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Ditto Review

Monday, October 14th

2024 Music Publishing Company Reviews

Ditto Review 4.5 Star Rating

Ditto

4.5 Star Rating
  • Prices from $19 to $29 a year for independent musicians
  • Prices from $69 to $299 a year for labels
  • Royalty publishing for $39
  • Artists get 90% of royalties
  • Holds a world record
  • International distribution network
  • 100+ music partnerships

Established in 2005, Ditto Music was brought into being by its founders Lee and Matt Parsons. With headquarters in Liverpool, England, and an additional presence in Nashville, TN, Ditto Music offers a distinctive range of services encompassing record label assistance and digital distribution. The company serves a global community of over 50,000 artists and 6,000 labels, and Ditto has secured an impressive tally of 11 UK Top 40 hits. This success has earned them accolades, including a notable mention in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Widespread outreach

Ditto presents a distinctive framework allowing both individual artists and labels to benefit from its services. The advantages of choosing Ditto encompass widespread outreach options with prominent platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, TikTok, Instagram, Tidal, Deezer. They also support an array of emerging and international music stores spanning regions like Asia, Africa, and South America.

Standout features

On top of that, Ditto offers continuous expansion of their network, so they're always adding new streams for you to make revenue. Among the standout features offered by Ditto are provisions for collaborator splits, an inclusive Ditto Music Publishing service that aids in accruing royalties from diverse sources, and an automatic SmartLink accompanying each release, simplifying the process of streaming tracks from various platforms.

Clean UI with info at your fingertips

Ditto Music excels as a user-friendly platform even for beginners. One noteworthy aspect is their pre-release capabilities, allowing artists access to chart services and trending reports from major streaming platforms like Spotify on an hourly basis. For independent artists, real-time updates on song performance across multiple fronts, including sales trends, and record sales are available at a glance. You can also track both earnings and royalties, even offering analytical reports for sales overview. The platform's modern UI and clean interface contribute to its user-friendliness, making navigation intuitive and easy to grasp.

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Plans for artists and labels

Since Ditto is based in London, it's no surprise that the pricing is listed in British Pounds. So, keep in mind that the cost on the site will require conversion if you are planning on spending in USD. There are three total plans at Ditto. Two are for individual artists, and the final one is for record labels looking to represent 5+ artists at a time.

  • The Artist Plan: This option is an annual payment of $19 and includes:
    • Upload unlimited music to all music platforms
    • Free 30-day trial
    • Release unlimited music for 1 artist
    • Retain 100% of your royalties
    • Distribute to 100+ platforms worldwide
    • Access industry tools
    • Promote music using Smartlinks
    • Detailed insights, analytics, and listener data
    • Submit music for playlists
    • Fast payouts directly to your bank
  • Pro Plan: This option is an annual payment of $29 and includes:
    • All features of the Artist Plan
    • Release unlimited music for 2 artists
    • Compilation release support
  • Label Plan: For label companies only. This costs $69 - $299 per year depending on the number of artists represented. The service includes:
    • Release unlimited music for 5-40 artists
    • Access to all Artist & Pro features
    • Compilation release support

If you choose to go through with their royalty-publishing options, the cost is $39 one time. Ditto is also completely transparent about their commission which is 10% of your earnings. This leaves 90% of all royalties directly in the artist's pocket.

Ditto handles the hard stuff

For independent musicians, the platform handles the entire distribution process on your behalf, allowing you to dedicate your attention to nurturing your creative pursuits without the burden of stress. Ditto Music also allows you to tailor your store preferences, so you can include or exclude music stores based on your preferences, and how much you stand to make from different revenue streams. Keeping up the trend of leaving the musician in charge of their music, Ditto offers customers the capability to strategically target locations where they believe their music would garner the greatest traction and resonance, facilitating a more effective approach to engaging your desired audience.

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Popular with musicians...

In terms of company reputation, Ditto has a better reputation than some services in our review. With an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 from verified third-party review sites, Ditto stands out as a fan favorite for many customers. In particular, customers praise the help desk at Ditto and their kind and responsive customer service representatives. Customers also agree that Ditto is very easy to use even for someone who hasn't had experience with a music publishing platform before.

...but not the BBB

On the other hand, Ditto has a completely different score at the Better Business Bureau, which might bear keeping in mind. Ditto has an "F” rating with the BBB, though there are only 2 complaints on the BBB site to back up this rating. So, this may just be an unfair representation of the business, but it's worth keeping an eye on their BBB score regardless.

Solid spot for independent musicians

There are a lot of great things happening at Ditto. The platform promises to put 90% of all royalties right where it belongs: with the artist. On top of their wide distribution network and international partnerships, Ditto also makes sure that artists only nned to be hands-on if they want to. Otherwise, they handle all the distribution for you. Ditto is definitely worth looking at as an internationally acclaimed (and world record holding) music publisher.

Where is the Best Place for Music Publishing Today?

Online music publishing companies have experienced a meteoric rise in popularity due to a number of factors that have reshaped the music industry landscape. These platforms have not only revolutionized the way music is distributed, but have also provided a crucial bridge between artists and their audience.

One of the key reasons behind the widespread adoption of online music publishing companies is the democratization of the music industry. In the past, breaking into the music scene required significant financial backing, access to recording studios, and connections within the industry. However, online platforms have leveled the playing field, allowing independent artists to showcase their talent without the need for a traditional record label.

