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CD Baby Complete Guide 2026: One-Time Fee Distribution

💼 Music Business ⏱️ 9 min read 📅 January 2026

What is CD Baby?

CD Baby is one of the most established and respected digital music distributors in the world. Unlike DistroKid and TuneCore, which operate on an annual subscription basis, CD Baby famously uses a per-release pricing model. You pay once for a single or an album, and your music stays on streaming platforms forever—no recurring annual fees required.

Pricing in 2026

CD Baby has simplified their pricing over the years to stay competitive.

1. Standard Distribution

  • Single: $9.95 (one-time fee).
  • Album: $29.00 (one-time fee).
  • Features: Distribution to all major platforms, social media monetization, and worldwide publishing royalty collection (optional).

2. Pro Distribution

  • Single Pro: $29.95 (one-time fee).
  • Album Pro: $49.00 (one-time fee).
  • Features: Adds mechanical royalty collection and registration with Performance Rights Organizations (PROs).
Crucial Note: CD Baby takes a 9% commission on your digital streaming royalties. This is the trade-off for not having to pay an annual subscription.

Why Choose CD Baby?

  • No Annual Fees: If you stop making music for three years, your albums will remain on Spotify and Apple Music. With DistroKid, they would be removed if you stopped paying your annual fee.
  • Physical Distribution: CD Baby still helps artists sell physical CDs and Vinyl, a service many digital-only distributors don't offer.
  • Sync Licensing: They have a robust licensing department that actively pitches music for TV, films, and commercials.
  • CDB Boost: A program that helps you collect performance royalties from SoundExchange and other global sources.

The Mathematics of CD Baby vs. DistroKid

Which is cheaper for you? It depends on your release volume.

  • If you release 10 singles a year: DistroKid's $22.99 fee is much cheaper than paying CD Baby $99.50.
  • If you release 1 album every 3 years: CD Baby's $29.00 one-time fee is much cheaper than paying DistroKid $68.97 over those three years.

Conclusion: Who is it for?

CD Baby is the perfect choice for legacy artists, occasional release-makers, and bands who want to ensure their music stays live indefinitely without having to maintain a monthly or annual subscription. If you want a "set it and forget it" distribution experience, CD Baby is your best bet.

Further Reading