The “Free” Promise: Decoding Music Distribution in 2025

In the dynamic world of independent music in 2025, the promise of “free music distribution” sounds like a dream come true. For artists operating on tight budgets, avoiding upfront fees or recurring subscriptions can be a game-changer. However, it’s natural to be skeptical – is it really free, or are there hidden costs lurking beneath the surface?

This article will cut through the noise, directly addressing the question: Is Hankad truly free? We’ll explain Hankad‘s cost model, demystify its transparent 80% net royalty split, and show you exactly why it stands out as a genuinely artist-friendly platform without hidden catches.

The Reality of “Free” in Music Distribution

Many platforms market themselves as “free,” but this term can be applied loosely. Often, “free” tiers come with significant limitations or require artists to eventually pay for essential features. Common hidden costs or trade-offs include:

  • Annual Fees: Your music might be distributed for free initially, but you pay a yearly fee to keep it live on platforms.
  • Per-Release Charges: Some services charge a small fee for each single or album upload.
  • Higher Royalty Commissions: While some claim “100% royalties,” these often come with a substantial upfront annual fee. If your earnings are low, this fee can make your effective royalty rate much less than 100%. Other “free” tiers might take a larger percentage of your earnings.
  • Limited Features: Essential tools like YouTube Content ID, publishing administration, or faster release times are often locked behind paid subscriptions.
  • Slower Payouts/High Thresholds: Your money might be held longer or require a large sum before you can withdraw it.

These nuances can quickly add up, making “free” less appealing in practice.

Hankad’s Commitment to Truly Free Distribution

Hankad is built on a philosophy of empowering independent artists by removing financial barriers, and their model reflects this commitment:

  • Zero Upfront Fees: With Hankad, you pay absolutely nothing to distribute your music to over 200 global streaming services and digital stores. There are no registration fees, no annual fees to keep your music live, and no per-release charges. You can upload an unlimited number of songs and albums for free.
  • No Hidden Catches: Hankad’s transparency is a cornerstone of its service. What you see is what you get: free distribution, powerful features, and clear financial terms.

This means you can experiment, build your catalog, and reach new audiences without having to worry about an initial investment or ongoing subscription costs that eat into your budget.

Understanding Hankad’s 80% Net Royalty Split

While distribution is free, how does Hankad make money, and what does that mean for your earnings?

Hankad operates on a straightforward 20% commission on your net royalties, meaning you keep a generous 80% of what your music earns.

Let’s break this down:

  • Gross Royalties: This is the total amount paid by streaming platforms (like Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) for streams and downloads of your music.
  • Net Royalties: This is the amount remaining after the streaming platforms take their cut and after any direct payment processing fees or applicable taxes incurred by Hankad from collecting those royalties. Hankad’s 20% commission is applied to this net amount.

Why Hankad’s 80% Net Model is Highly Competitive:

As discussed in our previous articles, a “100% royalty” model from other distributors might sound better, but often comes with an annual fee (e.g., $20-$50 per year) or per-release charges. If your music doesn’t generate a lot of streams initially, you could end up paying more in fees than you earn in royalties.

With Hankad, you only pay a commission when your music actually earns money. This makes it a risk-free, performance-based model that aligns Hankad’s success directly with yours. You keep the vast majority of your earnings, and every dollar earned is a net gain for you.

Beyond Just “Free”: The Full Hankad Value

Hankad’s commitment to being truly free for distribution doesn’t mean a lack of features. In fact, it provides a robust suite of tools that many paid services offer:

  • Fastlane: Complimentary 7-day expedited delivery for priority releases.
  • Music Publishing Administration: Comprehensive collection of songwriting royalties (performance, mechanical, sync).
  • Social Media Monetization: Earn from your music on TikTok, YouTube Content ID, Instagram, and Facebook.
  • Royalty Advance Program: Access upfront capital based on your future earnings, with no interest.
  • Transparent Analytics: Detailed insights into your streams and audience.
  • 24/7 Dedicated Support: Assistance whenever you need it.

The Verdict: Hankad is Genuinely Free and Fair

In 2025, Hankad is not just “free” in name; it’s genuinely free where it counts for independent artists: in getting your music distributed without any upfront or recurring distribution costs. Combined with its highly competitive 80% net royalty split and comprehensive feature set, Hankad empowers you to maximize your earnings and maintain full creative control.

Don’t let the complexities of music distribution hold you back. Hankad offers a clear, honest, and powerful path to getting your music heard and monetized globally.

Ready to distribute your music for free and keep 80% of your earnings? Sign up at hankad.io today!