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Music Publishing Company FAQ

Music publishing refers to the business of copyrighting and distributing songs. A music publisher helps you register your songs, protects your copyright, and gets your music out to the public in various ways.
It's not strictly necessary, but it's a much more efficient and effective way to push your music out to the world - and to get paid for it! Do you want to spend your time making music or handling administrative tasks? If you're like most musicians, it'll be worth the fees to work with a publishing service so that you can focus more on the former and less (if at all!) on the latter.
Each provider uses a different fee structure. You could have a royalty share format that also has one-time set-up costs, or you might choose a service that gives you 100% of your royalties in exchange for a monthly subscription fee.
Not necessarily. Many of today's most popular providers let you keep full copyright on any music you publish through their platform.
Most services do not require you to commit to a long-term business relationship in order to get your music published. However, it's always wise to read the terms and conditions before you make a commitment to any publishing platform.
Absolutely. In fact, that's one of the reasons most musicians choose to use a music publisher. There's no better way to streamline the process - and start getting royalty money! - than to use a service that knows exactly how to get your songs out to the public.
Yes! There are a few platforms that specialize in marketing musicians' creations for commercials, TV shows and movies, etc.
Your best bet is to look at client reviews. Are they happy with the service? Has their music been successful because of the publisher's efforts? Have clients been able to get help from customer service representatives when needed? If a music publishing service has a good track record with other musicians, chances are high that you'll be satisfied too.
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Continued from above...

This democratization has led to a diverse array of music being accessible to a global audience, fostering a more inclusive and varied musical landscape.

The advent of digital technology has also played a pivotal role in the popularity of online music publishing companies. With the rise of streaming services and digital downloads, music has become more accessible than ever before. These platforms offer a convenient and instantaneous way for listeners to discover and enjoy a vast catalog of music across genres. The ease of access has not only broadened the audience for established artists, but has also provided emerging talents with a platform to gain recognition.

Furthermore, online music publishing companies have redefined the concept of music discovery. Through sophisticated algorithms and personalized recommendations, these platforms introduce listeners to new artists and genres based on their preferences. This dynamic approach to music discovery has created a more engaged and adventurous audience, willing to explore a wide range of musical styles beyond mainstream offerings. As a result, artists who might have struggled to find a niche in traditional channels now have the opportunity to connect with a receptive audience eager for diverse sounds.

Modern music publishers play a crucial role in the music industry by bridging the gap between artists and their audiences. These companies specialize in the business side of music, handling tasks such as licensing, distribution, promotion, and monetization. Music publishers serve as intermediaries between songwriters, composers, and performers, ensuring that their creative works reach a wide audience.

In today's digital age, music publishers have evolved to adapt to changing technologies and consumption habits. They work closely with streaming platforms, social media networks, and digital stores to ensure that music is accessible across various online channels. These publishers have a deep understanding of copyright laws and licensing agreements, enabling them to negotiate fair deals for their artists.

Music publishers help artists navigate the complex landscape of rights management and intellectual property protection, allowing musicians to focus on their craft while the publishers handle the business aspects. Additionally, they provide valuable insights into market trends and audience preferences, helping musicians tailor their content for maximum impact.

Music publishers offer a range of services that are immensely useful for both established artists and newcomers to the industry. For established musicians, publishers provide a broader reach and help maintain a consistent presence in the ever-expanding digital music landscape. So whether you're an emerging artist or a musician with a longtime career, a music publisher can offer support to fit your needs with legal concerns, promotion of your work, or even just some industry advice. Whether through traditional publishing, self-publishing, or a hybrid model, the world of modern music publishing offers a range of opportunities for artists to showcase their talents and connect with audiences worldwide.

If you're on the lookout for a place to publish your tunes, where can you go? Fortunately, there are tons of music publishers available online, designed to cater to your unique musical needs. Whether you're looking to publish pop, rock, metal, or synth-wave hits, there's a publisher out there that fits the bill. If you don't know where to start, don't worry. We've compiled a set of criteria to help you narrow down the options and find the perfect fit for your musical journey:

Here are some factors you should consider when choosing a music publishing company:

  • Price: When you're looking for music publishing there are lots of factors that can affect the price. So, knowing what you need and what you want to spend can change how you narrow down your options. Do you want to pay an annual fee or make a one-time purchase? Are you only looking for services with free publishing or free trials? Keep your budget in mind as you browse.
  • Royalties: Whenever you work with a music publisher there's going to be royalty commissions. The best platforms will give you, the artist, the majority of the revenue. But some options do more work on the back end and take a little more of the royalties. So, keep in mind how much you want to make. Some services take as much as 50% depending on the tier. Keeping an eye out for companies that only take 15% or 10% of royalties can help you be sure you're getting a good deal.
  • Distributor network: Not every publisher has the same network. Check out which companies you want to send your music to and how much of the distributor network is exclusive to a particular publisher. Most companies offer standard options like Spotify or YouTube, but if you want something specific like Sony Music or TV channels like The CW, you may need to browse for publishers with particular partnerships.
  • Customer feedback: At the end of the day, the music industry can be a little hit or miss. So, check out the customer reviews and BBB scores to make sure that the publisher you like is doing right by the musicians already signed with them. This can be a great indicator to help you decide between two close picks.

Top Consumer Reviews has assessed and ranked the best online music publishing services to help you find the right spot to take your tunes and turn them into a platinum record. Whether you're seeking help with new music at the beginning of your journey, or you need an experienced publisher to support your career to the top of the charts, the right music publisher is out there waiting for you. We hope this helps you take the stress out of publishing and get back to what you love: making amazing music.

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