DistroKid to Beatport: The Complete Guide for Electronic Music Artists
For electronic music producers and DJs, getting your tracks onto Beatport is a crucial step toward recognition in the industry. As one of the leading digital music stores for electronic music, Beatport provides unparalleled exposure to the right audience. If you're using DistroKid as your music distribution service, you might be wondering about the process of getting your tracks from DistroKid to Beatport. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about the DistroKid Beatport connection.
Understanding DistroKid and Beatport
Before diving into the specifics of distribution, let's clarify what these platforms are and why they matter to electronic music producers.
What is DistroKid?
DistroKid stands as one of the most popular digital music distribution services available today. It allows independent artists to upload unlimited music to streaming platforms and online stores for a yearly subscription fee. Founded in 2013, DistroKid has revolutionized independent music distribution by offering affordable rates and a streamlined uploading process.
Key features of DistroKid include:
Unlimited music uploads for a flat annual fee
Distribution to over 150 streaming platforms and stores
Artists keep 100% of their royalties
Fast delivery times (typically within 24-48 hours)
Split payment options for collaborations
Automatic revenue splitting between collaborators
What is Beatport?
Beatport is a specialized online music store focused primarily on electronic dance music (EDM) and its various subgenres. Founded in 2004, Beatport has established itself as the premier destination for DJs and electronic music enthusiasts to discover and purchase high-quality tracks.
What sets Beatport apart from general streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music:
Genre-specific focus on electronic music
Professional DJs use it as their primary music source
Higher-quality audio files (often available in WAV format)
Detailed genre categorization and tagging
DJ-friendly features like BPM information and harmonic keys
Curated charts that can significantly boost an artist's visibility
For electronic music producers, having your music on Beatport isn't just another distribution channel—it's a badge of credibility within the industry.
DistroKid to Beatport: The Distribution Process
Now, let's examine the specific steps involved in getting your music from DistroKid to Beatport.
Does DistroKid Distribute to Beatport?
Yes, DistroKid does distribute to Beatport, but there's an important caveat: Beatport is included in DistroKid's "Select" stores, which requires an additional fee beyond the standard subscription.
For many years, Beatport was not included in DistroKid's standard distribution package. In 2019, DistroKid introduced their "Select" store program, allowing artists to add specific premium stores for an additional fee. Beatport is one of these select stores, requiring a small additional payment per release.
How to Distribute to Beatport via DistroKid
Here's a step-by-step guide to getting your music on Beatport through DistroKid:
Sign up for DistroKid: If you haven't already, create an account on DistroKid's website.
Upload your music: Follow DistroKid's upload process to prepare your release.
Select store options: During the upload process, you'll reach a page where you can select which stores will receive your music.
Add Beatport as a store: Look for Beatport in the "Select" stores section and check the box to add it.
Pay the additional fee: The current fee structure includes a per-release charge for Beatport distribution.
Complete your release information: Pay special attention to genre selection and tagging, as these are particularly important for Beatport.
Submit your release: Complete the submission process and wait for approval.
Required Music Specifications for Beatport
Beatport has specific requirements for music submissions. To ensure your tracks are accepted, follow these guidelines:
Audio quality: Submit high-quality WAV files (16-bit, 44.1kHz minimum).
Track information: Accurate metadata including title, artist name, remixer (if applicable), and genre is essential.
Genre selection: Choose the appropriate primary and secondary genres for your music.
Cover art: High-resolution artwork (minimum 3000x3000 pixels) that complies with Beatport's guidelines.
BPM and key information: While not mandatory in your submission, this information will be detected and displayed on Beatport.
Optimizing Your Beatport Presence
Getting your music on Beatport is just the first step. To maximize your success on the platform, consider these optimization strategies:
Genre Selection and Tagging
Unlike general streaming platforms, Beatport has a highly specialized genre classification system. Proper genre selection is crucial for your track to reach the right audience.
Research genres thoroughly: Listen to tracks in various Beatport genre categories to understand where your music fits best.
Consider subgenres: Beatport offers detailed subgenres that can help target your specific niche within electronic music.
Don't mislead: Incorrectly tagging your music with trending genres can lead to poor reception and potentially affect future releases.
Release Timing and Strategy
Strategic timing can significantly impact your Beatport success:
Avoid major release dates: Consider avoiding days when major artists typically release music.
Plan for pre-orders: Beatport allows pre-orders, which can build momentum for your release.
Consistent release schedule: Establishing a regular release pattern helps build a following.
Consider exclusivity periods: Some artists release on Beatport first before distributing to streaming platforms.
Building a thoughtful release strategy can dramatically improve your track's performance on Beatport.
Building Relationships with Labels on Beatport
While DistroKid allows you to self-release music directly to Beatport, getting signed to established labels can significantly boost your visibility:
Research labels: Identify labels that release music similar to yours.
Start small: Consider approaching smaller labels before pitching to industry giants.
Quality demos: When submitting to labels, ensure your tracks are properly mastered and presentation is professional.
Networking: Build genuine relationships within the industry rather than just sending cold emails.
Many successful electronic artists find that a combination of self-releases and label releases provides the best career growth.
DistroKid vs. Other Distributors for Beatport
How does DistroKid compare to other distribution services when it comes to getting music on Beatport?
