Distribution
Free music distribution: what it includes and why it takes 7 days
2 min read · September 20, 2026 · by Dropsland
A free account can already distribute original music to streaming. You do not need to pay for a track to enter the queue for Spotify, Apple Music, or the other connected stores. What changes is the time.
What a free account can do
You can upload an original track and choose Streaming Stores. That delivery goes out with a 7-business-day delay. You can also publish to the DJ Pool. If the file is a remix or an edit, the stores option does not apply: that material stays in the pool only.
- Original tracks: DJ Pool and streaming stores.
- Free store delivery: 7 business days.
- Artist plan: usual delivery of 1 to 5 days.
- Remixes and edits: DJ Pool only.
Why the timeline matters
Seven business days are not seven calendar days. A Friday submission does not count the weekend. If you announce a premiere before that window, the track may not be in the stores when your audience looks for it.
The simple way to use it: finish the master, pick a date that leaves those 7 business days, and only then publish the announcement. The artist plan is for someone who needs a shorter release, not for unlocking the stores.
What paying does not speed up
Paying does not fix a distorting master, artwork with a store logo, or an inconsistent artist name. Those rejections depend on the material, not the plan. Before comparing prices, read the release checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Does free distribution reach Spotify?
Yes, if the track is original and you choose Streaming Stores. A free account is delivered in 7 business days.
Can I distribute a remix for free?
A remix can be published in the DJ Pool. It is not sent to streaming stores, on the free plan or the paid plan.
When is the artist plan worth it?
When you need 1-to-5-day delivery, AI generation credits, or other tools in the plan. It is not a requirement for the track to enter the stores.