Are you an independent musician looking to get your music out to the world? DistroKid is a popular distribution service that allows artists to upload and distribute their music to online platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and more. But how much does it really cost to use DistroKid? In this article, we will break down DistroKid’s fees and help you understand the true cost of using this distribution service.
The Basics of DistroKid’s Pricing
One of the key selling points of DistroKid is its simple pricing structure. For a flat annual fee, artists can upload unlimited music to all major streaming platforms. The cost of DistroKid’s membership is $19.99 per year, which works out to less than $2 per month. This fee covers unlimited uploads for one artist, making it a cost-effective option for musicians who release a lot of music throughout the year.
In addition to the basic membership fee, DistroKid also offers a couple of optional add-on services for an additional cost. For $7.95 per year, artists can add on the “Musician Plus” feature, which includes extra perks such as customizable hyperfollow pages, YouTube Official Artist Channels, and more detailed sales analytics. DistroKid also offers a “Leave a Legacy” feature for $29 per album, which allows artists to keep their music online indefinitely, even if they cancel their DistroKid membership.
Understanding DistroKid’s Distribution Fees
While DistroKid’s basic membership fee covers unlimited uploads, there are still some additional fees to be aware of. DistroKid charges a 15% commission on all royalties earned through streaming platforms, which is in line with industry standards. This means that DistroKid will take a cut of your streaming revenue before passing the rest on to you. The good news is that DistroKid does not take a cut of your mechanical royalties, which are the royalties earned from the sale or reproduction of your music.
It’s also worth noting that DistroKid offers a “Teams” feature, which allows artists to split royalties with band members, producers, or anyone else involved in the creation of a song. This feature is included with the basic membership and can be a useful tool for collaborating with others while ensuring that everyone gets their fair share of royalties.
Comparing DistroKid to Other Distribution Services
When considering the cost of using DistroKid, it’s important to compare it to other distribution services on the market. While DistroKid’s basic membership fee is relatively low compared to some other services, it’s worth noting that DistroKid does not offer some of the advanced features that are available with other platforms. For example, services like CD Baby and TuneCore offer physical distribution options, which can be a valuable tool for artists who want to sell CDs and vinyl records.
Additionally, some distribution services offer more comprehensive marketing and promotion tools to help artists boost their visibility and reach a larger audience. While DistroKid does offer some promotional features, such as the ability to pitch music to Spotify playlists, it may not have as robust of a marketing toolkit as other platforms.
Conclusion
Overall, DistroKid is a cost-effective option for independent musicians looking to distribute their music to online platforms. With a low annual membership fee and unlimited uploads, DistroKid makes it easy for artists to get their music out to the world. While there are some additional fees to be aware of, such as the 15% commission on streaming royalties, DistroKid’s pricing is transparent and straightforward. Ultimately, the true cost of using DistroKid will depend on your individual needs and goals as an artist.
FAQs
1. What is the cost of DistroKid’s basic membership?
DistroKid’s basic membership fee is $19.99 per year, which includes unlimited uploads for one artist. This works out to less than $2 per month, making it an affordable option for musicians who release a lot of music.
2. Are there any additional fees to be aware of when using DistroKid?
In addition to the basic membership fee, DistroKid charges a 15% commission on all royalties earned through streaming platforms. There are also optional add-on services available for an additional cost, such as the “Musician Plus” feature and the “Leave a Legacy” feature.
3. How does DistroKid compare to other distribution services?
While DistroKid’s basic membership fee is relatively low compared to some other services, it may not offer as many advanced features. Other distribution services, such as CD Baby and TuneCore, offer physical distribution options and more comprehensive marketing tools.
4. Does DistroKid take a cut of mechanical royalties?
No, DistroKid does not take a cut of your mechanical royalties, which are the royalties earned from the sale or reproduction of your music. DistroKid only takes a 15% commission on streaming royalties.
5. Is DistroKid a good option for independent musicians?
Yes, DistroKid is a popular choice for independent musicians looking to distribute their music to online platforms. With its low annual membership fee and unlimited uploads, DistroKid offers a cost-effective way for artists to get their music out to the world.
