Distributed via Universal Music Group

LabelLift vs ST Digital

ST Digital claims "100% free distribution" — but their pricing page returns a 403 error and they don't explain how they make money. LabelLift gives you transparent pricing, Universal Music Group distribution, and a platform built for serious labels.

The Universal Music Group Advantage

LabelLift partners with Universal Music Group via Virgin Music Group for distribution, Universal Music Group for publishing, and PDL for additional infrastructure. ST Digital has no disclosed distribution or publishing partnerships.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Distribution Partners
LabelLift: Universal Music Group (Virgin Music Group) + PDL
Competitor: Not disclosed
Publishing Partners
LabelLift: Universal Music Group
Competitor: Not disclosed
White-Label Portal
LabelLift: Yes — custom domain, logo, colors, email templates
Competitor: Yes — rebranded platform
Custom Domain
LabelLift: Yes — all plans
Competitor: Not mentioned on website
Transparent Pricing
LabelLift: Yes — 3 published tiers, all costs visible
Competitor: Claims "free" — pricing page returns 403
DSP Reach
LabelLift: 150+ platforms (verified)
Competitor: Claims 150+ but only 37 listed
Video Distribution
LabelLift: Coming soon
Competitor: Yes — music + video
Vevo Distribution
LabelLift: Coming soon
Competitor: Yes
Artist Portal
LabelLift: Yes — branded registration, onboarding, dashboard
Competitor: "Backstage" portal (limited details)
REST API
LabelLift: Yes — documented, API-first
Competitor: Not mentioned
Royalty Management
LabelLift: Yes — automated splits, monthly payouts
Competitor: Not documented
Revenue Split Configuration
LabelLift: Yes — fully customizable per artist
Competitor: Not documented
Marketing Tools
LabelLift: Yes — pre-save, smart links, campaigns
Competitor: Not mentioned
Self-Service Onboarding
LabelLift: Yes — instant setup
Competitor: Not documented
Tech Stack
LabelLift: Next.js 15 + FastAPI + PostgreSQL
Competitor: Not disclosed

Pricing Comparison

LabelLift

  • Basic: ₹2,000/mo — up to 50 releases/mo
  • Mid: ₹5,000/mo — unlimited releases, priority support
  • Pro: ₹10,000/mo — API access, multi-label, dedicated support
  • Setup fee: ₹1,000 (one-time) · You keep 100% of revenue

ST Digital

  • Distribution: Claims 100% free
  • Pricing terms: Pricing page inaccessible (403 Forbidden)

Why Labels Choose LabelLift

Universal Music Group distribution — your catalog travels through the world's largest music company. ST Digital has no comparable partnership.

Transparent pricing — every plan and price published on the website. ST Digital's pricing page returns a 403 error.

API-first architecture — documented REST API for custom integrations. ST Digital doesn't mention an API.

Custom domain — included in all plans. ST Digital doesn't mention custom domains.

Marketing tools — pre-save links, smart links, and campaign tracking built in.

Verified DSP reach — 150+ confirmed. ST Digital claims 150+ but only lists 37.

Where ST Digital Has Strengths

No upfront cost — free to start, removing the financial barrier.

Video distribution — music AND video distribution, including Vevo.

The Verdict

"Free" sounds attractive until you realize you're handing your catalog to a platform that won't tell you how they make money, has no major label partnerships, offers no API, and hides their pricing page behind a 403 error. LabelLift gives you full transparency, Universal Music Group backing, and a platform built for labels who are serious about growth.