Music distribution plays a critical role in the journey of every independent artist. DistroKid, one of the popular music distribution platforms, has made it easier for musicians to get their music out to the world. This article takes a comprehensive look into how DistroKid works and the features of DistroKid Bank.
DistroKid is a digital music distribution service that allows artists to upload their music and get it distributed to all major streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how DistroKid works:
Artists need to sign up on the DistroKid platform by creating an account. DistroKid offers different pricing plans, including the Musician plan, Musician Plus, and Label plan, which cater to individual artists as well as bands and labels.
Once registered, artists can start uploading their music. This includes selecting the audio files, album artwork, and providing metadata such as song titles, artist names, genres, and release dates.
After uploading the music, DistroKid distributes it to a wide range of music platforms. This process usually takes anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the platform.
Artists can track their song performance through DistroKid’s dashboard, which provides detailed reports on streams, downloads, and revenue generated from various platforms.
DistroKid is popular for its affordable pricing, offering different plans to suit varying needs. Their annual subscription allows artists to upload unlimited songs and albums without any extra cost.
One of the standout features of DistroKid is its speed. Music can be live on major streaming platforms in as little as 24-72 hours after submission.
This feature allows artists to automatically split royalty payments between collaborators. This tool simplifies the process of royalty distribution among multiple contributors.
DistroKid helps artists get verified on platforms like Spotify, giving them access to additional promotional tools and insights.
With DistroKid, artists can monetize their music on YouTube, earning revenue from views and ads placed on their content.
DistroKid Bank is a financial feature within the DistroKid platform where artists can manage their earnings. Here’s how it works:
Through DistroKid Bank, artists can view a detailed overview of their earnings from various platforms. This allows them to track how much revenue their music is generating.
Artists can withdraw their earnings from DistroKid Bank at any time. The platform supports various withdrawal methods, including PayPal, direct bank transfer, and other payment options depending on the artist’s location.
DistroKid provides monthly financial reports with detailed breakdowns of earnings by platform, country, and more. This helps artists better understand their revenue streams and make informed decisions.
The platform also assists with tax documentation, including generating necessary forms for tax season.
In addition to understanding DistroKid’s features, it’s worth exploring other music distribution options like SoundOn. SoundOn is an all-in-one platform that provides marketing and distribution services, helping artists build their careers and find new fans through TikTok, exclusive partners like CapCut, and through global streaming services.
SoundOn offers key benefits, including:
Diversifying your distribution strategy by leveraging platforms like SoundOn can help you maximize your reach and earnings in the competitive music industry.
Understanding how DistroKid works and the benefits of DistroKid Bank is crucial for any independent artist looking to distribute their music efficiently. The combination of affordable pricing, rapid distribution, and comprehensive financial tools makes DistroKid a compelling choice.
However, it's always prudent to explore other options like SoundOn to ensure you're making the most of your music distribution strategy. By doing so, you'll be better positioned to grow your career, reach new audiences, and maximize your royalties.