RouteNote review

RouteNote is the main option for artists who want to release with no money down. RouteNote Free sends music to major streaming services with no upfront cost, unlimited artists and uploads and full access to its services, in exchange for keeping 15% of your streaming and download revenue. Premium is priced per release, single, EP, album or extended album, and pays 100% of revenue, adds fast track moderation and includes 90 days of Trends data with fan location insights, with an annual renewal fee per release. You can choose Free or Premium release by release and switch whenever you want, which suits artists testing a song before investing in it. RouteNote also handles YouTube Content ID and Facebook and Instagram monetization, and labels can ask for All Access with tailored pricing. Its Premium price loaded without a currency from our location, so we mark it as pending. The free plan's 15% cut adds up once a song finds an audience.

Who it is for

Artists who want to release without paying upfront and can accept an 85% revenue share.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending); RouteNote Free costs nothing and keeps 15% of revenue.

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• RouteNote Free with no upfront cost
• Premium per release with 100% of revenue
• Unlimited artists and uploads on both plans
• Switch plans for every release
• YouTube Content ID, Facebook and Instagram monetization

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Permanent free plan
• Strength: Unlimited artists on every plan
• Strength: Choose Free or Premium release by release
• Weakness: The free plan keeps 15% of streaming and download revenue
• Weakness: Premium releases carry an annual renewal fee
• Weakness: Trends data on Premium covers only 90 days

Key facts

• Free plan: Yes, keep 85% of revenue
• Premium: Keep 100% of revenue, priced per release
• Artists: Unlimited
• Premium renewal: Annual renewal fee per release
• Labels: All Access with custom pricing

Where it ranks

RouteNote is No. 9 in our Best Music Distribution Services verdict.