What is DistroKid and how much does it cost?

If you're an independent artist seeking to distribute your music to various platforms, you've probably heard of DistroKid. It is a popular music distribution service that allows musicians to upload their music to streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at DistroKid's services, features, advantages, and of course, its price. Additionally, we'll explore alternative solutions for music distribution.

Understanding DistroKid

DistroKid is a digital music distribution service founded in 2013 by Philip Kaplan. The platform is designed to help independent artists, bands, and record labels get their music onto streaming services and stores. Compared to traditional distribution methods, DistroKid offers a more affordable and quicker way to upload and distribute music worldwide.

How Does DistroKid Work?

Using DistroKid is straightforward. Once you sign up for an account, you can start uploading your music. DistroKid will then distribute your tracks to multiple music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon Music, and many more. One of the key selling points of DistroKid is its speed; the platform prides itself on getting your music live faster than many competitors.

Key Features of DistroKid

Here are some of the prominent features DistroKid offers to its users:

1. Unlimited Uploads

Unlike other distribution services that charge per release, DistroKid allows users to upload unlimited songs and albums for a flat annual fee. This can be a significant advantage for prolific artists looking to release a large volume of music.

2. Speedy Distribution

DistroKid is known for its fast turnaround times, often getting your music live on major streaming platforms within 24-48 hours.

3. Revenue Collection

The platform collects royalties from all streaming platforms and stores where your music is available. Users can withdraw their earnings anytime, with no minimum threshold.

4. Splits

DistroKid offers a "splits" feature, which allows artists to automatically divide revenue among collaborators. This is especially useful for bands or artists working with producers and other partners.

5. Cover Song Licensing

If you want to distribute cover songs, DistroKid can help you obtain the necessary licenses, saving you time and hassle.

6. Store Maximizer

With the Store Maximizer feature, DistroKid will automatically add your music to any new streaming platforms or stores as they become available, ensuring maximum reach.

DistroKid Pricing

DistroKid offers a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets:

1. Musician Plan

At $19.99 per year, the Musician plan is geared towards solo artists. It includes unlimited song and album uploads, Spotify verified checkmark, and distribution to all major streaming services and stores.

2. Musician Plus Plan

Priced at $35.99 per year, the Musician Plus plan includes all features of the Musician plan, plus additional features like customizable label name, release date, and pre-order date. It also provides daily sales stats and two artist profiles associated with the account.

3. Label Plans

For labels managing multiple artists, DistroKid offers dedicated plans:

• Label 5 (up to 5 artists) - $79.99 per year
• Label 10 (up to 10 artists) - $139.99 per year
• Label 20 (up to 20 artists) - $239.99 per year
• Label 100 (up to 100 artists) - $1199.99 per year

Advantages of Using DistroKid

Aside from the features mentioned earlier, DistroKid offers several advantages that make it an appealing option for artists:

• Cost-Effective: The annual fee structure is affordable, especially for artists with multiple releases.
• Simple and User-Friendly Interface: The platform is easy to navigate, making it accessible even for those new to music distribution.
• Flexible Payouts: Artists can keep 100% of their royalties and receive payments without any thresholds.

Alternatives to DistroKid

While DistroKid is a popular choice, it's worth exploring other options. Competitors include Tunecore, CDbaby, ONErpm, LANDR, and Indiefy. Each of these platforms comes with its own set of features, pricing, and benefits.

If you're looking for a powerful alternative, consider SoundOn. It provides an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution, helping you build a career and find new fans through TikTok, exclusive partners (CapCut), and on other digital streaming platforms through our global distribution service. As a SoundOn artist, you gain access to numerous tools and services designed to boost your visibility and earnings.

Conclusion

DistroKid is a reliable and cost-effective music distribution platform for independent artists and labels. With its range of features, from unlimited uploads to revenue splits, it offers a comprehensive solution for getting your music onto major streaming platforms quickly and easily.

However, considering alternatives like SoundOn can present additional opportunities and services that may better suit your needs. Ultimately, the choice of distribution platform should align with your career goals, release frequency, and budget.