Step 01
CREATE A FREE CERUTEX ACCOUNT
Click the "Get Started" button down below and sign up as an artist. This process takes under two minutes! No credit card is required to start.
Your Guide to Free Music Distribution
HOW TO UPLOAD TO SPOTIFY, APPLE MUSIC & OTHERS FOR FREE!
A complete step-by-step guide to releasing your songs on Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, YouTube Music, Amazon Music and other DSPs using Cerutex Audio, the free alternative with zero upfront fees and no hidden costs.
Release path
RELEASE YOUR MUSIC IN FIVE STEPS:
From sign-up to uploading on Spotify, the whole process takes about 20 minutes.
Step 02
PREPARE YOUR MUSIC AND COVER ART
Export your final project as a WAV file at 16-bit/44.1kHz or higher. Create cover art that is at least 1400x1400 pixels in JPG or PNG format; we recommend a resolution of 3000x3000 for the best fit on every device. Make sure your song contains no uncleared samples, beats or instrumentals. Switching from another distributor? Download your original files first and use the previous ISRC and UPC codes to preserve your stream counts and playlist placements.
Step 03
Enter your release metadata
In the submission page, add your release title, artist name, primary genre, language, and release date. Add each track with its title, featured artists, songwriters, production along with publishing credits. Accurate metadata helps Spotify and other stores categorize your music correctly.
Step 04
SELECT SPOTIFY, APPLE MUSIC AND ANY OTHER DSPS!
Cerutex Audio delivers to over 100 DSPs. Select Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, and any other platform where your fans listen. One upload reaches them all.
Step 05
Submit and go live
Review your release one last time, pick your release date, and submit. Most releases go live within 24-72 hours. You will receive ISRC codes for free if you do not already have them, and you can track your progress inside the dashboard. If you are moving a release from another distributor, plan at least two weeks of overlap and request a takedown from your old distributor once the new version is live to avoid duplicate listings.
The difference
WHY ARTISTS CHOOSE CERUTEX AUDIO!
FEES ADD UP OVERTIME
Distributors like DistroKid require annual subscriptions while others like CD Baby ask for ~$10 per release. If you release casually or manage multiple projects, these fees can quickly exceed what you earn back.
Upsells are everywhere
Store upgrades, legacy locks, and extra features are often billed on top of the base plan. Cerutex Audio keeps music distribution simple: free uploads and a 70/30 royalty split.
Free does not mean limited
Cerutex Audio delivers to 100+ DSPs, provides free ISRC codes, and includes promotion and analytics tools, all without charging upfront!
Built for rising artists
Cerutex Audio is designed for up-and-coming independent musicians who want global reach, without the financial risk of subscription-based distributors.
Side by side
CERUTEX AUDIO VS OTHERS
A side-by-side look at cost, royalties, and coverage.
| Feature | Cerutex Audio | DistroKid | TuneCore | CD Baby |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Costs | Free | $22.99 (annually) | Freemium | $9.95 to $49 (per release) |
| Renewal Fees (Annually) | None | Required | On paid plans | None |
| Royalty Splits | You keep 70% | You keep 100% | You keep 100% | You keep 91% |
| DSP Coverage | 100+ DSPs | 150+ DSPs | 150+ DSPs | 150+ DSPs |
| Spotify & Apple Music Distribution | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Free ISRC codes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Extra fees |
| Hidden Upsells | No | Common | Common | Common |
* These are publicly listed information as at 2026. Always verify current pricing on each distributor's website.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really free to upload music to Spotify with Cerutex Audio?
Yes. Cerutex Audio does not charge upfront fees to distribute your music to Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, YouTube Music and other DSPs. You keep 70% of the royalties you earn.
Is Cerutex Audio a good DistroKid alternative?
Yes. DistroKid charges an annual subscription per artist and many extras are billed on top. Cerutex Audio has no annual fee and no per-release fee. In other words, you upload for free and keep 70% of your royalties, which makes budgeting simple for independent artists.
Will I lose my streams if I switch from DistroKid?
Not if you use the same ISRCs and UPCs and keep the same audio, metadata, and cover art. Streaming platforms usually merge the new delivery with the existing release, preserving your play counts and playlist placements.
How long does it take for my music to appear on Spotify?
Most releases are live on Spotify and other major DSPs within 24-72 hours after submission. Some stores may take a little longer during busy release weeks.
What audio format do I need?
Upload a high-quality WAV file at 16-bit/44.1kHz minimum. Higher resolutions are accepted, but WAV at CD quality is the safest standard for every DSP.
Do I need a distributor to get on Spotify?
Yes. Spotify does not accept direct uploads from individual artists in most markets. A distributor like Cerutex Audio handles licensing, metadata delivery, royalty collection, and takedowns on your behalf.
Do I keep 100% of my royalties with Cerutex Audio?
Cerutex Audio keeps 30% to cover delivery, royalty collection, and platform operations. You receive 70% of every dollar earned. There are no hidden upsells or annual renewal charges.
READY TO RELEASE YOUR MUSIC?
Join Cerutex Audio today and rise to the vertex!
No credit card required. Cancel anytime.