How Much Does DistroKid Pay Per Stream?

As an independent artist, understanding how much you can earn per stream on various platforms is crucial for your career. DistroKid is one of the prominent music distribution services that many artists use to get their music on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. But the question remains: how much does DistroKid pay per stream?

To provide a comprehensive answer, it's essential to break down the payment structure and process of streaming revenue, bolstered by DistroKid's service.

Understanding Streaming Revenue

Before diving into DistroKid's specifics, let's understand how streaming revenue works. Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music pay artists based on the total revenue generated from subscriptions and ads. This revenue pool is then divided by the total number of streams, and a specific amount is allocated per stream, known as the “per-stream rate.”

DistroKid’s Payment Structure

DistroKid does not set the per-stream rate; instead, it acts as a middleman between the artist and streaming platforms. Typically, this per-stream rate varies widely between platforms and even within the same platform depending on the user's location and the type of subscription they have.

Average Per-Stream Rates

On average, streaming platforms typically pay out between $0.003 and $0.005 per stream. This means for every 1,000 plays, an artist might earn between $3 to $5. DistroKid ensures that almost 100% of these earnings, after the streaming services have taken their cut, go directly to the artist.

Given these averages, your actual earnings will depend largely on the platform where your music is streamed and the volume of streams you accrue. Remember, DistroKid charges a yearly subscription fee, but it does not take any commission from your earnings.

Boosting Your Earnings

While understanding the per-stream rate is a good start, maximizing your earnings requires strategic planning and marketing. Leveraging platforms like TikTok and SoundOn can significantly increase your music's visibility and streaming potential.

Getting Your Video on Vevo for Free

Besides streaming audio, music videos have a massive impact on an artist's career. Vevo is a prominent platform that enhances the reach of music videos. So, how can you get your video on Vevo for free?

Vevo’s Role in Music Promotion

Vevo specializes in premium video content from artists, which appears on platforms like YouTube. It's synonymous with high-quality music videos, providing artists with an additional layer of credibility and exposure.

Steps to Get Your Video on Vevo

While Vevo does not directly offer a free distribution service for new artists, partnering with a Vevo-licensed distributor can help you get your video on Vevo without additional costs. Here’s how:

• Choose a Distributor: Opt for a distributor that supports Vevo distribution. While SoundOn is a distribution platform primarily for audio, you might also need to explore distributors who offer Vevo support.
• Prepare Your Video: Ensure your video meets Vevo’s quality standards and guidelines which include high resolution and appropriate content.
• Submit Your Video: Once your distributor has reviewed and approved your video, they will submit it to Vevo on your behalf.

Note that while the distributor may not charge a direct fee for the submission, there might be underlying costs like annual subscription fees, video production costs, etc.

Maximizing Your Video’s Impact

Once your video is on Vevo, promoting it effectively is key. Share it on social media, embed it on your website, and encourage fans to view it. Higher engagement can lead to better algorithmic recommendations and more visibility.

Conclusion

Understanding how much DistroKid pays per stream and how to get your video on Vevo for free are significant steps in advancing your music career. While DistroKid facilitates seamless music distribution, maximizing revenue requires consistent marketing and audience engagement.

Additionally, high-quality music videos can enhance your brand perception and reach, making platforms like Vevo invaluable. As you navigate these avenues, consider registering as a SoundOn artist for streamlined distribution and marketing support.

By leveraging these tools and platforms effectively, you can boost your music career, increase your fan base, and generate significant income from your creative endeavors.