CD Baby uses one-time per-release setup pricing. NORTH. charges $0 upfront and supports unlimited uploads plus advanced distribution tools including splits, Content ID, analytics, royalty reporting and catalog management.
Run releases, rights, royalties and catalog operations from one distribution platform.
Price matters, but the platform around your catalog matters too. NORTH. is built to handle the full distribution workflow from upload through royalty operations.
The core economic differences, without hiding the tradeoff behind a giant feature list.
| Category | NORTH. | CD Baby |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront distribution cost | $0 upfront | $9.99 per single or $14.99 per album |
| Upload volume | Unlimited uploads and releases | One-time fee per release with no recurring subscription required for the account |
| Distribution revenue model | 85% of Net Receipts to you | CD Baby lists a 9% commission on download and streaming revenue |
| Catalog reach | 100+ distribution destinations | 150+ streaming and download services |
| Annual distribution subscription | None | One-time fee per release with no recurring subscription required for the account |
| Master ownership | 100% stays with you | Review CD Baby’s current terms |
| Best fit | Artists and labels that want unlimited releases and advanced catalog operations without per-release setup charges. | Artists with a smaller release schedule who prefer a one-time per-release payment model. |
Competitor source: CD Baby pricing help center.
Competitor pricing and plan terms can change. This comparison was reviewed on October 21, 2026; verify current terms with each distributor before moving a catalog.
NORTH. is designed for the work that happens after upload too: ownership, delivery, splits, monetization, reporting and catalog management.
NORTH. does not add another setup charge every time you submit an eligible release, making it easier to run a higher-volume artist or label catalog.
CD Baby’s one-time release pricing can appeal to artists who dislike annual subscriptions and release infrequently.
Artists with a smaller release schedule who prefer a one-time per-release payment model.
NORTH. keeps metadata, delivery status, analytics, royalties and split operations connected to the same catalog workflow.
Build and distribute as much as your catalog needs. NORTH. charges $0 upfront and retains a 15% distribution commission on Net Receipts.
For independent artists and labels that want serious distribution infrastructure without an annual distribution plan.
The questions that matter before putting your catalog somewhere.
NORTH. is built as an advanced distribution platform, not just an upload pipe. It includes unlimited uploads and releases, royalty splits, YouTube Content ID, advanced analytics and royalty reporting, artist and label catalog management, delivery tracking and distribution to 100+ destinations with $0 upfront.
Yes. NORTH. supports unlimited uploads and releases, royalty splits and YouTube Content ID as part of its advanced distribution workflow.
The pricing models are different. NORTH. is $0 upfront, has no annual distribution subscription and pays artists 85% of Net Receipts attributable to distributed content. CD Baby currently lists $9.99 per single or $14.99 per album. Which model costs less depends on the catalog and its earnings.
Yes. NORTH. distribution is non-exclusive and artists keep 100% ownership of their masters.
Artists and labels that want unlimited releases and advanced catalog operations without per-release setup charges.
Compare pricing, release models and the platform surrounding your catalog.
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NORTH. is not affiliated with CD Baby or the other companies named on this page. Competitor names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Comparisons are based on publicly available information and are provided for informational purposes.
Stop choosing between release volume and advanced catalog infrastructure.
