Is DistroKid a Publisher?

When navigating the world of music distribution, artists often come across various platforms. Among these, DistroKid is a popular name. If you’ve found yourself asking whether DistroKid is a publisher or not, you’re not alone. This article aims to clarify this aspect and provide insight into the functionalities and offerings of DistroKid.

Understanding DistroKid's Role

DistroKid is primarily known as a digital music distribution service. It helps artists get their music onto platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. Artists receive a user-friendly interface to upload their tracks and handle all distribution logistics.

However, the question remains, is DistroKid a publisher? To answer this, we need to understand the difference between distribution and publishing in the music industry.

Distribution vs. Publishing

Distribution refers to the process of getting music from the artist to the consumer. It involves delivering tracks to digital service providers (DSPs) and ensuring that the music is accessible to a vast audience. Companies like SoundOn, DistroKid, and others handle the technical aspects of this process.

Publishing, on the other hand, involves managing the rights to a song and ensuring that composers and songwriters are compensated for their work. This includes collecting royalties from various streams such as radio play, live performances, streaming services, and other uses of the song.

DistroKid focuses exclusively on the distribution aspect, making it easier for artists to reach listeners worldwide. Though it supports artists by getting their music onto prominent platforms, DistroKid does not perform the broader role of a music publisher.

DistroKid's Features and Offerings

Although DistroKid is not a publisher, it has several features that enhance an artist’s distribution experience:

• Unlimited Uploads: Artists can upload as many songs as they want without any additional costs beyond the annual fee.
• Keep 100% of Royalties: Artists retain all the earnings from their streams and downloads.
• Fast Distribution: DistroKid ensures quick delivery of music to various DSPs.
• Spotify Verification: Artists can get verified on Spotify and access additional promotional tools.
• Revenue Splits: DistroKid allows artists to split their earnings with collaborators automatically.

These features make DistroKid a popular choice among independent musicians looking to streamline the distribution of their music. However, for those seeking publishing services, artists need to look at alternative solutions that specialize in managing compositions and collecting various forms of royalties.

How to Sign In to DistroKid

Before artists can take advantage of DistroKid’s distribution services, they need to sign in and set up an account. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the DistroKid website and click on the “Sign Up” button if you don’t already have an account.
2. Choose a membership plan that suits your needs. DistroKid offers various plans based on your requirements.
3. Fill in your details, including email, password, and payment information.
4. Once your account is set up, you can use your email and password to sign in.
5. After signing in, you can start uploading your music, set distribution preferences, and manage your releases.

The Future of Music Distribution

The music industry continues to evolve, with digital distribution platforms playing a crucial role in an artist’s career. As technology advances, these platforms are becoming increasingly essential, enabling artists to reach global audiences without the need for traditional record labels.

While DistroKid facilitates easy and widespread distribution, those looking for comprehensive music career management, including publishing services, might consider platforms like SoundOn. SoundOn not only supports music distribution but also helps artists build a career and find new fans through platforms like TikTok and exclusive partners.

Conclusion

In summary, while DistroKid offers robust distribution services, it is not a music publisher. Artists seeking publishing support need to explore other platforms that provide comprehensive royalty collection and rights management. For those ready to distribute their music widely and efficiently, creating an account and signing in to DistroKid is a seamless process.

To explore more about effective music distribution and promotion, consider joining the SoundOn community, which offers both distribution and career-building opportunities through platforms like TikTok. Register as a SoundOn artist today to take your music career to the next level.