Do I Keep the Rights to My Music When I Distribute Through LANDR? Artist Rights Explained

If you're an independent musician thinking about using LANDR for music distribution, you've probably wondered: “Do I keep the rights to my music when I distribute through LANDR?” This is a vital question, especially in an age where digital platforms, content ID systems, and licensing agreements can be confusing—even for seasoned artists.

The short answer is yes, you do keep the rights to your music. But let’s break down what that really means—because knowing your rights can help you protect your work, monetize more effectively, and grow a sustainable career.

This guide will explain:

• What LANDR does and does not own

• How their royalty and publishing options work

• What you’re actually agreeing to when you use their platform

• How LANDR compares to other distributors in terms of artist rights

  
  

LANDR Is a Distribution Service, Not a Record Label

To understand your rights, it’s important to clarify what LANDR is.

LANDR is a digital music distribution service. That means their job is to:

• Deliver your music to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, YouTube Music, etc.

• Collect royalties on your behalf

• Provide optional services like AI mastering, sample libraries, and royalty splits

LANDR does not act as a label or music publisher unless you opt into extra services.

In legal terms, LANDR doesn’t take ownership of your master recordings or your songwriting rights when you use them for distribution. You are simply giving them permission to deliver your music to digital service providers (DSPs).

You Keep 100% Ownership of Your Music

When you upload music to LANDR and choose a distribution plan (like LANDR Distribution Basic, Pro, or through a Studio subscription), you are:

• Granting them a license to distribute your music (not ownership)

• Retaining 100% ownership of your master recordings

• Maintaining full control over your composition rights

• Able to remove your music from platforms at any time

This means LANDR cannot:

• Sell your music without permission

• Re-license your music to sync partners without consent

• Claim credit or ownership over your artistic work

They’re simply providing a pipeline between you and the streaming platforms—and collecting money on your behalf.

What You’re Agreeing to in LANDR’s Terms

When you sign up with LANDR and distribute music, you enter into a standard distribution agreement. The key legal language typically says:

“You grant LANDR the non-exclusive right to distribute your music to digital service providers for the duration of your agreement.”

• “Non-exclusive” means you can cancel at any time and switch to another distributor.

• You can remove your music whenever you want—no exit fees or takedown penalties.

• You remain the copyright holder under all applicable music copyright laws (both U.S. and international).

In other words, you keep your rights unless you explicitly sign them away—which LANDR doesn’t ask you to do.

LANDR and Publishing: Optional, Not Required

LANDR also offers publishing administration services, but these are entirely optional.

If you choose to enroll in LANDR Publishing, they can:

• Collect mechanical royalties and publishing revenue from global PROs (Performing Rights Organizations)

• Help monetize your music on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook

This service is helpful for many artists, especially those who aren’t already signed with a publishing administrator like Songtrust or Sentric. However, if you choose to enroll, you may share a small portion (usually 10–15%) of your publishing income with LANDR for this service.

Again, you still retain ownership—they’re just helping you collect money that you’d otherwise be missing.

What About Sync Licensing?

LANDR sometimes offers opportunities to license your music for film, TV, or games, but this is also opt-in only. If you want to retain complete control over where your music is used, you can simply skip these services.

LANDR does not license your music to third parties without your permission.

Comparisons: LANDR vs. Other Distributors on Rights

Common Myths About LANDR and Rights

Let’s clear up a few common misunderstandings:

• Myth 1: LANDR owns your music after you upload it
  ? False. You retain full copyright.

• Myth 2: LANDR can’t be trusted because of royalty cuts
  ? They only take a 15% commission if you cancel your subscription. Active subscribers keep 100%.

• Myth 3: If I use LANDR Publishing, I lose rights to my songs
  ? Wrong. You’re just giving them permission to collect royalties—not your ownership.

FAQs: Do I Keep the Rights to My Music with LANDR?

Do I own my masters if I use LANDR?
Yes, you keep full ownership of your master recordings.

Can I switch to another distributor later?
Absolutely. You can remove your music and distribute it elsewhere at any time.

Does LANDR license my music without consent?
No. Any licensing (e.g., sync deals) is strictly opt-in.

If I use LANDR’s publishing service, do I lose copyright?
No. You just allow them to collect on your behalf, similar to other publishing administrators.

Is there a contract lock-in period?
No. There are no long-term contracts. You can cancel whenever you want.

Final Thoughts: Your Music Stays Yours with LANDR

To wrap it up—yes, you keep the rights to your music when you distribute through LANDR. You remain the copyright holder. You can take your music down whenever you want. You can use other services, move to another distributor, and control every creative and commercial decision.

LANDR is designed to empower artists, not restrict them. As long as you understand the optional services they offer (like publishing or licensing), you’ll find their platform gives you both flexibility and security.

If your goal is to maintain creative independence while scaling your releases and earning income across platforms, LANDR is a reliable option that puts your rights first.

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