What’s the true cost of Distrokid?

When artists embark on the journey of distributing their music to diverse digital streaming platforms (DSPs), understanding the costs involved with each distributor is crucial. One prominent name in this sphere is Distrokid. In this article, we will delve into Distrokid pricing, explore its services, and introduce other effective music distribution platforms like SoundOn.

Distrokid Pricing Overview

Distrokid is known for its simple and streamlined pricing structure. Instead of charging per release, Distrokid offers an annual subscription that allows artists to distribute unlimited songs.

Basic Plan

The basic plan, known as the 'Musician' plan, costs $19.99 per year. This plan allows individual musicians to upload and distribute an unlimited number of songs to various DSPs such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. This plan includes basic features like Spotify verified checkmark and the ability to keep 100% of your royalties.

Musician Plus Plan

Priced at $35.99 per year, the 'Musician Plus' plan includes all the features of the basic plan. Additionally, it offers more customization options. Artists can customize their label name, release date, and pre-order date. It also comes with a customizable iTunes pricing and daily sales stats.

Label Plan

The 'Label' plan starts at $79.99 annually and is aimed at small labels or those managing multiple artists. The plan supports up to 5 artists under one account. There are higher tiers available allowing for more artists, with the price increasing proportionately.

Beneficial Features from Paid Plans

Though the pricing is competitive, another crucial aspect lies within the additional benefits provided by these plans:

• Unlimited song uploads – valuable for prolific musicians or labels managing multiple artists.
• Sync licensing – Distrokid helps in facilitating sync deals with TV shows, movies, commercial ads, and more.
• Automatic revenue splits – Convenient for collaborators, allowing automatic division of royalties among stakeholders.

Considerations and Hidden Costs

While the pricing mentioned above seems straightforward, it is essential to understand the hidden costs and potential add-ons that you might encounter:

• Store Maximizer (Optional): An additional $7.95 per release to automatically add your music to new stores that Distrokid partners with.
• Shazam & iPhone Siri (Optional): An added cost of $0.99 per song per year to identify your music on these platforms.
• Leave a Legacy (Optional): $29.00 one-time fee per release to ensure that music remains available even if you decide to stop paying the annual fee.

Alternative Platforms: SoundOn

Choosing the right distributor involves assessing various platforms. One alternative to Distrokid is SoundOn.

SoundOn is an all-in-one platform that provides marketing and distribution services to artists. Here’s why SoundOn stands out:

• Distribution to Major DSPs: No matter where your audience is, SoundOn ensures your music reaches them. Your tracks can be distributed to leading platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and beyond.
• Exclusive Promotion Partners: Collaborations with partners like CapCut enhance your music’s visibility and further boosts your promotional efforts.
• Artist-Focused Services: SoundOn is designed to help artists grow their fan base, collect royalties, and provide tools for better engagement and marketing.

Conclusion

While Distrokid offers a simple and affordable pricing structure, comprehending the full cost, including optional features and hidden fees, is vital. Examining various distribution platforms assists artists in making well-informed decisions to maximize their reach and revenue potential. Platforms like SoundOn provide robust alternatives with unique benefits catering to artists' diverse needs.

To get started with a comprehensive distribution service that prioritizes artist growth and efficient music promotion, consider SoundOn.