Which music distribution site is the best in Nigeria?
The best music distribution platforms for Nigerian artists are TuneCore, CD Baby, and RouteNote. These platforms are reliable, widely accepted by major streaming services, and suitable for Nigerian artists based on payout structure, accessibility, and global reach. The best option depends on your career stage, budget, and long-term goals.
This discussion connects directly to how artists earn money from music, which I explained fully here:
How musicians make money in Nigeria.
What a good music distributor should do for Nigerian artists
Before choosing any distribution platform, it’s important to understand what a distributor is meant to handle.
A good music distributor should:
- Deliver your music to major streaming platforms
- Collect and pay out streaming royalties
- Provide transparent reporting
- Allow Nigerian artists to receive payments easily
If any platform fails in these areas, it becomes a problem regardless of how popular it is.
TuneCore for Nigerian artists
TuneCore is one of the most popular distribution platforms globally, and it works well for Nigerian artists who release music consistently.
What I like about TuneCore:
- Artists keep 100% of their royalties
- Strong reporting and analytics
- Wide platform delivery including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Audiomack
The downside is that TuneCore operates on a yearly subscription model, which may not be ideal for artists who release music occasionally.
TuneCore is best suited for artists who see music as a long-term business.
CD Baby for Nigerian artists
CD Baby is another solid option, especially for artists who don’t want yearly subscriptions.
Why many Nigerian artists choose CD Baby:
- One-time payment per release
- Global royalty collection
- Strong reputation and longevity
CD Baby takes a percentage from royalties, but for artists who release less frequently, this trade-off is often worth it.
CD Baby is ideal for artists who prefer simplicity and fewer recurring costs.
RouteNote for Nigerian artists
RouteNote has become popular among Nigerian artists because it offers both free and paid distribution models.
What makes RouteNote attractive:
- No upfront cost on the free plan
- Access to major streaming platforms
- Flexible upgrade options
The free plan takes a percentage of royalties, while the premium plan allows artists to keep 100%.
RouteNote is suitable for upcoming artists testing the waters or artists with limited budgets.
Which platform pays Nigerian artists better?
It’s important to be clear here: distributors don’t decide how much streaming platforms pay. They only pass earnings through after taking their agreed share.
Streaming payouts depend more on:
- Streaming platform
- Listener location
- Subscription vs ad-based streams
I explained how streaming royalties work in detail here:
Music streaming royalties explained for Nigerian artists.
Why Nigerian artists earn differently on the same distributor
Two artists using the same distributor can earn very different amounts.
This usually depends on:
- Audience location
- Number of streams
- Playlist placements
- Consistency of releases
I discussed this in detail here:
Why Nigerian artists earn differently on streaming platforms.
Independent artists vs label artists and distribution
Independent artists usually choose distributors directly, while label artists often have distribution handled for them.
Independent artists benefit more from understanding distribution choices because it affects how much they keep from their music.
This connects with how income is split, which I explained here:
Independent artists vs label artists on streaming income.
Common mistakes Nigerian artists make with distribution
Some mistakes I see often include:
- Choosing distributors without understanding fees
- Uploading music without proper metadata
- Ignoring royalty reports
- Expecting instant income from streams
This is why distribution education matters just as much as music promotion.
Distribution alone does not guarantee money
Distribution only places your music on platforms. Income still depends on promotion, audience growth, and consistency.
This is why many artists realize that streams alone don’t always translate to money, which I explained here:
Why streams don’t always mean money for Nigerian artists.
So which one should you choose?
If you release music regularly and want full control, TuneCore is a strong option.
If you want a one-time payment model, CD Baby works well.
If you’re just starting out or testing distribution, RouteNote is a good entry point.
The best distributor is the one that fits your current stage, not just the most popular name.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right music distribution platform is one of the most important decisions a Nigerian artist can make. It affects how your music reaches listeners and how your money comes back to you.
If you’re unsure which option is best for your music or you want professional guidance, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Need help with music distribution?
If you’re a Nigerian artist looking to distribute your music properly on platforms like TuneCore, CD Baby, or RouteNote, you can contact us at Taculia Records for guidance and music distribution support. We help artists choose the right distribution path and avoid costly mistakes.
