Free Music Distribution: What's Included and What It Costs
ORB's Free plan lets you try one release with no upfront distribution payment and 0% royalty commission. For never-paid Free artists, a 30-day removal countdown starts at first approval, not release day. Use this comparison to decide whether a trial or an ongoing paid plan fits your release.
Steps to distribute your music for free
Release your first song free with ORB in a few steps:
1. Sign up for the Free plan
Create your ORB account at no cost. The Free plan includes one release delivered to 150+ stores.
2. Prepare your release
Upload genuine original WAV or FLAC masters and clear square artwork (3000×3000 recommended), with accurate titles, rights and songwriter credits. MP3 files and Spotify previews cannot replace your masters.
3. Upload and select stores
Choose Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, TikTok and the rest. One submission covers every platform you pick.
4. Submit for approval and store delivery
ORB validates your metadata and approves your release within 24 hours; each store then controls processing and final availability.
5. Upgrade before the trial expires
Activate Artist or Artist Plus for 5 track credits per billing cycle, or Label & Team for 15 credits and roster tools. Royalty splits remain available on every plan. Review current quarterly-or-longer billing and buy extra credits from your Wallet when eligible.
What free distribution includes — and when to upgrade
The Free plan is a one-release trial, not permanent free distribution. Never-paid Free artists have a 30-day removal countdown from first approval, regardless of the scheduled release date. Store-controlled processing can use part of that window, so do not assume 30 days of live store availability.
You keep 100% of your streaming royalties on every plan, including Free: ORB takes 0% commission. Payment-provider charges, withdrawal fees and agreed collaborator splits are separate. A paid upgrade is for continued distribution, additional releases and eligible tools—not to remove an ORB royalty cut.
Artist and Artist Plus include 5 track credits per billing cycle; Label & Team includes 15 plus roster tools. Royalty splits are available on every plan. Each approved track uses one credit, and paid artists can buy extra credits from their Wallet. New paid subscriptions start quarterly; review the current full-cycle price before paying.
Paid subscriptions do not promise permanent distribution after cancellation. After a paid-plan lapse, catalog removal may become eligible under the 30-day inactivity and advance-notice policy. Optional funded Track Coverage is separate from ordinary extra credits and can retain covered tracks after a lapse, subject to rights and store policies.
Free vs paid plans at a glance
How ORB's plans compare for distribution:
| Feature | Free trial | Artist / Artist Plus | Label & Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track credits included | 1 one-time | 5 per billing cycle | 15 per billing cycle |
| Stores reached | 150+ | 150+ | 150+ |
| Keep 100% of royalties | Yes — 0% commission | Yes — 0% commission | Yes — 0% commission |
| Distribution duration | 30-day countdown from first approval | While subscription is active, subject to policy | While subscription is active, subject to policy |
| New paid billing | No upfront distribution payment | Quarterly minimum; see Pricing | Quarterly minimum; see Pricing |
| Royalty splits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Roster management | — | — | Yes |
| Extra credits from wallet | — | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is ORB really free to start?
- Yes. The Free trial covers one release to supported stores with no upfront distribution payment and 0% royalty commission. For never-paid Free artists, the 30-day removal countdown starts at first approval, regardless of the scheduled release date.
- What's the catch with free distribution?
- Free covers one release and is not permanent distribution. Never-paid Free releases have a 30-day countdown from first approval, not release day. Upgrade for continued distribution and additional releases; you already keep 100% of your streaming royalties on Free.
- Will my free release reach the same stores as paid?
- Yes. Your free release goes to the same 150+ platforms paid artists reach, including Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay and TikTok.
- Can I get paid from a free release?
- Yes. ORB takes 0% royalty commission on every plan, including Free. Store reports and credited earnings follow provider reporting schedules. Withdrawals have their own fees, minimums, supported destinations and verification requirements, and are processed by staff.
- What happens if I cancel my ORB subscription or it expires?
- Paid-plan catalogs may become eligible for removal after 30 days of inactivity, with advance notice for existing catalogs. Optional funded Track Coverage is separate from ordinary extra credits. Never-paid Free trial releases instead have a 30-day countdown from first approval.