Battle of the Music Distributors: Is UnitedMasters or DistroKid the Better Option?
If you are an independent musician looking to distribute your music online, you may have come across UnitedMasters and DistroKid as two popular options. Both platforms offer services to help artists get their music on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more. But which one is the better choice for you? In this article, we will compare UnitedMasters and DistroKid in terms of pricing, features, and overall user experience to help you make an informed decision.
[H2] Pricing
One of the first things that musicians consider when choosing a music distributor is the pricing. UnitedMasters offers a subscription-based model, where artists pay a yearly fee of $60 to distribute their music. In contrast, DistroKid has a more affordable pricing structure, with plans starting at just $19.99 per year for unlimited uploads. This makes DistroKid a more budget-friendly option for independent musicians who are just starting out.
In terms of revenue splits, UnitedMasters offers artists 100% of their royalties, while DistroKid takes a 15% commission on earnings. This means that UnitedMasters may be more attractive to artists who want to keep all of their earnings. However, it is important to note that DistroKid’s lower pricing may offset the commission fee for some musicians.
[H2] Features
When it comes to features, both UnitedMasters and DistroKid offer a range of tools to help artists promote and monetize their music. UnitedMasters provides artists with detailed analytics to track their streams and audience demographics. They also offer opportunities for artists to collaborate with brands and other musicians through their platform.
DistroKid, on the other hand, offers features like customizable release dates, YouTube Content ID, and automatic splits for collaborating artists. They also provide a service called “Teams” which allows artists to share access to their account with bandmates or managers. Overall, DistroKid’s robust set of features make it a popular choice among independent musicians.
[H2] User Experience
In terms of user experience, both UnitedMasters and DistroKid have user-friendly interfaces that make it easy for artists to upload and distribute their music. UnitedMasters’ platform is clean and intuitive, with straightforward instructions for getting started. They also offer responsive customer support to help artists with any questions or issues.
DistroKid also has a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate, with step-by-step instructions for uploading music. They offer fast distribution to major streaming platforms, with some artists reporting that their music is live within hours of uploading. DistroKid’s user experience is praised by many musicians for its simplicity and efficiency.
[H2] Conclusion
In conclusion, both UnitedMasters and DistroKid have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to distributing music online. UnitedMasters may be a better option for artists who prioritize keeping 100% of their earnings and are looking for opportunities to collaborate with brands. On the other hand, DistroKid’s affordable pricing and robust features make it a popular choice among independent musicians who want to maximize their reach and revenue. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and goals as an artist.
[H2] FAQs
1. Can I switch from one music distributor to another?
Yes, you can switch from one music distributor to another, but it may involve removing your music from the current distributor and re-uploading it to the new one. It is important to carefully consider the features and pricing of each platform before making a switch.
2. How long does it take for music to be distributed on streaming platforms?
Both UnitedMasters and DistroKid offer fast distribution to major streaming platforms, with some artists reporting that their music is live within hours of uploading. However, it may take longer for your music to appear on all platforms, so it is important to plan ahead and set release dates accordingly.
3. Can I keep my music on both UnitedMasters and DistroKid simultaneously?
It is generally not recommended to have the same music distributed through multiple platforms, as this can cause conflicts in terms of royalties and distribution. It is best to choose one distributor that meets your needs and stick with it for all of your releases.
4. Do UnitedMasters and DistroKid offer promotion services for artists?
Both UnitedMasters and DistroKid offer tools to help artists promote their music, such as detailed analytics and opportunities for collaboration. However, they do not offer traditional promotion services like advertising or PR campaigns. Artists may need to explore additional marketing strategies to reach a wider audience.
5. Can I distribute covers and remixes through UnitedMasters and DistroKid?
Both UnitedMasters and DistroKid allow artists to distribute covers and remixes, but there may be additional licensing requirements and fees involved. It is important to review the terms and conditions of each platform to ensure that you have the necessary rights to distribute your music legally.
