What Happened to CD Baby Pro Publishing? Understanding the Shutdown and CDB Boost Replacement
On August 8, 2023, CD Baby discontinued its Pro Publishing service, leaving thousands of independent artists searching for alternatives. The replacement service, CDB Boost, represents a dramatic reduction in scope and left many Legacy Pro users disappointed with limited options.
The Timeline of CD Baby Pro Publishing
2013: CD Baby Pro Publishing launches as comprehensive worldwide publishing administration
2013-2023: Service grows to thousands of users with 15% commission model
August 8, 2023: CD Baby announces immediate discontinuation of Pro Publishing for new sign-ups
August 8, 2023: CDB Boost launches as replacement with significantly reduced scope
Present: Legacy Pro users continue service but seeking alternatives due to limitations
What CD Baby Pro Publishing Offered
Worldwide publishing administration across 60+ territories
Performance royalty collection globally
Mechanical royalty collection in multiple countries
Registration with international collection societies
YouTube Content ID monetization
Some sync licensing opportunities
15% commission on collected royalties
What CDB Boost Replaced It With
US mechanical royalties through The MLC ONLY
SoundExchange label share registration (not performer share)
Sync licensing opportunities (40% commission)
$39.99 per release fee + 15% commission on mechanicals
What CDB Boost Removed
CDB Boost eliminated most of what made Pro Publishing valuable:
International mechanical royalty collection
International performance royalty collection
PRO registration assistance (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC)
Harry Fox Agency registration
Music Reports registration
YouTube Content ID administration
Comprehensive catalog management
Professional rights administration tools
Responsive customer support
Why the Change Happened
While CD Baby hasn't officially explained the discontinuation, industry analysis suggests several factors:
Universal Music Group's acquisition of parent company Downtown Music Holdings (announced 2024)
Operational complexity of maintaining international collection relationships
Margin pressure from 15% commission model
Competition from newer platforms offering better terms
Focus shift toward distribution rather than publishing administration
Impact on Legacy Pro Users
Artists enrolled before August 8, 2023 continue receiving 'Legacy Pro' services, but:
No new features or improvements
Some update requests no longer accepted
Uncertain long-term future of service
Complex cancellation process if seeking alternatives
Concern about Universal Music Group ownership implications
Better Alternatives for US Publishing Administration
The Pro Publishing shutdown created opportunity for better solutions. TuneRegistry offers what CDB Boost doesn't:
Comprehensive US music rights administration (PRO registration, MLC, Harry Fox, Music Reports, SoundExchange)
Zero commission on any royalties (vs CDB Boost's 15%)
No per-release fees (vs CDB Boost's $39.99 per release)
Professional catalog management tools
Direct society relationships—you remain publisher of record
24-hour cancellation process (vs CD Baby's 15-24 month exit)
Flat $15/month pricing regardless of revenue
Strategic Approach for Current Users
If you're currently using Legacy Pro or considering CDB Boost:
Register all new works with TuneRegistry instead of CD Baby
Let existing Legacy Pro catalog remain while building in TuneRegistry
Skip CDB Boost entirely—use TuneRegistry for comprehensive administration
Keep CD Baby for distribution if satisfied, use TuneRegistry for publishing
The Pro Publishing discontinuation was disappointing for independent artists, but it opened the door for better, more artist-friendly alternatives. TuneRegistry provides comprehensive US music rights administration without the commission structure, per-release fees, or complex exit processes that made CD Baby's services problematic.