Upload your cover, we handle the mechanical license through the Harry Fox Agency — and your music goes live on Spotify, Apple Music, and 140+ platforms.
Costs, royalty splits & how mechanical licensing is handled.
Platform
Distribution Cost
License Fee
Royalties
License Handling
Freecords Best value
Free
€9.99 one-time
100%
✓ In-house via HFA
LANDR
Annual fee
$15 one-time
100%
✓ In-house
Soundrop
$0.99 /track
$0.99 /track
100%
✓ In-house
TuneCore
Annual fee
Via Royalty Solutions
100%
✗ Third-party
CD Baby
Per release fee
Via Easy Song
91%
✗ Third-party
Easy Song
N/A — licensing only
Variable
N/A
✓ Standalone
Note: Soundrop charges $0.99/track but requires a paid subscription for distribution. Freecords is free to distribute. Total cost advantage is significant.
Everything you need to know about the product and billing.
What is a mechanical license and do I need one for a cover song?
A mechanical license gives you the legal right to reproduce and distribute a song written by someone else. For streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, the license is handled automatically by the platforms through the MLC — you don't need to do anything. For download stores like iTunes and Amazon Music, a mechanical license is required per song. Freecords handles this for you through the Harry Fox Agency (HFA) for a one-time fee of €9.99.
How much does it cost to distribute a cover song on Freecords?
Distribution on Freecords is always free. For cover songs, there is a one-time €9.99 mechanical license fee to cover download stores. This is a one-time payment — no renewals, no annual fees. You keep 100% of your royalties.
Do I need a license to put my cover on Spotify?
No — streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal handle mechanical licensing automatically through the MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective). You only need a mechanical license for download stores like iTunes. Freecords handles all of this automatically when you upload your cover.
Who obtains the mechanical license — me or Freecords?
Freecords obtains the license through the Harry Fox Agency (HFA) on your behalf. You are listed as the beneficiary. You don't need to file anything yourself or contact any licensing body.
Can I distribute any cover song?
You can distribute a cover of any commercially released song that preserves the original melody and lyrics. Medleys, mashups, and songs that include samples from the original recording require different licensing and are not currently supported. Songs published before January 1, 1928 are in the public domain in the US and do not require a mechanical license.
What platforms will my cover song be distributed to?
Your cover song will be distributed to all 140+ platforms Freecords supports, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, iTunes, Tidal, Deezer, and more.
How long does it take for my cover to go live?
Once your mechanical license is confirmed and your song passes our moderation review, it is submitted for distribution. Platforms typically go live within 3–7 business days.
Do I keep my royalties from a cover song?
Yes — you keep 100% of your master recording royalties. The original songwriters receive their publishing royalties separately through the standard royalty system, which is handled automatically by the platforms.
