Is DistroKid Worth Trying in 2024?

As an independent artist, finding a reliable and efficient music distribution service is essential for your success. DistroKid is one such service that promises to make your music widely available on various digital platforms. In this article, we will provide a thorough review of DistroKid and the possibility of a free trial, which will help you decide if it is the right choice for your music career.

What is DistroKid?

DistroKid is a music distribution service that allows artists to upload their music and distribute it to various digital streaming platforms. It was founded in 2013 by Philip Kaplan and quickly gained popularity due to its simple, artist-friendly interface and affordable pricing plans.

Key Features of DistroKid

DistroKid offers several notable features that make it an attractive option for independent musicians:

• Unlimited uploads: You can upload and distribute an unlimited number of songs and albums for a flat annual fee.
• Speedy distribution: DistroKid claims to distribute your music to all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, within 24-48 hours.
• Keep 100% of royalties: Unlike some other distribution services, DistroKid does not take a cut of your royalties.
• Automatic splits: You can easily split revenues with collaborators and automatically send payments to their accounts.
• Spotify verified checkmark: DistroKid enables you to get your Spotify profile verified with just a few clicks.

DistroKid Plans and Pricing

DistroKid offers three main pricing plans:

• Musician: This plan costs $19.99 per year and allows you to distribute unlimited songs and albums for one artist or band.
• Musician Plus: For $35.99 per year, this plan adds features such as customizable label name, release date, and pre-orders. It also allows you to manage two artists or bands.
• Label: This plan starts at $79.99 per year and supports up to five artists or bands. Higher tiers are available for more artists.

DistroKid Free Trial: Is It Available?

Currently, DistroKid does not offer a traditional free trial. Instead, they provide a money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free. If you are not satisfied with the service within a specified period, you can request a refund. This policy gives new users peace of mind when choosing DistroKid as their music distribution service.

Pros and Cons of Using DistroKid

To provide a comprehensive DistroKid review, let's examine the main pros and cons of using this platform:

Pros:

• Affordable pricing: DistroKid's flat annual fee for unlimited uploads is budget-friendly for independent artists.
• Fast distribution: Quick turnaround times for getting your music on streaming platforms.
• Retain 100% royalties: Artists keep all of their earnings without any commission deductions.
• Easy revenue splits: Automatically distribute earnings to your collaborators.

Cons:

• No free trial: The absence of a free trial might be a drawback for some artists, though the money-back guarantee mitigates this concern.
• Annual subscription: Paying an annual fee might not be ideal for all artists, particularly those who release music infrequently.

SoundOn: An Alternative to DistroKid

If you are exploring music distribution services, consider SoundOn. SoundOn offers robust marketing and distribution services, helping artists build a career and reach new fans through platforms like TikTok and other global digital streaming services.

Conclusion: Is DistroKid Right for You?

In conclusion, DistroKid is a powerful and user-friendly music distribution service that offers a combination of affordability, speed, and transparent revenue sharing. While the lack of a free trial might deter some, their money-back guarantee ensures that you can test the service risk-free. If you're looking for an alternative that also offers comprehensive marketing tools and support, be sure to check out SoundOn. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific needs and goals as an artist.