Is DistroKid the Right Choice?

If you are an independent artist looking to distribute your music globally, you have likely come across the name DistroKid. In this article, we will delve into a comprehensive review of DistroKid’s services.

Overview of DistroKid

DistroKid is an online music distribution service that helps artists and record labels get their music into digital stores and streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. Founded in 2013 by Philip Kaplan, DistroKid has gained popularity for its affordability and ease of use.

Key Features of DistroKid

Unlimited Music Uploads

One of the highlights of DistroKid is the ability to upload unlimited songs and albums for a flat annual fee. This feature is particularly appealing to prolific artists who release music frequently.

Speedy Distribution

DistroKid is known for its fast turnaround times. New tracks often appear in digital stores and streaming services within a matter of days, if not hours.

Global Reach

With DistroKid, your music can be distributed to over 150 platforms worldwide, ensuring a broad reach to listeners across various services.

Revenue Collection

DistroKid collects 100% of the revenue from digital sales and streaming on behalf of artists. They do not take a commission, which means more money goes directly to the artist.

Additional Services

DistroKid offers several additional services to enhance the music distribution experience, including:

• Automatic Splits: This feature allows artists to automatically divide earnings between collaborators, making royalty payments hassle-free.
• Shazam and iPhone Siri Support: DistroKid ensures your music can be recognized by these popular music identification services.
• Cover Song Licensing: Easily obtain licenses for cover songs through DistroKid’s partnership with Loudr.

Pricing

DistroKid offers a straightforward pricing model with three subscription tiers:

• Musician: $19.99/year for one artist/band.
• Musician Plus: $35.99/year for two artist/bands along with additional features like customizable release dates and label name.
• Label: Starts at $79.99/year for up to 5 artists/bands and scales up depending on the number of artists.

Ease of Use

One of DistroKid’s main strengths is its user-friendly interface. The upload process is simple and intuitive, making it easy for artists to distribute their music without any technical expertise.

Customer Support

DistroKid offers email support for its users. While response times can vary, many users report satisfactory experiences. However, DistroKid does not offer phone support, which may be a drawback for those who prefer direct communication.

Comparison with Competitors

While DistroKid is a prominent player in the music distribution landscape, it's crucial to compare it with other distributors like SoundOn, Tunecore, CD Baby, ONErpm, LANDR, Indiefy, and Amuse. Each offers unique features and pricing structures, so it’s important to evaluate which platform best meets your specific needs.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable pricing with unlimited uploads.
• Fast distribution to major platforms.
• Retain 100% of your earnings.
• User-friendly interface.
• Additional services like automatic splits and cover song licensing.

Cons:

• No phone support available.
• Annual fee required regardless of earnings.

Conclusion

DistroKid is a popular choice for independent artists due to its affordability, ease of use, and comprehensive distribution capabilities. However, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons and compare it with other platforms. If you are looking for a music distribution platform that offers reliable global distribution, DistroKid might be worth considering.

Moreover, it's also worth exploring other options like SoundOn, especially if you want to leverage platforms like TikTok for your music promotion and maximize reach through exclusive partners like CapCut.