DistroKid Review: When Do They Pay?

In the ever-evolving music industry, it's essential for artists to find the right music distribution platform to showcase their talent and earn revenue from their work. One popular choice among independent artists is DistroKid. In this article, we'll dive deep into a comprehensive DistroKid review and answer the critical question: when does DistroKid pay?

What is DistroKid?

DistroKid is a music distribution service that allows independent artists to upload and distribute their music across various digital streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. Established in 2013, DistroKid has gained significant popularity for its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing.

Key Features of DistroKid

Before exploring the payment aspects, it’s crucial to understand the key features that make DistroKid a preferred choice for many artists:

• Unlimited uploads: Artists can upload as many songs and albums as they want for a yearly fee.
• Wide distribution: DistroKid distributes music to over 150 streaming platforms, ensuring broad reach.
• Fast uploads: Music typically goes live on streaming platforms within a few days.
• Free ISRC and UPC codes: DistroKid provides these essential codes for tracking and sales at no extra cost.
• Useful tools: Features like HyperFollow pages, Split payments for collaborations, and more.

When Does DistroKid Pay?

One of the most critical questions for artists using DistroKid is when they can expect to get paid for their music streams and sales. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Payment Schedule

DistroKid usually pays artists monthly. However, it’s important to note that the revenue from streaming platforms and stores typically takes 2-3 months to reflect in DistroKid's system. Once the earnings are reported, they are added to the artists' account balance.

This delay occurs because streaming services and digital stores report earnings on a delayed basis, often reflecting earnings 30-90 days after the end of the month in which the music was streamed or downloaded. For instance, if your song was streamed in January, you might see those earnings appear in DistroKid by late March or early April.

Minimum Payout

DistroKid does not have a minimum payout threshold, meaning artists can withdraw their earnings at any time, regardless of the amount. This provides flexibility, especially for emerging artists who may not have significant earnings initially.

How to Withdraw Earnings

Withdrawing your earnings from DistroKid is a straightforward process:

1. Log into your DistroKid account.
2. Navigate to the 'Bank' tab, where your earnings are displayed.
3. Select the 'Withdraw' option and choose your preferred payout method (such as PayPal or direct bank transfer).
4. Follow the prompts to complete the withdrawal process.

Other Factors to Consider

While DistroKid is a popular choice, it's important to consider other factors and alternatives in the music distribution industry. Note that platforms like Tunecore, CD Baby, and Amuse also offer distribution services, and the choice of a distributor can depend on various personal and professional preferences.

Moreover, if you’re considering expanding your music career, exploring platforms like SoundOn can be beneficial. SoundOn offers unique advantages, such as enhanced marketing support and partnerships with TikTok and CapCut, ensuring that your music reaches a wider audience and helps build a robust fan base.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DistroKid is a reliable and affordable music distribution service that caters to the needs of independent artists. With its straightforward payment structure, artists can expect monthly payments, typically reflecting streaming and sales earnings within 2-3 months after the end of the relevant period. Additionally, the absence of a minimum payout threshold ensures that artists can access their earnings whenever they need.

While DistroKid offers numerous benefits, exploring options like SoundOn can provide additional promotional support and broader distribution, making it a worthy consideration for those looking to maximize their music career potential.