Your Merlin Deals, Delivered by LabelGrid

Merlin delivery via LabelGrid means LabelGrid acts as the operational delivery layer for your own Merlin Network membership. As a Merlin member, you have negotiated rates directly with major DSPs. LabelGrid gets your music onto those platforms through SOBO (Sent On Behalf Of) delivery, so you keep 100% of what Merlin negotiated. LabelGrid is itself a Merlin member and a Spotify Preferred Provider.

An embossed Merlin membership medallion seal — a flat coin with concentric rings, a central star and award ribbon tails — beside a 100% badge seal: SOBO delivery keeps every cent of your Merlin royalties

A royalty statement where gross equals net: zero LabelGrid distribution fee on SOBO, you keep every cent

SOBO DELIVERY

How do you keep 100% of your Merlin royalties?

With SOBO (Sent On Behalf Of) delivery, your music is delivered under your Merlin membership, not through LabelGrid's standard pipeline. DSPs pay Merlin directly at the rates your membership negotiated, and LabelGrid takes no distribution fee on SOBO deliveries. You keep every cent, which is full 100% royalty retention on your Merlin-covered platforms.

OPERATIONAL LAYER

What does LabelGrid handle for Merlin members?

You own your Merlin deals; LabelGrid provides the infrastructure to execute them. That means DDEX-compliant feed generation, DSP delivery pipelines, metadata validation, and real-time status tracking. Upload through the dashboard or REST API, and LabelGrid handles the rest, from encoding to delivery confirmation.

See Distribution Features

A delivery pipeline from upload to confirmation: DDEX 3.8.2 and 4.3.2 feeds, validation, real-time status

DDEX Feed Generation

Automated DDEX 3.8.2 and 4.3.2 compliant feed generation for every release. Your metadata, properly formatted for each DSP.

DSP Delivery Pipelines

Direct connections to every major streaming platform. Releases delivered on schedule with real-time delivery confirmation.

Metadata Validation

Validation checks catch errors before delivery. Genre mapping, territory validation, and format compliance — automated.

Status Tracking & Reporting

Real-time delivery status via dashboard or API webhooks. Know exactly where every release stands across all platforms.

A worldwide coverage map: SOBO on Merlin-covered platforms, LabelGrid filling regional, UGC and niche gaps

HYBRID COVERAGE

What about platforms Merlin doesn't cover?

Merlin covers major DSPs, but not every platform. LabelGrid fills the gaps, delivering to regional specialists like Anghami and Boomplay, UGC platforms, and niche stores that fall outside Merlin's network.

SOBO for Merlin-covered platforms, standard LabelGrid delivery for everything else. One catalog, one dashboard, complete worldwide coverage.

OFFER DISTRIBUTION UNDER YOUR BRAND

Can I white-label distribution under my own brand?

Already distributing for other labels? White-label LabelGrid's platform under your brand. Your labels upload through your domain, see your branding, and you manage everything from one dashboard. All with SOBO delivery using your Merlin deals. The ready-made Imprint white-label portal is the fastest way in.

White-Label Details

CUSTOM OR API PLAN REQUIRED

What plan do I need for Merlin delivery?

Merlin SOBO delivery requires a Custom plan or any API plan. Plans below that (Solo, Basic, Pro) do not support the SOBO pipeline your own Merlin membership needs.

See Pricing

ONBOARDING

How do I get started with Merlin delivery?

Contact Our Team

Reach out with your Merlin membership details. We'll verify your credentials and discuss your catalog requirements. Custom plan required.

Merlin Coordination

We coordinate directly with Merlin to establish your SOBO delivery pipeline. Technical setup, DSP mapping, and feed configuration — handled by our team.

Start Delivering

Upload releases through the dashboard or API. Your catalog is delivered via SOBO to Merlin-covered DSPs, with standard delivery filling the gaps.

Why do Merlin members choose LabelGrid?

Spotify Preferred Provider

Recognized delivery platform in Spotify's preferred provider program.

100% Royalty Retention

Zero distribution fees on all SOBO deliveries. You keep every cent Merlin negotiated.

Automated Royalty Processing

Merlin statement ingestion, automated splits, multi-currency earnings across all your releases.

Multi-Currency Splits

Automated earnings splits across currencies, labels, and artists — no spreadsheets required.

Fill Coverage Gaps

LabelGrid deals fill in where Merlin doesn't cover — regional platforms, UGC, and niche stores.

White-Label & API

Run your own branded distribution platform with full API control and SOBO delivery built in.

Metadata Compliance

Metadata validation aligned with Merlin and DSP standards. Fewer rejections, faster delivery.

Dedicated Onboarding

Specialized team for Merlin workflows — DSP mapping, feed setup, and SOBO pipeline configuration.

0% SOBO Commission

No commission, no hidden fees on SOBO deliveries. Your Merlin rates are yours entirely.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOBO delivery?

SOBO (Sent On Behalf Of) delivery means LabelGrid delivers your music to DSPs under your Merlin membership, so you keep 100% of what Merlin negotiated. DSPs pay Merlin directly at the rates your membership secured.

Does LabelGrid charge distribution fees on Merlin deals?

LabelGrid charges 0% distribution fees on SOBO deliveries. You keep every cent of your Merlin-negotiated rates.

What platforms does Merlin cover?

Merlin has licensing deals with major DSPs including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, and others. For DSPs not covered by Merlin, LabelGrid delivers through its standard distribution pipeline to ensure complete worldwide coverage.

How do I get started with Merlin delivery?

Contact our team to set up SOBO delivery. We will configure your Merlin membership details, set up direct DSP feeds, and onboard your catalog. The process typically takes a few business days.

Can I use LabelGrid for non-Merlin platforms too?

Yes. LabelGrid provides standard distribution to all major DSPs. For platforms where Merlin does not have deals, your releases are delivered through LabelGrid's standard pipeline — giving you complete coverage across all major platforms.

Is LabelGrid a Merlin Network member?

Yes. LabelGrid is itself a Merlin Network member and a Spotify Preferred Provider. LabelGrid can reach Merlin-network DSPs on a customer's behalf, and it also acts as the operational delivery layer for customers who bring their own Merlin membership through SOBO.

What is the difference between SOBO and standard distribution?

With SOBO (Sent On Behalf Of), your music is delivered under your own Merlin licenses and DSPs pay Merlin directly at your negotiated rates, so you keep 100% of those royalties with no LabelGrid distribution fee. Standard LabelGrid distribution uses LabelGrid's own deals and follows your plan's royalty retention. Many Merlin members use both: SOBO for Merlin-covered platforms, standard delivery for the rest.

How long does Merlin onboarding take?

After you share your Merlin membership details, LabelGrid verifies your credentials, coordinates the SOBO setup with Merlin, and maps your DSP feeds. Onboarding typically takes a few business days, depending on how many Merlin-covered DSPs you deliver to.

Maximize Your Merlin Membership

Talk to our team about setting up SOBO delivery for your catalog. We handle the technical coordination with Merlin so you can focus on your music.

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