Netlabels are record labels that distribute their music through digital audio formats like MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, or WAV over the Internet. Unlike traditional record labels, netlabels often focus on free distribution online, frequently under licenses that promote sharing, such as Creative Commons licenses. Artists typically retain copyright of their work when releasing through netlabels.

The operation of a netlabel can be much leaner than a traditional label, sometimes run by just a single individual. They don't usually produce physical copies like LPs, relying solely on digital distribution, which significantly reduces running costs.
Many netlabels operate more as a hobby rather than a business, and some use guerrilla marketing strategies to promote their music.

Parts of this list is put together thanks to the netlabels.org, netlabelguide.com, netlabelarchive.org and archive.org projects.