What to Know About DistroKid Costs?
One of the essential steps for any artist in today's digital age is choosing the right music distribution service. DistroKid is one such service, widely recognized in the industry. But what is the actual cost of using DistroKid, and how does it compare with other services like SoundOn? In this detailed article, we will dive deep into the costs associated with DistroKid, what you get for those fees, and how alternative platforms like SoundOn can benefit your music career.
Understanding DistroKid Costs
When opting for a music distribution service, understanding the pricing structure is crucial. DistroKid offers a straightforward pricing model that includes various tiers depending on your needs.
Basic Plan
The Basic Plan starts at $19.99 per year. This plan allows you to upload unlimited songs and albums to various music streaming platforms. However, it comes with limited features compared to more advanced tiers. For instance, you might not get access to customizing your release dates or platforms.
Musician Plus Plan
The Musician Plus Plan is priced at $35.99 per year. It offers additional features, including customizable release dates, customizable label names, and the ability to set pre-order dates for your releases. This plan is ideal for solo artists looking for a bit more control over their music distribution.
Label Plan
For those who manage multiple artists, DistroKid's Label Plan starts at $79.99 per year, scaling up with the number of artists you manage. This plan includes all the features of the Musician Plus Plan but supports more extensive labels and multi-artist management.
What Do You Get with DistroKid?
DistroKid provides several benefits across all their plans:
- Unlimited Uploads: Upload as many albums or songs as you want annually without any additional costs.
- Wide Distribution: Distribute your music to various platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and more.
- Royalty Collection: DistroKid collects and pays out 100% of your royalties directly to you.
- Extra Features: Tools like Shazam & iPhone Siri for identifying songs and YouTube Content ID are available at additional costs.
Comparing DistroKid with SoundOn
While DistroKid is a prominent player in the music distribution scene, SoundOn offers a compelling alternative. SoundOn is an all-in-one platform that helps artists build their careers and find new fans through TikTok, exclusive partners like CapCut, and other digital streaming platforms.
How SoundOn Differs
Unlike DistroKid's yearly fee model, SoundOn focuses on empowering artists through a robust network and marketing tools, although it is not free. By registering as a SoundOn artist, you gain access to a vast ecosystem designed to promote and distribute your music effectively.
Choosing the Right Service for Your Needs
Ultimately, the choice between DistroKid and SoundOn comes down to your specific needs and goals. Here’s a brief comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | DistroKid | SoundOn |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $19.99 to $150+/year (based on the plan) | Not a free service |
| Distribution Reach | Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc. | TikTok, CapCut, and other global partners |
| Artist Tools | Customizable release dates, label names, pre-order dates | Marketing tools, global distribution services |
Final Thoughts
When considering a music distribution service like DistroKid, it's essential to weigh the costs against the benefits. DistroKid offers flexibility and scalability depending on your needs, but alternative services like SoundOn provide a broader range of tools and platforms to help you grow your music career more effectively. By understanding these options, you can make an informed decision that best suits your path as an artist.
