How Much Does DistroKid Cost and How Does It Work?

If you're a musician looking to distribute your music online, you've likely heard of DistroKid. This article will explore how much DistroKid costs and how it works, providing you with valuable insights to help you decide if it's the right platform for you.

Understanding DistroKid's Pricing

DistroKid offers a range of pricing plans to cater to different needs and budgets. Here's a breakdown of their current offerings:

• Musician Plan: Priced at $19.99 per year, this entry-level plan allows you to upload and distribute unlimited songs and albums to major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more. It's great for independent artists who want to get their music out there without breaking the bank.
• Musician Plus Plan: At $35.99 per year, this plan includes everything in the Musician Plan but adds features like daily sales stats, customizable label name, release date options, and more. It's ideal for artists looking for more control and detailed analytics.
• Label Plan: Starting at $79.99 per year, this plan is designed for labels or artists managing multiple acts. It includes everything in the Musician Plus Plan and allows you to manage up to 5 different artist profiles. There are also higher-tier Label plans available for managing more artists.

How Does DistroKid Work?

DistroKid simplifies the music distribution process, allowing artists to focus on their craft while the platform handles the heavy lifting. Here’s an overview of how it works:

1. Upload Your Music

To get started, create an account on DistroKid and choose your plan. Once your account is set up, you can begin uploading your music. DistroKid accepts various file formats, including WAV, MP3, and FLAC.

2. Choose Your Platforms

After uploading your tracks, you'll select the digital streaming platforms where you want your music to be available. DistroKid partners with many major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and others. You can distribute your music to all the platforms or pick and choose as you see fit.

3. Provide Metadata

Next, you'll need to fill out the metadata for your tracks. This includes song titles, artist names, album art, genre, and release date. Accurate metadata is crucial as it helps ensure your music is properly categorized and easily found by listeners.

4. Set Your Release Date

DistroKid allows you to set a release date for your music, which is particularly useful for coordinated marketing campaigns and promotions. You can release your music immediately or choose a future date.

5. Distribute and Promote

Once everything is set up, DistroKid will distribute your music to the selected platforms. The time it takes for your music to go live varies, but it typically takes a few days. After your music is live, you can start promoting it to reach a broader audience.

6. Collect Royalties

One significant advantage of using DistroKid is that they do not take any commission from your earnings. This means you keep 100% of the royalties generated from your music streams and sales. Royalties are usually paid out monthly, and you can track your earnings and sales stats via your DistroKid account.

Key Features and Benefits of DistroKid

DistroKid is packed with features that benefit artists at all stages of their careers. Here are some key features:

• Unlimited Uploads: No matter which plan you choose, DistroKid allows you to upload an unlimited number of tracks without additional charges.
• Global Distribution: DistroKid distributes your music to a wide range of digital platforms, ensuring global reach.
• HyperFollow: A unique feature that creates a landing page for your releases, making it easier to promote your music and gather pre-saves on platforms like Spotify.
• Automatic Splits: For collaborations, DistroKid can automatically split royalties between multiple contributors, simplifying revenue sharing.
• Cover Song Licensing: If you want to release a cover song, DistroKid can handle the licensing process for you.
• YouTube Money: DistroKid can help you earn money from YouTube when your music is used in videos.

Is DistroKid Right for You?

Choosing the right music distribution platform is a crucial decision for any artist. DistroKid’s straightforward pricing, unlimited uploads, and wide range of features make it an attractive choice for many musicians. However, it's essential to evaluate your needs and goals. If DistroKid's offerings align with what you're looking for, it could be an excellent choice for distributing your music.

While exploring your options, consider platforms like SoundOn. SoundOn offers comprehensive support, global distribution, and innovative promotional tools to help artists grow their fanbase and maximize their music career.

Ultimately, the best platform for you will depend on your unique needs and preferences. Whether you choose DistroKid, SoundOn, or another service, remember that effective music distribution is key to reaching new audiences and achieving success in the music industry.