Is DistroKid Free? What Features Does It Offer?

DistroKid is a popular music distribution platform that allows artists to distribute their music to various digital platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. As an independent artist, knowing the costs and features of a distribution service is crucial for choosing the right platform to share your music globally.

One of the most frequently asked questions by artists is, "Is DistroKid free?" In short, the answer is no. DistroKid is not a free service. However, it does offer a range of pricing plans that are designed to be affordable and provide value to artists of all levels.

Understanding DistroKid's Pricing

DistroKid operates on a subscription model with different pricing tiers. Here is a breakdown of the plans:

• Musician Plan: This entry-level plan costs $19.99 per year. It allows you to upload unlimited songs and albums, and you keep 100% of your royalties. This plan is ideal for individual artists who are just starting out.
• Musician Plus Plan: For $35.99 per year, this plan includes all the features of the Musician Plan, but also offers additional perks such as custom label name, release date and pre-order date settings, and customized ISRC codes.
• Label Plan: Priced at $79.99 per year, the Label Plan is designed for those managing multiple artists. It supports up to 5 artists and includes all features of the Musician Plus Plan. There are also higher-tier Label Plans that accommodate more artists at a higher cost.

Key Features of DistroKid

DistroKid offers a wide range of features that make it a popular choice among artists for music distribution. Here are some of the key features:

1. Unlimited Uploads

With DistroKid, you can upload an unlimited number of songs and albums at no additional cost. This is beneficial for prolific artists who release music frequently.

2. Earnings Tracking

DistroKid provides detailed reporting on your earnings from various digital platforms. You'll be able to see where your music is being streamed and how much revenue you've earned from each source.

3. Streaming Service Inclusion

DistroKid distributes your music to a wide array of digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and many more. This extensive reach helps you to connect with a larger audience.

4. Instant Spotify Verification

When you distribute your music through DistroKid, you'll be instantly verified on Spotify. This gives you access to your Spotify for Artists account, where you can manage your artist profile and access valuable listener analytics.

5. Efficient Payment Splits

DistroKid allows you to set up automatic splits of your earnings with collaborators. This feature is valuable for bands or artists who frequently work with other musicians and producers.

6. Customization Options

Depending on your plan, you have the ability to customize your label name, release date, pre-order date, and ISRC codes. This flexibility is helpful for artists who want greater control over their releases.

7. HyperFollow Pages

DistroKid offers a feature called HyperFollow, which creates a landing page for your release. Fans can pre-save your music on Spotify, and you'll collect email addresses and engage with your audience directly.

8. YouTube Monetization

With DistroKid, you can monetize your music on YouTube. They automatically detect and monetize any videos that use your music through YouTube's Content ID system.

Additional Services from DistroKid

In addition to the core features mentioned above, DistroKid also offers several additional services that can help artists promote and distribute their music more effectively:

• Social Video Monetization: Monetize your music on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
• Store Maximizer: Automatically add your music to new stores and streaming services as they are launched.
• Shazam & iPhone Siri: Ensure your music is recognizable by Shazam and Siri, making it easier for people to find and identify your tracks.

The Value of DistroKid

While DistroKid is not a free service, the value it provides makes it a worthwhile investment for many artists. The ability to upload unlimited tracks, keep 100% of your earnings, and have your music distributed to a wide range of platforms can accelerate your growth in the music industry.

If you are looking to distribute your music and reach a larger audience, platforms like DistroKid and others such as SoundOn provide comprehensive services. SoundOn, for example, offers global distribution, TikTok and exclusive partner distribution, and much more.

Consider exploring all your options and choosing a platform that aligns with your specific needs and goals as an artist. For a robust music distribution service that integrates well with social media and streaming platforms, SoundOn is an excellent choice to start building your career.