Do You Have to Pay to Use DistroKid?

As a musician or independent artist, choosing the right music distribution platform is crucial for getting your music out to the masses. Among the various options available, DistroKid is a well-known name. This article explores the payment structure of DistroKid, and whether or not you have to pay to use its services.

What is DistroKid?

DistroKid is a music distribution service that helps artists get their music on various digital streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and many others. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface and fast turnaround times for getting music live on these services.

Yes, you do have to pay to use DistroKid. Unlike some music distribution platforms that charge per release or take a percentage of your royalties, DistroKid operates on a subscription-based model. This means that users pay an annual fee to maintain their account and continue to distribute music through the platform.

DistroKid Subscription Plans

DistroKid offers several subscription tiers to cater to different needs and budgets:

• Musician Plan: Priced at $19.99 per year, this plan allows a single artist or band to upload unlimited songs and albums. It includes features like Spotify verified checkmark, automatic revenue splitting, and more.
• Musician Plus Plan: For $35.99 per year, this plan offers everything in the Musician plan, plus additional features such as customizable release dates, pre-orders, and daily sales stats.
• Label Plans: Starting at $79.99 per year, these plans are designed for people who manage multiple artists. They offer all Musician Plus features, along with support for up to 100 artists or bands, depending on the tier chosen.

Additional Costs to Consider

While DistroKid's subscription model covers the basic cost of distribution, there are additional services and features that come with extra costs:

• Store Maximizer: For $7.95 per release, this feature automatically puts your music in new stores as they emerge.
• Shazam & iPhone Siri: Enabling this feature costs $0.99 per song per year and allows your music to be identified by Shazam and Siri.
• Youtube Content ID: At $4.95 per song per year, this feature helps you earn revenue when your music is used in YouTube videos.

Comparison with Other Platforms

When considering DistroKid, it’s essential to compare it with other music distribution services. Other notable names in the industry include TuneCore, CDBaby, ONErpm, LANDR, Indiefy, and Amuse. Each of these platforms has its own pricing structure and unique offerings. For instance, some may have a pay-per-release model, while others might take a percentage of the royalties.

One of the key differentiators for DistroKid is its unlimited uploads for a flat annual fee, which can be appealing for prolific artists who release new music frequently.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while you do need to pay to use DistroKid, its subscription-based model with unlimited uploads offers good value, especially for artists who are regularly releasing new music. However, it's essential to factor in the potential additional costs for extra services that might enhance your distribution strategy.

Choosing the right distribution platform plays a significant role in your music career. If you’re looking for a robust and versatile service, consider exploring SoundOn – an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution linked with TikTok and CapCut, which can help amplify your reach and build a solid fanbase.