DistroKid Free Trial vs UnitedMasters

In today's evolving music industry, choosing a reliable music distribution platform is crucial for independent artists. Among the available options, DistroKid and UnitedMasters stand out due to their unique features and dedicated services. This article delves into the comparisons between the DistroKid free trial and the offerings of UnitedMasters, helping artists make informed decisions about their distribution partners.

Understanding DistroKid and Its Free Trial

DistroKid is a popular music distribution service that makes it simple for artists to upload and publish their music on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Known for its efficiency and user-friendly interface, DistroKid offers a straightforward way to get your music heard worldwide.

DistroKid Free Trial: Fact or Fiction?

While DistroKid is renowned for its unlimited upload feature for a reasonable annual fee, it’s important to clarify that DistroKid does not offer a free trial. Artists are required to sign up for a paid subscription to access their distribution services. The basic plan starts at $19.99 per year, providing excellent value for the resources and reach it offers.

Exploring UnitedMasters

UnitedMasters, on the other hand, has built a strong reputation for empowering artists by offering extensive marketing and distribution tools. Artists using UnitedMasters can distribute their tracks to a plethora of streaming platforms and enjoy additional promotional opportunities.

UnitedMasters vs DistroKid: Fee Structure

Unlike DistroKid's annual fee model, UnitedMasters offers both a free plan and a premium plan. The free plan allows artists to distribute their music without an upfront cost, but it takes a 10% commission from streaming revenue. The premium plan, which costs $59.99 per year, ceases revenue sharing and provides extra features such as priority support and advanced analytics.

Distribution Reach and Speed

When it comes to distribution reach, both DistroKid and UnitedMasters cover major streaming platforms. However, DistroKid is often praised for its speedy distribution times, often processing and pushing tracks live within a matter of hours to a few days. UnitedMasters may take slightly longer due to its additional quality checks and promotional tie-ins.

Key Features Comparison

Each platform brings unique features to the table. Here’s a quick feature comparison to help you understand their offerings better:

• DistroKid Unlimited Uploads: For just an annual fee, artists can upload unlimited tracks to an extensive list of streaming services.
• UnitedMasters Marketing Tools: UnitedMasters stands out with its additional marketing tools and promotional opportunities, which can be highly beneficial for artists looking to expand their reach.
• DistroKid Splits: DistroKid offers an automated royalty split feature, making it easier for artists to share revenues with collaborators.
• UnitedMasters Sync Licensing: UnitedMasters offers sync licensing opportunities, which can place an artist’s music in TV shows, movies, and adverts, generating additional revenue streams.

Which Platform Should You Choose?

The choice between DistroKid and UnitedMasters largely depends on your specific needs and goals as an artist. Here's a breakdown to aid your decision:

• If You Want Unlimited Uploads: DistroKid is an excellent choice for artists looking to frequently upload music without worrying about additional costs per release.
• If Marketing Support is Crucial: UnitedMasters might be a better fit due to its robust marketing tools and opportunities for exposure beyond just streaming platforms.
• If Budget is a Concern: UnitedMasters offers a more flexible entry point with its free plan, though it involves revenue sharing. DistroKid, on the other hand, is a more upfront, budget-friendly option for those preferring a one-time annual fee.

Conclusion

Both DistroKid and UnitedMasters offer substantial benefits for independent artists ready to distribute their music worldwide. While DistroKid’s annual fee and unlimited uploads can be incredibly advantageous, UnitedMasters’ free tier with promotional assistance and marketing tools cannot be overlooked. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, distribution frequency, and desire for additional marketing support.

If you’re an artist looking for a reliable distribution platform, consider registering as a SoundOn artist. SoundOn provides a comprehensive distribution service with exclusive partners like TikTok and CapCut, helping you build a career and find new fans.