UnitedMasters vs DistroKid: How and When's the Pay?

The music industry is evolving rapidly, and independent artists are gaining more control over their careers through digital distribution platforms. Two popular platforms that have become essential for music distribution are UnitedMasters and DistroKid. But which one is better for your music career, and when can you expect to get paid? In this article, we'll compare UnitedMasters and DistroKid, covering their features, payment schedules, and how they differ.

Overview of UnitedMasters

UnitedMasters, founded by Steve Stoute in 2017, offers artists an alternative to traditional record labels. UnitedMasters helps artists distribute their music to major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, enabling artists to maintain ownership of their work. The platform also provides promotional tools and analytics to help artists grow their fan base.

One unique feature of UnitedMasters is its focus on providing sync licensing opportunities, allowing artists to have their music featured in commercials, TV shows, and movies. This can be a significant revenue stream for artists on the platform.

Overview of DistroKid

DistroKid has been a favorite among independent artists since its launch in 2013. It offers a simple and efficient way to distribute music to a multitude of streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. DistroKid's standout feature is its pricing model: for a flat annual fee, artists can upload unlimited tracks. This makes it an attractive option for prolific artists.

DistroKid also provides various tools like automatic revenue splitting, cover song licensing, and detailed streaming analytics. The platform supports artists by offering customizable links for fan engagement and marketing.

Comparing Features

While both platforms offer a range of tools and services, they cater to different needs.

• Pricing: UnitedMasters operates on a commission-based model, taking a percentage of royalties, whereas DistroKid charges an annual flat fee for unlimited uploads.
• Ownership and Royalties: Both platforms allow artists to retain ownership of their music. UnitedMasters takes a share of the royalties, while DistroKid lets artists keep 100% of their earnings after fees.
• Additional Services: UnitedMasters excels in providing promotional and sync licensing opportunities. In contrast, DistroKid offers more features related to distribution, such as revenue splitting and global releases.

When Does DistroKid Pay?

Payment schedules are a crucial consideration for any artist. Understanding when you will get paid is vital for managing your finances and planning your career. Here's what you need to know about DistroKid's payment timeline:

DistroKid pays artists monthly. However, streaming services and online stores do not report sales on a real-time basis. It typically takes a while for these services to finalize and report sales figures. Generally, payments are made around the 14th of the month, but the exact timing can vary depending on when streaming services report their data to DistroKid.

Artists can track their earnings through the DistroKid dashboard, where they can see their monthly revenue and request payouts via PayPal, ACH (for US bank accounts), or wire transfer. It's essential to note that there might be a delay between when an artist earns from streams or downloads and when those earnings are reported and paid out.

Should You Choose UnitedMasters or DistroKid?

The choice between UnitedMasters and DistroKid depends on your specific needs as an artist. If you are focused on sync licensing opportunities and promotional support, UnitedMasters might be the better choice. It's also beneficial if you're comfortable with the commission-based model. On the other hand, DistroKid's flat fee for unlimited uploads and features like revenue splitting may appeal to artists who release a high volume of music and prefer to keep 100% of their royalties.

Regardless of your choice, leveraging an efficient distribution platform is crucial in today's music industry. Signing up with a platform like SoundOn could also serve your needs by providing comprehensive tools for marketing, distribution, and fan engagement. SoundOn offers unique advantages such as integration with TikTok and exclusive promotional opportunities through CapCut.

Conclusion

Both UnitedMasters and DistroKid have their strengths and can be great allies in your music career. UnitedMasters might be the right fit if you're looking for an all-rounded promotion and sync licensing potential, while DistroKid is ideal for those desiring unlimited uploads and complete royalty control.

Understanding payment schedules, such as "when does DistroKid pay," is integral in making an informed decision. With all this information, you’re well-equipped to choose the platform that best suits your music distribution needs and helps you push forward in your journey as an independent artist.