreement, rather than a fixed 50/50 split for everyone. For distribution alone, check the plan details too, as Content ID and collaborator splits can have their own fees.

Stem

Stem is an application-based service rather than an open free-upload platform. Its standard terms list a 10% distribution fee unless a different rate is agreed in writing. Check your own offer before deciding whether it suits your releases.

From the financial side, there are some practical benefits that you can count on. The biggest one is that all the parties involved in the song-making process can earn directly from the platform.

This means not just songwriters but also producers, performers, etc. The whole process is very simple. Everyone involved in your music signs up to the platform, and then you must determine who gets what. Once the share is determined, everyone gets his percentage once the money starts to come. Sounds pretty convenient, for sure.

Soundrop

Compared to the services listed above, this one is slightly different. Soundrop is a company that has been specialized in licensing cover songs.

Making a cover of some popular song is definitely a great way to start your career. We have seen so many artists that have been launched into orbit thanks to their amazing covers. However, covering a song is a little bit more complicated these days. You need the right permissions for the song you’re recording, and a cover license does not let you use someone else’s original recording or make any changes you want.

Soundrop can handle licensing for eligible cover songs. Its pricing page lists $4.99 per track, including cover licensing. That does not mean you can cover anything: samples, remixes, and major lyric or melody changes need separate permissions.

This platform also allows you to distribute your own music. Original tracks also cost $4.99 each to distribute, and the service takes 15% of the revenue your music earns. There is no annual distribution fee.

Music Gateway (check availability)

Music Gateway has offered a multifaceted approach to music distribution that extends beyond the basics of online distribution. Alongside releases to platforms such as Spotify and iTunes, its appeal has been a wider suite of music-career services.

In addition to distribution, Music Gateway has advertised solutions for music publishing, licensing, promotion, and mastering, making it an appealing option for artists seeking an all-in-one platform to manage their music career.

It’s essential to consider your specific needs and budget when choosing Music Gateway. We could not verify its current distribution plans because the official website was returning errors when checked in October 2026. The old five-free-tracks allowance and 20% revenue share should not be relied on without confirmation.

For prolific artists who want to upload regularly, check that new releases are being accepted and ask for the current pricing before paying. The previously quoted $22 monthly plan may no longer apply. RouteNote is a verified free-upfront option elsewhere on this list if you need to get started now.

In summary, if you’re seeking a comprehensive platform to handle multiple aspects of your music career beyond distribution, confirm Music Gateway’s availability and terms first. For now, compare the other options rather than choosing it on the strength of its old pricing.

Notable Mentions

TuneCore

Tunecore is a user-friendly music distribution platform that empowers independent artists to release their music globally while retaining 100% of their royalties. It offers a comprehensive suite of distribution and publishing services, with paid plans for releases to Spotify and iTunes. Social-platform monetization has a separate revenue share, so check the plan details.

Freshtunes

Freshtunes is a straightforward music distribution platform designed for artists looking to release their music hassle-free. Its free tier offers unlimited distribution while letting you keep your rights and royalties, with an optional Pro upgrade for extras such as priority support.

AWAL

AWAL, or Artists Without A Label, offers an artist-centric approach to music distribution. Beyond distribution, it provides data-driven insights and marketing support through an application-based service to help independent artists make informed decisions and grow their careers.

LANDR

LANDR, originally known for its AI-driven mastering, now offers cost-effective music distribution services. With their platform, artists can easily distribute their music to popular streaming platforms and online stores, expanding their reach. Although LANDR is not totally free like other choices on the list, LANDR’s competitive pricing structure makes it an attractive choice for independent musicians seeking a seamless and budget-friendly way to share their music with a global audience.

Summary

Using a music distributor that may upload your songs to all of the major sites at once is one of the most effective methods to get them on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and others. To be featured on the most popular music stores and streaming services online, you don’t need to be signed to a record label.

These are some of the platforms that offer the easiest and cheapest music distribution. As you can see, some offer free uploads with a revenue share, while others charge a subscription or a per-track fee. Which one to choose, it’s up to you.

If avoiding an upfront fee is your priority, RouteNote is a good starting point; compare the paid and application-based options when your needs grow. Of course, you can try to distribute the music on your own, but it will require a lot of effort, and it will definitely take a lot of time, which can be spent on something much more creative.