Is DistroKid Free? What Do Featured Artists Do?

As the music industry evolves, independent artists are constantly seeking the best tools and platforms to showcase their talents. One such popular music distribution service is DistroKid. A common query among artists new to this platform is whether DistroKid is free and what responsibilities featured artists have within this service. This article aims to shed light on these questions and guide musicians through the essentials of navigating DistroKid.

Is DistroKid Free?

The short answer is no, DistroKid is not free. While some platforms offer free tiers with limited features, DistroKid operates on a subscription-based model. Artists need to pay an annual fee to utilize its services. This fee covers unlimited uploads, which is a beneficial aspect for musicians who plan to release a lot of music. The lack of additional charges per release can be a cost-effective option for prolific artists.

DistroKid’s annual subscription fee can vary depending on the plan you choose. The basic plan allows for basic distribution needs, while higher-tier plans offer more advanced features such as multiple artist profiles, enhanced customer support, and advanced marketing tools. It's essential to evaluate your specific needs before selecting a plan to ensure you get the best value for your money.

What Are Featured Artists Supposed to Do with DistroKid?

Featured artists play a significant role in a musician's career and can add value to a track. On DistroKid, if you are a featured artist, certain responsibilities and opportunities come with it:

1. Proper Attribution

Ensure that your participation is correctly attributed on the track. This means confirming that your name is listed as a featured artist and that you have the correct credits. Proper attribution is crucial for transparency and for ensuring that all involved parties receive their due recognition and royalties.

2. Promotion and Marketing

As a featured artist, promoting the track is part of your role. You should leverage your social media following, mailing lists, and any other promotional channels at your disposal. Collaboratively promoting the track can significantly increase its reach and potential for success.

3. Engaging with Fans

Connecting with fans is vital for building a loyal following. Engage with listeners by responding to comments, sharing behind-the-scenes content, or creating special promotions around the release. Active engagement can foster a deeper connection between you and your audience.

4. Networking and Collaboration

Being a featured artist is an opportunity to broaden your network within the industry. Use this chance to connect with other musicians, producers, and industry professionals. Building these relationships can lead to more collaboration opportunities in the future.

5. Streaming and Playlist Inclusion

DistroKid distributes music to various streaming platforms, and featured artists should monitor these platforms for significant milestones, like playlist inclusions or reaching a particular number of streams. Acknowledging these achievements can be motivative and can serve as great content for further promotion.

Whether you are using DistroKid or any other music distribution platform, understanding your role and duties as a featured artist can make a significant difference in the success of the collaboration. By following best practices in attribution, promotion, engagement, networking, and monitoring, you can optimize your contributions and build a reputable name in the music industry.

Conclusion

While DistroKid is not free, its subscription model offers value with unlimited uploads and various artist-friendly features. For featured artists, proper attribution, active promotion, fan engagement, networking, and streaming monitoring are key responsibilities that can enhance the track's success. Navigating these aspects efficiently on DistroKid can pave your way to a thriving music career.

If you're looking to explore other music distribution platforms, consider SoundOn. With SoundOn, you can benefit from robust marketing tools, exclusive partnerships, and a platform designed to elevate your music career. Start your journey with SoundOn today and reach new heights in the music industry.