DistroKid: Do You Have to Pay?

As an independent artist looking to distribute your music, you might have come across DistroKid. With a growing number of music distribution platforms available, it can be challenging to know which one suits your needs best. One frequent question that arises is whether you have to pay to use DistroKid and how their customer service holds up.

In this article, we explore the pricing structure and customer service experience of DistroKid to help you make an informed decision about your music distribution options.

Understanding DistroKid's Pricing Structure

DistroKid operates on a subscription-based model, which means artists have to pay an annual fee to use the platform. Unlike some of its competitors, DistroKid does not take a percentage of your earnings. Instead, you retain 100% of your royalties while paying a fixed yearly fee.

The annual subscription costs are as follows:

• Musician Plan: $19.99 per year - This plan allows you to upload unlimited songs and albums under one artist or band name.
• Musician Plus Plan: $35.99 per year - In addition to the benefits of the Musician Plan, this plan includes additional features such as customizable label name, release date, and more.
• Label Plan: Pricing starts at $79.99 per year - Suited for labels and artists with more than two band or artist names, with incremental pricing for more bands.

Additional Costs and Features

While the basic subscription covers a lot, there are additional costs for certain features:

• Store Maximizer: This feature costs an additional $7.95 per release and ensures your music is available in any new stores that DistroKid adds in the future.
• Shazam & iPhone Siri: For an extra $0.99 per song, this feature enables your tracks to be identified by Shazam and Siri.
• Sync Licensing: Adding this feature allows you to collect royalties from YouTube and is charged at $4.95 per song.
• Leave a Legacy: For a one-time payment of $29 per release, this feature ensures your music remains in stores even if you cancel your DistroKid membership.

Is DistroKid Worth the Cost?

The value of DistroKid depends on your specific needs as an artist. If you're releasing a lot of music frequently, the ability to upload unlimited tracks at a fixed annual fee can be very appealing. However, you should also factor in any additional features that are not covered by the base subscription.

DistroKid Customer Service

A crucial aspect of any service is the quality of its customer support. DistroKid offers customer service primarily through email, and they provide a comprehensive help center with articles covering common questions and issues.

However, some users have reported varying experiences with DistroKid's customer service. While some praise the support team's helpfulness and promptness, others have experienced delays in response times. To navigate the system efficiently, it's beneficial to thoroughly review the help center before reaching out to support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, you do have to pay to use DistroKid, with annual subscriptions starting at $19.99. The company's pricing structure and additional features can make it a valuable choice for many independent artists, though it's essential to consider your specific distribution needs and potential additional costs.

When it comes to customer service, experiences can vary, but the available resources and email support generally provide the necessary assistance for most users.

If you're exploring alternative distribution options, consider registering as a SoundOn artist. SoundOn offers comprehensive distribution and marketing services that can help you build your music career while reaching new fans across platforms like TikTok.