When it comes to distributing your music online, DistroKid is one of the most popular platforms. However, there are many misconceptions surrounding who really owns your music when you use DistroKid. In this article, we will debunk these myths and provide you with the facts about music ownership on DistroKid.
The Truth About Music Ownership on DistroKid
One of the biggest myths about DistroKid is that they own your music once you upload it to their platform. This is simply not true. DistroKid operates as a distribution service, meaning they help you get your music on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more. They do not own any rights to your music.
When you use DistroKid to distribute your music, you retain 100% ownership of your songs and recordings. This means that you are free to do whatever you want with your music, whether that’s licensing it for film and TV, selling it on your own website, or signing a record deal with a major label.
Understanding DistroKid’s Role
It’s important to understand that DistroKid is simply a middleman between you and the streaming platforms. They take care of the technical aspects of distributing your music, such as encoding your files, delivering them to the streaming services, collecting royalties, and providing you with analytics.
While DistroKid does charge a small fee for their services, they do not take any ownership or control of your music. You are free to remove your music from their platform at any time and take it elsewhere if you choose.
Dispelling the Myths
There are several myths surrounding DistroKid and music ownership that need to be debunked. One common misconception is that DistroKid will claim ownership of your music if you don’t renew your subscription. This is not true. Once you upload your music to DistroKid, it will remain on the streaming platforms even if you cancel your subscription.
Another myth is that DistroKid will own the copyright to your music. This is also false. Copyright is automatically granted to the creator of a work (in this case, you) as soon as it is fixed in a tangible medium, such as a recording. DistroKid does not interfere with your copyright ownership in any way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to understand the truth about music ownership on DistroKid. Despite the misconceptions that may be circulating, DistroKid does not own your music when you use their platform. You retain full ownership and control of your songs and recordings, and can do with them as you please.
If you are considering using DistroKid to distribute your music, rest assured that you are not giving up any rights to your music. DistroKid is simply a helpful tool to get your music out into the world, without taking ownership or control away from you.
FAQs
1. Can DistroKid claim ownership of my music?
No, DistroKid does not claim ownership of your music. You retain 100% ownership of your songs and recordings when you use their platform.
2. What happens to my music if I cancel my DistroKid subscription?
Your music will remain on the streaming platforms even if you cancel your DistroKid subscription. DistroKid does not take down your music if you stop using their services.
3. Does DistroKid own the copyright to my music?
No, DistroKid does not own the copyright to your music. Copyright is automatically granted to the creator of a work, in this case, you, as soon as it is fixed in a tangible medium.
4. Can I remove my music from DistroKid and distribute it elsewhere?
Yes, you are free to remove your music from DistroKid at any time and distribute it elsewhere. You always retain control over where your music is distributed.
5. Does DistroKid take a percentage of my royalties?
DistroKid does not take a percentage of your royalties. They charge a flat fee for their services, and you keep 100% of the royalties earned from your music.
