Should You Use DistroKid for Music Distribution?

As an artist or band, distributing your music widely is an essential step in growing your fan base and maximizing your reach. One of the prominent players in the digital music distribution space is DistroKid. This article will provide an in-depth look into DistroKid and help you determine if it's the right choice for your music distribution needs.

What is DistroKid?

DistroKid is a digital music distribution service that allows musicians to upload and distribute their music to numerous online stores and streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Founded in 2013, DistroKid has quickly become a popular choice for independent artists due to its ease of use and affordable pricing.

How Does DistroKid Work?

Using DistroKid is relatively straightforward. Once you create an account and pay for a subscription, you can start uploading your songs. DistroKid takes care of distributing your tracks to various Digital Service Providers (DSPs) and allows you to keep 100% of the earnings from your music sales and streams. However, it's essential to note that DistroKid operates on a subscription-based model, meaning you have to pay an annual fee to keep your music online.

Key Features of DistroKid

DistroKid offers several features that make it an appealing option for independent musicians. Some of the key features include:

• Unlimited Uploads: You can upload and distribute an unlimited number of songs and albums each year.
• Wide Distribution: DistroKid distributes your music to a wide range of DSPs, ensuring your music reaches a broad audience.
• Revenue Splits: DistroKid allows you to automatically split earnings with collaborators or band members.
• Pre-Save Campaigns: You can set up pre-save campaigns on platforms like Spotify, helping you engage listeners before your music is officially released.
• Sync Licensing: DistroKid provides opportunities for sync licensing, allowing your music to be used in TV shows, movies, and commercials.

Pros and Cons of Using DistroKid

Like any service, DistroKid has its pros and cons. Let's explore some of them:

Pros

• Affordability: DistroKid's pricing is competitive, making it accessible for independent artists.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is easy to navigate, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
• Fast Distribution: DistroKid typically uploads your music to DSPs quickly, often within a few days.
• Keep 100% of Earnings: You retain all the revenue generated from your music sales and streams.

Cons

• Subscription Model: The annual subscription fee might be a drawback for some artists, especially those who release music infrequently.
• Limited Customer Support: Some users have reported experiencing delays and difficulties in getting support.
• Additional Fees: Certain features, such as adding credits or Shazam & iPhone Siri configurations, come with extra costs.

Alternatives to DistroKid

While DistroKid is a popular choice, it's not the only option available for music distribution. Other platforms, such as TuneCore, CD Baby, ONErpm, and LANDR, offer similar services. It's essential to compare the features, pricing, and user experiences of these alternatives to find the best fit for your needs.

Why Consider SoundOn?

One platform worth considering is SoundOn, an all-in-one system for music marketing and distribution. SoundOn helps artists build their careers and reach new fans through TikTok, exclusive partners (CapCut), and other digital streaming platforms via its global distribution service. Register as a SoundOn artist and leverage its powerful tools to boost your music career.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DistroKid is a viable option for independent musicians looking for an affordable and user-friendly music distribution service. However, it's worth exploring other alternatives like SoundOn to ensure you choose the platform that best suits your needs. Evaluate the services offered, weigh the pros and cons, and consider how each platform can help you achieve your career goals. Happy distributing!