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CD Baby vs IndieMassive

Head-to-head comparison of pricing, features, and value

Quick Verdict

Best for 1 release/year
CD Baby
$9.99/year
Best for 5 releases/year
IndieMassive
$39.99/year
Best for 10 releases/year
IndieMassive
$39.99/year

Feature Comparison

CD Baby

Music distribution since 1998

Pricing Model
pay per-release
$10/release
Revenue Split
9% taken
Platforms
150+
Distribution Speed
moderate
Support Quality
poor
Publishing Admin
Available (add-on)
39.99
PitchPlus Rating
4.4/10

IndieMassive

Pricing Model
subscription
$40/year
Revenue Split
0% taken
Platforms
150+
Distribution Speed
fast
Support Quality
good
Publishing Admin
✗ Not Available
PitchPlus Rating
9.1/10

Cost Breakdown by Release Frequency

1 Release per Year

Occasional artist, testing the waters

CD Baby
$9.99
✓ Better value
IndieMassive
$39.99

5 Releases per Year

Regular release schedule

CD Baby
$49.95
IndieMassive
$39.99
✓ Better value

10 Releases per Year

Frequent releases, prolific artist

CD Baby
$99.90
IndieMassive
$39.99
✓ Better value

Pros & Cons

✓ CD Baby Pros

  • +Publishing administration available
  • +YouTube Content ID included
  • +Wide distribution (150+ platforms)
  • +Open to all artists (no application required)

âš  CD Baby Cons

  • -High commission on YouTube/Social Video (30%)
  • -Sync commission is very high (40%)
  • -Customer support reports of long wait times and bot reliance
  • -9% commission on revenue
  • -Limited or slow customer support

✓ IndieMassive Pros

  • +Keep 100% of your royalties
  • +Transparent pricing with minimal hidden fees
  • +YouTube Content ID included
  • +Fast distribution speed
  • +Wide distribution (150+ platforms)
  • +Quality customer support
  • +Open to all artists (no application required)

âš  IndieMassive Cons

  • -Marketing emphasizes 'Active Network on Spotify' (playlist pitching), which guarantees 'consideration' but not placement
  • -Newer to the public DIY space (formerly boutique/label services only)
  • -Strict content guidelines regarding 'quality' and 'originality' due to boutique roots
  • -High payment threshold ($50)

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CD Baby vs IndieMassive: Detailed Comparison

Choosing between CD Baby and IndieMassive depends on your release frequency and priorities. CD Baby uses a pay per-release pricing model, while IndieMassive operates on a subscription basis.

For occasional artists releasing 1-2 songs per year, CD Baby offers better value at $9.99 per year. However, frequent releasers with 10+ songs annually will find IndieMassive more cost-effective at $39.99 per year. Consider your support needs, distribution speed requirements, and publishing administration options when making your decision.