LANDR's free distribution tier takes a 15% commission on streaming royalties. This means that for every dollar your music earns on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, LANDR retains 15 cents. Their paid distribution plans reduce or eliminate this commission, but they come with monthly or annual subscription costs. Understanding how this commission compounds over time helps you make an informed decision about where to distribute and master your music.
How LANDR's Distribution Pricing Works
LANDR offers multiple distribution tiers. The entry-level tier provides distribution to major streaming platforms at no upfront cost, but takes a percentage of your royalties as compensation. Based on publicly available information, this commission has been reported at approximately 15%.
Their paid tiers -- typically bundled with AI mastering, collaboration tools, and sample libraries -- charge a monthly subscription in exchange for reduced or zero royalty commissions. The trade-off is straightforward: pay upfront through a subscription, or pay ongoing through a percentage of your earnings.
Neither model is inherently better. The right choice depends on how much your music earns and your cash flow situation. But the math matters, especially as your catalog grows.
The Math: What 15% Costs Over Time
At small earnings, 15% feels negligible. If your music earns $100 per month, LANDR's commission is $15 -- less than the cost of many subscription plans. In this scenario, the free tier with commission might be the more economical choice.
But the equation changes as earnings grow. At $500 per month in royalties, you are paying $75 monthly in commission -- significantly more than most subscription plans. At $1,000 per month, the commission reaches $150. At $5,000 per month, it is $750. Over a year, that is $9,000 in commission that you would not pay on a flat-rate subscription.
The critical insight is that commission-based models become more expensive precisely as you become more successful. The more your music earns, the more you pay. A flat-rate subscription caps your cost regardless of earnings.
LANDR's Strengths as a Platform
It is worth acknowledging what LANDR does well. They were one of the first platforms to bring AI mastering to market, and their tool produces consistent results that work for many genres. The all-in-one model -- mastering, distribution, samples, and collaboration in one platform -- is genuinely convenient.
Their distribution reaches all major streaming platforms, and the upload process is streamlined. For artists who want a single platform for everything from mastering to release, LANDR offers that simplicity.
For a more detailed feature comparison, see the Genesis Mix Lab vs LANDR comparison.
The Case for Separating Mastering and Distribution
One approach that many independent artists are adopting is to separate mastering and distribution into different services. Use the best mastering tool for your needs, and use the most cost-effective distributor for your earnings level. This avoids vendor lock-in and lets you optimize each part of the pipeline independently.
Several distributors offer 100% royalty retention with either a flat annual fee or a per-release fee. When paired with a dedicated AI mixing and mastering platform, the total cost is often lower than an all-in-one platform with a royalty commission -- especially as your catalog and earnings grow.
Explore LANDR alternatives for a comprehensive look at options available in 2026.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Platform
Before committing to any mastering or distribution platform, ask these questions:
- What percentage of my royalties does the platform retain?
- Does the commission change based on my subscription tier?
- Can I download my mastered files and distribute elsewhere?
- What happens to my distributed catalog if I cancel my subscription?
- Are there per-release fees in addition to subscription costs?
Transparency in pricing is non-negotiable. You should know exactly what you are paying before you upload your first track. Review the Genesis Mix Lab pricing page for a clear breakdown of what each tier includes with no hidden fees or royalty commissions.
About Genesis Mix Lab
Genesis Mix Lab is a browser-based AI mixing and mastering platform for music producers. It offers AI-powered multitrack mixing and mastering in a single platform, with features including reference track matching, genre-aware processing, and real-time Mix Notes. Pricing starts at $0/month (free tier) with Pro at $19.99/month, including all plugins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zero Commission. Zero Surprises.
Genesis Mix Lab charges zero commission on your music. You keep 100% of your royalties.