A veteran independent distributor with no annual fees - pay once per release and CD Baby keeps a 9% commission on royalties.
CD Baby is a music distributor where anyone can register to start earning, and the work can be done remotely. Fees are $9.99/single one-time + 9% of revenue and you can withdraw via Bank transfer and PayPal. Founded in 1998, CD Baby is based in Portland, United States. It is available worldwide.
Last updated
What people actually earn on CD Baby
Figures published by CD Baby or by independent studies and surveys, as dated. Individual earnings vary widely.
Can I join CD Baby?
One-time $9.99 per single or $14.99 per album, payout within 15 business days of hitting your $25 default threshold, W-9 or W-8 required.
Official requirements ↗ · Check which platforms you can join →
How CD Baby compares
- Founded in 1998, CD Baby has been running for about 28 years — longer than 10 of the 11 music distribution platforms we track with a known launch year.
Compared with the music distribution platforms in our directory. See them all →
Is CD Baby legit?
CD Baby is a real, operating platform. What we could verify:
- Operating since 1998 (28 years)
- Headquartered in Portland, United States
- Has a Wikipedia article
Listing last updated September 2026 · how we verify platforms · Missing or out of date? Tell us
Guides
No step-by-step guide for CD Baby yet. Browse all guides or find the right way to earn for you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does CD Baby charge?
CD Baby fees: $9.99/single one-time + 9% of revenue. On a $100 payment that leaves you about $91, before withdrawal or conversion costs.
How do you get paid on CD Baby?
CD Baby pays out via Bank transfer and PayPal.
Which countries is CD Baby available in?
Worldwide.
How much do people earn on CD Baby?
CD Baby says it has paid over $1 billion to independent artists since 1998. CD Baby reported paying out $80 million to independent artists in 2017, according to Billboard as cited by Wikipedia. Individual earnings vary widely.
Is CD Baby legit?
Yes, CD Baby is a real, operating platform: operating since 1998 (28 years), headquartered in Portland, United States and has a Wikipedia article. As with any platform, check its current terms before relying on it for income.
What are the best CD Baby alternatives?
Similar platforms include Soundstripe, DistroKid, TuneCore and Ditto Music. Compare their fees and payouts in the alternatives section below.
Compare CD Baby with…
CD Baby alternatives
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