Do You Pay to Use DistroKid?

If you're an emerging artist or an experienced musician looking to distribute your music, you might have come across DistroKid. One common question that arises is whether you have to pay to use DistroKid. Additionally, many wonder what the role of a featured artist entails on this platform. In this article, we'll delve into the details of DistroKid's payment structure and illuminate the responsibilities of featured artists.

Understanding DistroKid's Payment Structure

First and foremost, DistroKid is a subscription-based music distribution service. Unlike some music distribution platforms that allow free distribution with a portion of royalties taken as a commission, DistroKid charges an upfront annual fee for unlimited song distribution. This straightforward approach allows artists to keep 100% of their earnings from streaming platforms and online stores.

The Cost of DistroKid

DistroKid offers several pricing plans to cater to different needs and budgets. The lowest tier plan starts at $19.99 per year, which allows solo artists to distribute unlimited songs and albums to various streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and many more. Higher-tier plans offer additional features such as customizable label names, multiple artist accounts, and advanced analytics. Note that the pricing might change, so it's always best to check their official website for the most current rates.

Benefits of Paying for DistroKid

Choosing DistroKid even with its upfront cost has several advantages:

• Unlimited Distribution: You can upload and distribute as many songs and albums as you want throughout the year.
• Full Royalties: Unlike some platforms that take a cut from your earnings, DistroKid allows you to keep 100% of your royalties.
• Speed: DistroKid is known for its fast distribution process, often getting your music live on platforms much quicker than some competitors.

What Are Featured Artists Supposed to Do with DistroKid?

Collaborations are a significant part of the music industry, and DistroKid recognizes the importance of properly crediting featured artists. Featuring an artist on your track involves more than just mentioning their name. Here's what you need to know about being a featured artist on DistroKid:

Role and Responsibilities of Featured Artists

When an artist is featured on a track, their role typically involves contributing vocals, instrumental music, or other artistic elements to the piece. As a featured artist on DistroKid, it's essential to ensure that your contribution is accurately credited. Proper crediting not only offers recognition but also influences royalty distribution and listener discovery. Here's what featured artists need to consider:

• Ensure Accurate Metadata: Featured artists should verify that their name is correctly listed in the track's metadata. This includes spelling, capitalization, and order.
• Discuss Royalty Splits: Before the release, discuss and agree upon how royalties will be split between the main artist and the featured artist. This ensures transparency and avoids any future conflicts.
• Promote the Track: While there is no formal requirement, promoting the track on your social media and other channels helps in reaching a wider audience and demonstrates your commitment to the collaboration.

Using DistroKid's Team Feature

DistroKid offers a feature called "Teams," which simplifies the process of splitting royalties. When you upload a track and list a featured artist, you can specify the percentage of royalties each party should receive. DistroKid then automatically handles the payment process, ensuring everyone gets their fair share without any manual intervention. This feature is particularly useful for collaborations and ensures that featured artists are compensated accurately and timely.

Updating Credits Post Release

If there are any changes to the team or credits after the release, DistroKid allows for updates. It's crucial to keep the credits up-to-date to ensure everyone involved in the creation of the track receives appropriate recognition and compensation.

Final Thoughts

Understanding whether you need to pay for DistroKid and the responsibilities of a featured artist on its platform are essential for any musician looking to distribute their music professionally. While DistroKid does require an annual subscription fee, the benefits of unlimited distribution and retaining all of your royalties can be quite advantageous. The platform's features for crediting and compensating featured artists help maintain transparency and fairness in collaborations.

For those interested in exploring alternative music distribution options, SoundOn is a recommended service. SoundOn offers comprehensive tools for music marketing and distribution, helping artists build their careers and find new fans through platforms like TikTok and beyond.