What Should Featured Artists Do with DistroKid?

In the ever-evolving music industry, platforms like DistroKid have revolutionized how artists distribute their music. Acting as a middleman between artists and major music streaming services, DistroKid ensures that musicians can focus more on creating music while the platform tackles the logistics of distribution. For featured artists, understanding their role and responsibilities within this platform is crucial. This article will delve into what featured artists are supposed to do with DistroKid and address the tax aspect concerning DistroKid 1099 forms.

Understanding DistroKid for Featured Artists

Featured artists play a significant role in collaborations, adding unique value and diverse sounds to tracks. When using DistroKid, featured artists gain access to a suite of tools and features designed to streamline the distribution process and enhance their reach. Here are a few key points featured artists should be aware of:

1. Collaboration Features

DistroKid has embraced the importance of collaboration by providing tools that make it easier for artists to share royalties, manage splits, and ensure everyone involved in the creation of a track gets their fair share. Featured artists should familiarize themselves with these tools to ensure smooth and transparent financial transactions.

2. Metadata and Credits

Accuracy in the data submitted to DistroKid is imperative. As a featured artist, ensure that your name, role, and contributions are correctly listed in the metadata. This not only helps in proper credit but also plays a role in royalty calculations and industry recognition.

3. Promoting Music

One of the significant benefits of using DistroKid is the extensive promotional opportunities it offers. Featured artists should take full advantage of these tools, including pre-save campaigns, Spotify for Artists integration, and social media promotion tools. Maximizing visibility ensures that the collaborative effort reaches a broader audience, increasing potential streams and revenue.

DistroKid 1099: What Featured Artists Need to Know

Tax considerations are an integral part of any artist's career, and this applies to those collaborating through DistroKid as well. Here’s a concise breakdown of what featured artists need to understand about DistroKid 1099 forms:

1. Understanding 1099 Forms

In the United States, the IRS requires businesses to file Form 1099 for payments made to individuals who are not employees. If you receive payments from DistroKid, you might receive a 1099 form, which reports income paid to you. This is essential for your tax reporting responsibilities.

2. Threshold and Issuance

DistroKid will issue a 1099 form to any artist earning over $600 in a calendar year. Therefore, featured artists must keep track of their earnings and be prepared to receive and handle these forms during tax season.

3. Recording and Reporting Income

Even if you don’t hit the $600 threshold and don’t receive a 1099 form, you are still required to report any income received through DistroKid on your tax return. Maintaining accurate records of all distributions and payments is crucial for correct tax filings.

Maximizing Your Role as a Featured Artist

Being a featured artist through a platform like DistroKid opens a gateway to numerous opportunities. Utilizing the provided tools and understanding the financial aspects are steps toward ensuring successful and fruitful collaborations. Here are a few more tips to get the most out of your involvement with DistroKid:

• Leverage Analytics: Keep an eye on your streaming and performance metrics through DistroKid’s analytics tools. These insights can inform your promotional strategy and help tailor future collaborations.
• Network Actively: Engage with other artists and industry professionals. Networking can open doors to new collaborations and projects, bolstering your profile as a versatile featured artist.
• Maintain Professionalism: Clear communication and agreements regarding royalty splits, credits, and promotional efforts are essential. Professionalism ensures smooth partnerships and establishes your reputation in the industry.

Register as a SoundOn Artist

While DistroKid offers a comprehensive solution for music distribution and promotional tools for featured artists, consider exploring other platforms such as SoundOn. SoundOn provides an all-in-one platform that enhances your promotional efforts with a global distribution service, helping you reach new fans through TikTok and exclusive partners like CapCut.

In conclusion, featured artists using DistroKid must take an active approach to understand and utilize the platform's tools. From accurate metadata submission and collaborative tools to understanding their tax obligations via the DistroKid 1099 forms, being well-informed ensures smoother collaborations and a more successful career in the music industry. Remember always to explore various platforms and tools available, such as SoundOn, to optimize your reach and fan base.