13/08/2025
1. Fake “Major Label” or “Industry Connect” Distributors
📌 The Scam: Someone claims they have direct ties to Sony, Universal, or Warner and will get your music “signed” or “playlisted” for a large upfront fee.
📌 The Reality: Legit distributors don’t need big upfront “connections” fees. Playlist or label access isn’t sold like a ticket.
📌 Avoid: Research the person/company. If they can’t provide verifiable releases they’ve handled for other artists, walk away.
2. “Guaranteed Streams” or “Guaranteed Playlist” Services
📌 The Scam: Distributor promises your music will be added to top playlists or get a set number of streams for a fee. Often these streams are from bots or click farms.
📌 The Reality: Fake streams can get your music removed and your distributor account banned.
📌 Avoid: Stick with organic playlist pitching and verified platforms. No legitimate distributor can guarantee a certain number of streams.
3. High Upfront Fees with No Clear Services
📌 The Scam: Some companies charge $200–$1,000 to “upload your song worldwide” but deliver nothing beyond a basic distribution that costs $20–$40 elsewhere.
📌 The Reality: Standard distribution is affordable; expensive “premium” uploads are often just rebranded basic services.
📌 Avoid: Compare rates with reputable distributors (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, Audiocano, etc.) before paying.
4. Royalty Withholding or Non-Transparent Reporting
📌 The Scam: Distributor keeps your earnings, delays payments for months (or years), or never provides clear royalty statements.
📌 The Reality: Legit distributors have regular payout schedules and transparent dashboards.
📌 Avoid: Check if they give you real-time reporting and have a clear payout policy before signing up.
