CD Baby vs. DistroKid: Which is Better?

With numerous music distribution platforms available, artists often find themselves torn between different services. Two popular choices are CD Baby and DistroKid. Both platforms provide artists with essential tools for distributing their music globally. However, each has its unique features and benefits. In this article, we will compare CD Baby and DistroKid to help you decide which platform suits your needs best.

Overview of CD Baby and DistroKid

CD Baby, established in 1998, is one of the oldest music distribution platforms. It offers musicians a way to distribute their music to thousands of digital stores and streaming platforms worldwide. CD Baby is known for its extensive support services, including sync licensing, physical distribution, and a one-time fee per release.

DistroKid, on the other hand, is a newer player, founded in 2013. It has quickly gained popularity due to its artist-friendly, straightforward pricing model, which includes an annual subscription for unlimited releases. DistroKid boasts fast distribution and numerous features designed to help artists manage their music and royalties.

Pricing Model

CD Baby charges a one-time fee per release. For a single, it's $9.95, while an album release costs $29.95. Additionally, CD Baby takes a 9% cut of the artist's streaming and download revenue.

DistroKid operates on an annual subscription basis, with plans starting at $19.99 per year for unlimited releases. Unlike CD Baby, DistroKid does not take any percentage of an artist's royalties, making it an appealing choice for those who plan to release a lot of music consistently.

Music Distribution Reach

Both CD Baby and DistroKid can distribute music to major digital stores and streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. However, CD Baby has more extensive distribution options, including physical distribution for CDs and vinyl, which DistroKid does not offer.

Additional Features

CD Baby provides artists with additional services such as sync licensing, which allows artists to license their music for use in TV shows, movies, commercials, and more. They also offer a Pro Publishing Administration service to help artists collect publishing royalties.

DistroKid focuses heavily on making the digital distribution process simple and efficient. They offer features like instant Spotify verification, hyperfollow pages, and detailed revenue reports. DistroKid also provides musicians with tools for Spotify pre-save campaigns and exclusive partnerships with services like TikTok and SoundOn, further enhancing their promotional capabilities.

CAE/IPI Number with DistroKid

The CAE/IPI (Composer, Author, and Publisher Identifier) number is a unique identifier assigned to songwriters and publishers by performance rights organizations (PROs). This number helps ensure that creators receive proper credit and royalties for their work. When distributing music through DistroKid, it is crucial for artists to have their CAE/IPI number handy, as it plays a significant role in the proper management and distribution of royalties.

DistroKid ensures that artists' CAE/IPI numbers are correctly associated with their songs. This means that when the music is streamed or purchased, the correct royalties are tracked and distributed to the right parties. For musicians registered with a PRO, adding the CAE/IPI number to their DistroKid account is a straightforward process that requires just a few clicks.

Conclusion

The choice between CD Baby and DistroKid ultimately depends on the individual needs and objectives of the artist. CD Baby is ideal for musicians looking for a comprehensive distribution service that includes physical product distribution, sync licensing, and extensive support. Meanwhile, DistroKid is perfect for artists who prioritize affordability and simplicity, especially those who plan to release new music frequently.

Artists must consider their goals related to music distribution, monetization, and promotions before settling on a platform. No matter which platform you choose, ensuring that your music reaches a wide audience and generates royalties is crucial.

As you navigate the music distribution landscape and strive to grow as an artist, SoundOn can provide you with the tools and services needed to build your career and find new fans through platforms like TikTok and other digital streaming services. Register now to explore all the possibilities that await you!