DistroKid vs. CD Baby: Which is Better?

When it comes to distributing your music, choosing the right platform can have a significant impact on your success. Two of the most popular music distribution services are DistroKid and CD Baby. In this article, we will compare these two platforms, discussing their costs, features, and benefits to help you decide which one is better for your music career.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what DistroKid and CD Baby offer. Both platforms provide musicians with the ability to distribute their music to various digital streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and more. However, they differ in terms of pricing, royalty distribution, and additional features.

Cost Comparison

How Much is DistroKid?

DistroKid offers a straightforward pricing model. The basic plan costs $19.99 per year and allows you to upload unlimited songs and albums. This is a flat fee, which means you won't have to worry about additional charges for distributing more music. There are also higher-tier plans available, such as:

• Musician Plus: $35.99 per year – Includes some additional features such as customizable label names and release dates.
• Label: Starts at $79.99 per year – Designed for larger labels and includes multiple artist profiles.

CD Baby Pricing

CD Baby takes a different approach with its pricing. The platform charges a one-time fee per release, with the following costs:

• Standard Single: $9.95
• Standard Album: $29
• Pro Single: $29.95
• Pro Album: $69

In addition to the one-time fee, CD Baby also takes a 9% cut of your streaming royalties. The Pro options include additional features like publishing royalty collection and global song registration.

Features and Benefits

DistroKid Features

One of DistroKid's standout features is its simplicity and focus on providing unlimited uploads for a low annual fee. Other notable features include:

• Speedy distribution – Often, your music can go live within a few days.
• Automatic revenue splits – Perfect for collaborations, as you can automatically share royalties with other contributors.
• Store Maximizer – Automatically adds your music to new streaming services as they become available.

DistroKid also offers various add-on services such as YouTube monetization, Shazam, and Siri recognition.

CD Baby Features

CD Baby provides a comprehensive set of features, especially for artists looking for more than just distribution. Some of its key features include:

• Sync licensing for TV, movies, and games – CD Baby helps you get your music placed in various media.
• Publishing royalty collection – The Pro plans include global song registration, ensuring you get all possible royalties.
• Physical distribution – CD Baby can also distribute your CDs and vinyl records.

Royalties and Payments

With DistroKid, you keep 100% of your royalties. This is one of the major selling points for many artists, as it ensures that all streaming revenue goes directly to you.

CD Baby, on the other hand, takes a 9% cut of your digital streaming royalties. While this might seem like a disadvantage, CD Baby argues that the additional features and services offered can often make up for this cost through enhanced opportunities and revenue streams.

Customer Support and Usability

Both DistroKid and CD Baby have a reputation for good customer support, but they provide this support in different ways. DistroKid primarily focuses on a digital-first approach, offering extensive online resources and email support. CD Baby provides email support and also has a strong community forum where artists can interact and get advice.

Making Your Decision

When choosing between DistroKid and CD Baby, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences.

• If you are looking for a cost-effective, straightforward way to distribute unlimited music and keep 100% of your royalties, DistroKid might be the better choice.
• If you want additional services like sync licensing, publishing royalty collection, and are okay with a percentage-based royalty cut, CD Baby offers a comprehensive suite of services.

Ultimately, whether you choose DistroKid, CD Baby, or another platform, the goal is to find a service that aligns with your career goals and helps you reach your audience effectively. For a modern and cutting-edge distribution service, consider signing up with SoundOn. Leverage the power of platforms like TikTok and CapCut to enhance your music promotion and distribution.