Record Union Alternative for Labels & Distributors
Record Union has been in the distribution business since 2008, with a strong Spotify legacy as one of the platform's earliest independent partners. But with paid add-ons for basics like UPC codes and Content ID, and no API, labels looking to scale need more. LabelGrid delivers all major DSPs, flat annual pricing, Dolby Atmos in every plan, a full REST API, and the professional infrastructure labels need all in a single annual subscription with no hidden fees.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
How They Compare
| Feature | LabelGrid | Record Union |
|---|---|---|
| DSP count | All major DSPs included in all plans | 5 (Top Dog plan) / 20+ (World Domination plan) |
| Commission | No per-release commission. Flat annual pricing (5% platform fee) | 0% (artist keeps ~85%, 92.5% with upgrade) |
| API access | ✓ Yes full REST API with public docs and sandbox | ✗ No |
| White-label platform | ✓ Yes included | ✗ No |
| Multi-label management | ✓ Yes unlimited labels | ✗ No |
| YouTube Content ID | ✓ Included (80% of revenue to you) | $10-20 per release add-on |
| UPC codes | ✓ Included in all plans | $10 each (add-on) |
| Pricing model | Annual subscription all features included | Per-track annual fee + paid add-ons (UPC, Content ID) |
| DDEX compliance | ✓ DDEX 3.8.2 + 4.3.2 | Not listed as DDEX member |
| WordPress plugin | ✓ Yes included in all plans | ✗ Not offered |
| AI Content Protection | ✓ AI DSP delivery opt-in, disabled by default | No specific AI provisions |
WHY LABELS SWITCH
Why Labels Move Beyond Record Union
Record Union was founded by musicians and has earned genuine loyalty for its human-first customer support and long Spotify history. But as labels grow, three structural limitations become increasingly difficult to work around. The most pressing is the restricted DSP network. Record Union's cheapest plan (Top Dog) delivers to just 5 platforms Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Music. Even the World Domination plan only reaches a limited set of stores. For labels targeting regional stores, specialty platforms, or emerging markets, that coverage is far too narrow. LabelGrid delivers to all major DSPs on every plan, including all major streaming services, download stores, and specialty platforms. Then there is the cost structure. On Record Union, basics that labels expect to be included are paid add-ons: UPC codes cost $10 each, and YouTube Content ID costs $10-20 per release as a separate add-on. For a label with 20 releases, that is $200 in UPC fees alone, plus per-release Content ID charges on top. LabelGrid includes UPC codes, Content ID, and all features in every plan with flat annual pricing. Finally, Record Union offers no API, no white-label capability, and no multi-label management. Labels that need to automate catalog delivery, integrate with their own systems, or manage multiple imprints under one account cannot do it on Record Union.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
More DSPs, More Tools, Less Cost
Record Union is a solid choice for individual artists who value responsive human support and have a small catalog distributed to a handful of major platforms. Its legacy as one of Spotify's earliest partners is genuine, and its support team is consistently well-reviewed. But if you are running a label managing multiple artists, needing broad DSP coverage, tracking royalty splits, or integrating distribution into your workflow Record Union was not built for that use case. LabelGrid gives you all major DSPs (compared to Record Union's 20+), flat annual pricing with no paid add-ons for UPC codes or Content ID, a full REST API, multi-label management, white-label capability, and Dolby Atmos delivery included in every plan. All plans include flat annual pricing see our pricing page for current options. Start with a 7-day free trial at app.labelgrid.com. No per-track fees, no UPC charges, no commission.
THE REAL COST
Record Union Costs Breakdown
Record Union charges per-release add-on fees for basics that LabelGrid includes:
| Feature | Record Union Cost | LabelGrid |
|---|---|---|
| UPC codes | $10 each (add-on) | Included in all plans |
| YouTube Content ID | $10–20/release add-on | ✓ Included (80% of revenue to you) |
| Dolby Atmos | Not documented | Included |
| API access | Not available | Full REST API |
| Multi-label management | Not available | Unlimited labels |
| 20 releases (UPC + Content ID add-ons) | $200+ in add-on fees | Included in fixed annual subscription |
Based on publicly available information.
CONTENT PROTECTION
Your Music in the Age of AI
AI companies want access to music catalogs. Major labels are already signing licensing deals, and new AI platforms keep showing up. We’ve addressed this head-on in our Terms of Service, before most distributors have even thought about it.
AI delivery is opt-in and off by default. If AI DSPs become available, you pick which releases go where. Enable auto-delivery for new DSPs? AI platforms are still excluded unless you opt in separately.
Your distribution license covers delivery only. We send your content to the DSPs you choose. Nothing more. No broad « any purpose » language, no grey areas about how your music gets used.
Your music. Your terms. Your control.
Global
DSPs Worldwide
Independent
Ownership
DDEX 4.3.2
Compliant Delivery
Spotify
Preferred Provider
What You Get with LabelGrid
INDEPENDENCE MATTERS
Who Owns Your Distributor?
Record Union is a Swedish company that has operated in the distribution space since 2008. The platform focuses primarily on individual artists rather than label infrastructure.
LabelGrid is independently owned. No major label parent, no corporate acquirer, no investors with competing interests. Your distribution partner’s incentives align entirely with your success.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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