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What Is a Music Aggregator and How Does It Work?

"Music aggregator" is one of those industry terms that sounds complicated but describes a simple job. An aggregator is a service that delivers your music to streaming platforms and collects your royalties. Without aggregators, independent artists would have to negotiate with Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn, and dozens of other platforms individually — a task no solo artist could realistically manage.

What an aggregator actually does

An aggregator bundles digital rights and delivers them to digital music stores and streaming services. Its core tasks are uploading your tracks and artwork, managing metadata like song titles, genres, and credits, ensuring your release meets each platform's technical requirements, and collecting and distributing royalties back to you. Companies commonly described as aggregators include TuneCore, CD Baby, and DistroKid. The reason aggregators exist is scale: streaming platforms do not want to negotiate with thousands of individual artists, and artists cannot negotiate with dozens of platforms. The aggregator sits in the middle and makes both sides' lives easier.

Aggregator vs distributor: what is the difference?

In practice, the two terms are often used interchangeably, and in the Indian market they describe the same kind of platform. Where a distinction is drawn, it comes down to scope. An aggregator focuses on delivery and royalty collection, charges a flat annual or per-release fee, lets you keep 80 to 100% of royalties, and leaves you in full control of marketing. A traditional distributor bundles delivery with marketing support, playlist pitching, radio promotion, and sometimes advance funding — but typically takes a 15 to 30% revenue share, may require a 1 to 3 year exclusive term, and is often selective about who it works with. Aggregators are open to anyone; traditional distributors may require existing traction.

How the process works, step by step

First, you finish your track and sign up with an aggregator. Second, you upload the audio and fill in the metadata: artist name, genre, songwriters, and whether the track is original or a cover. Third, the aggregator checks sound quality, metadata, and originality — moderation typically takes one to two weeks. Fourth, approved tracks are delivered to platforms, with timing varying by platform. Fifth, streams start earning royalties, which platforms report to the aggregator with a delay of roughly 30 to 60 days, and the aggregator pays you according to its schedule.

Which type is right for you?

Start with an aggregator if you are an independent artist or a small label with your own marketing capacity. You keep maximum control and the lowest costs. Move to a full distributor when your catalogue and revenue justify trading a revenue share for hands-on support, advances, and a team. Many successful artists follow exactly that path.

TIR handles delivery, royalties, and artist support in one place →