What is a Distribution Deal?

A distribution deal is an agreement between a music creator or record label and a distribution company that handles the delivery of music to retailers, streaming platforms, and other marketplaces. The distributor ensures that the music is available on services such as streaming platforms, digital stores, and sometimes physical retail outlets.

Under a distribution deal, the artist or label typically retains ownership of the sound recordings, while the distributor manages tasks such as uploading releases, delivering music to platforms, managing metadata, and collecting revenue generated from sales and streams.

In exchange for these services, the distributor usually receives either a percentage of the revenue or a fixed fee. Distribution deals are widely used by independent artists and labels to make their music accessible worldwide without signing a traditional record label contract.