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Artist ForumnavigationDistroKid vs UnitedMasters: Which is Better?

DistroKid vs UnitedMasters: Which is Better?

As an artist looking to expand your horizon in the music industry, choosing the right distribution platform is crucial. In this article, we'll delve into DistroKid vs UnitedMasters and explore the key factors such as DistroKid cover art size requirements and more.

DistroKid Cover Art Size

Having the right cover art is essential for successfully uploading your music to streaming platforms. Let's start by discussing the requirements for DistroKid.

DistroKid ensures that the cover art matches the standards set by popular streaming services. The cover art size typically required by DistroKid includes:

  • Minimum dimensions: 3000x3000 pixels
  • Aspect ratio: 1:1
  • Format: JPEG or PNG
  • Maximum file size: 25MB

These specifications are imperative to ensure that your cover art looks professional and visually appealing on all streaming platforms.

Music distribution cover art

DistroKid: An Overview

DistroKid is a well-known music distribution service that allows artists to upload and distribute their music to a variety of platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and more. By using DistroKid, artists can benefit from:

  • Unlimited song uploads for a yearly fee
  • Quick distribution times
  • Flexible pricing plans
  • Extensive distribution network

One of the significant advantages of DistroKid is its user-friendly interface, making it easy for artists at all levels to navigate and use the service efficiently.

UnitedMasters: An Overview

UnitedMasters is another notable distribution service that aims to provide artists with more control over their music and its distribution. While it offers a free tier, there are also premium plans available. Some of the key features of UnitedMasters include:

  • Access to premium playlisting opportunities
  • Sync licensing for films, TV, and ads
  • Analytics and insight tools
  • Direct support through dedicated artist managers

UnitedMasters is known for giving artists control and opportunities to monetize their music through various avenues, appealing to those looking for a comprehensive control over their music career.

Comparing DistroKid and UnitedMasters

When comparing DistroKid and UnitedMasters, several factors come into play. Here's a breakdown:

Pricing

DistroKid operates on a yearly subscription basis, offering different plans based on an artist's needs. UnitedMasters offers a free tier with a commission on earnings and premium subscriptions for more features.

Distribution Speed

DistroKid is known for its swift distribution times, often getting music on streaming platforms in a matter of days. UnitedMasters also offers competitive distribution times but might be slightly slower than DistroKid.

Additional Services

Each platform provides unique services. For example, DistroKid offers features like HyperFollow and "Leave a Legacy." UnitedMasters, on the other hand, offers sync licensing and greater analytics.

Artist Control and Support

UnitedMasters provides direct support through dedicated artist managers, making it ideal for artists seeking guidance. DistroKid offers excellent do-it-yourself tools but less personalized support.

Choosing the Right Platform

Ultimately, the choice between DistroKid and UnitedMasters depends on your specific needs as an artist. If you value speed and unlimited uploads, DistroKid might be the right choice. If you seek detailed analytics and premium opportunities, UnitedMasters could be more suitable.

For maximum benefits, consider joining a comprehensive platform like SoundOn, which offers global distribution services and partnerships with TikTok and CapCut, designed to help artists grow and reach new audiences.

In conclusion, both DistroKid and UnitedMasters offer excellent services to artists, each with its own set of advantages. Evaluate your goals, needs, and preferences to choose the best platform for your music career.

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