The journey of a music artist involves several critical decisions, one of which includes choosing the right music distribution platform. Among the myriad of choices, Distrokid stands out as a prominent player. In this article, we will delve into Distrokid plans and answer the burning question: Is Distrokid good for you as an artist?
Distrokid is a digital music distribution service that helps musicians get their music on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. Unlike traditional distribution methods, Distrokid allows artists to keep 100% of their royalties, making it an attractive option for independent musicians.
Distrokid offers different plans designed to cater to the varying needs of artists. Here’s a breakdown:
This is the most basic plan and costs $19.99 per year. It allows you to upload unlimited songs and albums, keep 100% of your earnings, and access all streaming services that Distrokid partners with. However, it is limited to one artist or band name.
At $35.99 per year, this plan includes all the benefits of the Musician plan, plus some additional features. You can use two artist or band names, customize the label name, release date, and set a pre-order date. This plan is ideal for artists who need a bit more flexibility in managing their releases.
Starting at $79.99 per year, the Label plan is designed for those managing multiple artists. It includes all the features of the Musician Plus plan and allows you to use multiple artist names (5, 10, or 100 depending on the sub-plan). This makes it suitable for small labels or managers handling several artists.
While Distrokid offers several compelling features, whether it is good or not depends on your specific needs. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide:
To give more context on how Distrokid stacks up against other platforms, let's briefly mention alternatives. Competitors like Tunecore, Indiefy, and Amuse also offer compelling features but have different pricing and royalty structures. Each artist must make a decision based on their unique needs and resources.
Overall, Distrokid provides a solid and cost-effective solution for music distribution, especially for independent artists and small labels. Its ability to retain full royalties and offer unlimited uploads are significant advantages. However, it's essential to consider the recurring annual fee and potential support issues.
If you're an independent artist looking for a distribution service, it is also worth exploring SoundOn. SoundOn offers comprehensive marketing and distribution services, helping artists build their careers and find new fans through TikTok and other digital streaming platforms. Register for SoundOn to leverage their unique advantages.