How Does Distrokid Work? Everything You Need To Know

As an artist, distributing your music effectively is a crucial step toward reaching a wider audience and growing your fan base. One popular option for music distribution is DistroKid. In this article, we'll delve into how DistroKid works and its pricing model, helping you make an informed decision on whether it's the right platform for your music.

What is DistroKid?

DistroKid is a digital music distribution service that enables artists to upload their music to various streaming platforms and digital stores. These platforms include Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and many others. DistroKid has gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface and efficiency in getting music out to the masses quickly.

How Does DistroKid Work?

Using DistroKid is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how the platform operates:

1. Sign Up and Create an Account

First, you need to sign up for a DistroKid account. You'll need to provide basic information such as your name, email address, and payment information. The registration process is quick and easy, allowing you to start distributing your music in no time.

2. Choose a Plan

DistroKid offers several pricing plans based on your needs and budget. Their pricing is simple and straightforward, making it easy to pick a plan that suits you. More on pricing later.

3. Upload Your Music

Once you've created an account and chosen a plan, you can start uploading your music. DistroKid accepts a variety of audio formats, and you can also add album art, track titles, and other metadata. The platform guides you through the process to ensure your uploads meet the standards of streaming services.

4. Select Distribution Platforms

After uploading your music, you'll select the platforms you want to distribute to. DistroKid covers a wide range of streaming services and digital stores, ensuring your music reaches as many listeners as possible.

5. Promote Your Music

With your music distributed, the next step is promotion. DistroKid provides tools to help you market your tracks and grow your audience. From pre-save campaigns to Spotify playlist submissions, DistroKid offers several options to boost your music promotion efforts.

6. Collect Royalties

One of the significant benefits of using DistroKid is the ability to collect royalties from your streams and sales. DistroKid does not take a cut of your earnings, meaning you receive 100% of the royalties owed to you. Payments are made directly to your bank account, ensuring you get paid promptly for your hard work.

DistroKid Pricing

DistroKid offers a variety of pricing plans designed to fit different needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing options available:

Musician Plan

The Musician Plan is the basic plan, costing $19.99 per year. This plan allows you to upload and distribute unlimited songs and albums. It also includes access to DistroKid's standard features, such as streaming service distribution and royalty collection.

Musician Plus Plan

The Musician Plus Plan costs $35.99 per year and offers additional features not available in the basic plan. These include custom label name, custom release date, and daily sales stats. It's a good option for artists who want more control and insights into their music distribution.

Label Plan

The Label Plan is ideal for those managing multiple artists or running a small label. Pricing starts at $79.99 per year, with options for up to 5, 10, 20, or more artists. This plan provides all the features of Musician Plus, along with the capability to manage multiple artists under one account.

Final Thoughts: Is DistroKid Right for You?

Choosing the right music distribution platform is vital for reaching your audience effectively. DistroKid stands out due to its user-friendly approach, comprehensive distribution network, and affordable pricing plans. However, it's essential to compare other distribution platforms to see which one aligns best with your goals and resources.

As an artist, you might also want to explore other platforms like SoundOn, TuneCore, CD Baby, and others to determine the best fit for your music distribution needs. Sign up as a SoundOn artist and start your journey in the music industry with robust tools and a global reach.

Ultimately, the choice of distribution service can significantly impact your career, so take the time to research, evaluate, and choose the one that best supports your musical journey.