How Does Distrokid Work? Sign Up Process

The music industry has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, with independent artists gaining more control over their music. One of the key players enabling this transformation is DistroKid. If you're wondering how DistroKid works and how to sign up, you're in the right place. This article will walk you through the functionality of DistroKid and detail the sign-up process.

What is DistroKid?

DistroKid is a music distribution service that helps artists get their music onto various streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. Founded in 2013, DistroKid has become a popular choice for independent musicians due to its ease of use and cost-effective pricing.

How Does DistroKid Work?

DistroKid acts as a middleman between independent artists and streaming platforms. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

1. Upload Your Music: Once you've created an account, you can upload your music files, cover art, and other relevant details.
2. Distribution: DistroKid then distributes your music to various streaming platforms and digital stores.
3. Revenue Collection: As your music is streamed or purchased, DistroKid collects the royalties on your behalf.
4. Payouts: DistroKid pays you the royalties, retaining no commission, meaning you keep 100% of your earnings.

Key Features of DistroKid

DistroKid offers several features that make it a favorite among independent artists:

• Unlimited Uploads: Unlike many other distribution services, DistroKid allows unlimited uploads for a flat annual fee.
• Fast Distribution: DistroKid boasts one of the fastest distribution times, getting your music on streaming platforms within 1-2 days.
• Splits: This feature allows you to automatically split revenues with collaborators, such as producers and featured artists.
• Cover Song Licensing: If you’ve recorded a cover song, DistroKid helps with the legalities, making it easier to release.
• HyperFollow: A promotional tool to help you gather followers and streams even before your release goes live.

Detailed DistroKid Sign Up Process

Signing up for DistroKid is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Visit the DistroKid Website

Head over to the DistroKid website. You’ll find various plans to choose from depending on your needs and budget.

2. Choose a Plan

DistroKid offers different plans including the Musician, Musician Plus, and Label plans. Evaluate these plans based on the number of artists you want to manage, additional features, and your long-term goals.

3. Create an Account

Once you’ve selected a plan, you’ll need to create an account. Provide your email address, create a password, and fill in other required details.

4. Payment

After creating your account, you’ll be directed to the payment page. Enter your payment details to activate your account. DistroKid accepts various payment methods including credit cards and PayPal.

5. Upload Your Music

With an active account, you can now start uploading your music. Here's what you need:

• Audio Files: Ensure your music files are high quality (.wav, .flac, etc.).
• Cover Art: The cover art needs to meet specific requirements, which are detailed on the DistroKid platform.
• Metadata: Fill out information about your release, such as the song titles, album name, and artist details.

6. Distribution

After uploading your music, DistroKid will distribute it to the selected streaming platforms and digital stores. This usually takes a couple of days, but can vary depending on the platform.

7. Monitor and Promote

Once your music is live, you can monitor its performance through DistroKid’s dashboard. Additionally, utilize DistroKid’s promotional tools like HyperFollow to boost your streams and gather a loyal fanbase.

Advantages of Using DistroKid

Here are some advantages that make DistroKid a compelling choice for independent musicians:

• Customer Support: DistroKid offers robust customer support to help you navigate any issues that may arise during the distribution process.
• 100% Royalties: Unlike some platforms, DistroKid allows artists to keep 100% of their earnings, making it a cost-effective option.
• Simplicity and Speed: The intuitive interface and rapid distribution times make it easy for artists to get their music out quickly.

Conclusion

DistroKid has revolutionized the way independent musicians distribute their music, offering a simple, cost-effective, and efficient solution. Understanding how DistroKid works and its sign-up process can help artists take full advantage of its features, ultimately leading to greater success in the music industry.

Remember, choosing a music distribution platform is a crucial decision that can impact your music career. If you’re considering different options, you might want to register as a SoundOn artist, an all-in-one platform for marketing, distribution, and building a career through TikTok and other exclusive partners.