DistroKid vs. Label Worx
Label Worx is a distribution service specifically designed for electronic music labels rather than individual artists. It offers specialized features for Beatport distribution:
Direct relationship: Label Worx has a close relationship with Beatport and focuses specifically on electronic music stores.
Label-oriented: Better suited for those running a record label rather than individual artists.
Industry connections: More electronic music industry connections and promotional opportunities.
DJ promo pools: Integrated DJ promotion tools not available with DistroKid.
While Label Worx offers more specialized electronic music features, it's generally more expensive and complex than DistroKid, making it better suited for established labels.
DistroKid vs. LANDR
LANDR offers both mastering services and distribution, including to Beatport:
Integrated mastering: LANDR's AI mastering can help prepare tracks for Beatport's quality standards.
Higher per-release costs: Unlike DistroKid's unlimited model, LANDR charges per release or offers limited releases per year.
Beatport inclusion: Beatport is included in LANDR's standard distribution package without additional fees.
LANDR might be a good option if you need mastering services along with distribution, but costs can add up quickly compared to DistroKid's unlimited model.
DistroKid vs. CD Baby
CD Baby is one of the oldest digital music distributors:
One-time payment: CD Baby charges a one-time fee per release rather than an annual subscription.
Beatport inclusion: Beatport is included in CD Baby's standard distribution package.
Take a percentage: Unlike DistroKid, CD Baby takes 9% of royalties.
Slower delivery: Generally slower delivery times than DistroKid.
CD Baby may be more cost-effective for artists who release music infrequently but less economical for prolific producers.
Pricing and Royalties: DistroKid to Beatport
Understanding the financial aspects of distributing to Beatport through DistroKid is essential for making informed decisions.
DistroKid Pricing for Beatport Distribution
DistroKid's pricing model for Beatport distribution consists of:
Base subscription: DistroKid's annual subscription (starting at $19.99/year for the basic plan).
Store selection fee: An additional fee to add Beatport as a destination (typically $7.95 per single or EP).
Optional services: Additional costs for services like cover art, pre-ordering, or shazam registration.
For a typical single release distributed to Beatport, you might expect to pay your annual DistroKid subscription plus the Beatport store selection fee.
Beatport Royalty Structure
Beatport's royalty structure differs from streaming services:
Higher per-unit revenue: Tracks on Beatport typically sell for $1-3, resulting in higher per-unit revenue than streaming.
Revenue share: Beatport typically pays 50-60% of the sale price to rights holders.
DistroKid's cut: DistroKid passes 100% of the royalties they receive to artists (unlike some distributors who take a percentage).
Payment timeline: Royalties from Beatport sales typically take longer to process than some other platforms.
While individual track sales might not match the volume of streams on major platforms, the higher per-unit revenue can make Beatport a valuable revenue source for electronic music producers.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even with a straightforward distribution process, artists sometimes encounter challenges when distributing to Beatport through DistroKid.
Rejection Reasons and Solutions
Common reasons Beatport might reject a release and how to address them:
Audio quality issues: Ensure your master is professionally prepared and meets Beatport's technical specifications.
Metadata problems: Double-check all track information, artist names, and remixer credits for accuracy and consistency.
Genre mismatch: If your track doesn't fit within the selected genre guidelines, consider a more appropriate category.
Artwork issues: Make sure your cover art meets size requirements and doesn't violate copyright or content policies.
Duplicate content: Beatport may reject tracks that appear to duplicate existing content in their store.
If your release is rejected, carefully review the provided reason and make necessary adjustments before resubmitting.
Delayed Releases and Processing Times
While DistroKid generally has fast delivery times to most platforms, Beatport can sometimes take longer:
Normal processing time: Expect 1-2 weeks for Beatport to process and list your release after DistroKid delivers it.
Delay factors: Quality control checks, high submission volumes, and technical issues can all cause delays.
Holiday delays: Processing times often increase during major holidays.
Communication: DistroKid should notify you when your music is delivered to Beatport and when it goes live.
Plan your release strategy with these potential delays in mind, especially if you're coordinating with promotion schedules.
Updating or Removing Content from Beatport
Sometimes you may need to modify or remove your content after it's been published:
Metadata updates: Some metadata changes can be made through DistroKid, but may take time to appear on Beatport.
Track removal: You can request removal of tracks through DistroKid, but the process may take several weeks.
Genre changes: Genre reclassification after release is challenging and may require contacting Beatport support directly.
Remember that once a track has established performance data on Beatport (like chart positions or play counts), removing and re-uploading it will reset this valuable data.
Maximizing Your Beatport Success
Beyond the technical aspects of distribution, strategic promotion can dramatically impact your success on Beatport.
Promoting Your Beatport Releases
Effective promotion strategies for Beatport releases include:
DJ support: Getting established DJs to play your tracks can significantly boost visibility.
DJ charts: Having your track appear in Beatport DJ charts can increase exposure.
Electronic music blogs: Coverage on blogs like Dancing Astronaut or EDM Tunes can drive traffic.
Social media: Create content specifically highlighting your Beatport release with direct links.
DJ feedback: Collect and showcase positive feedback from established DJs.
Beatport Play: Consider participating in Beatport's remix competitions when relevant.
Having a professional artist website where you can prominently feature your Beatport releases is also essential for effective promotion.
Understanding Beatport Charts and Features
Beatport's chart system is a powerful discovery tool for electronic music:
Genre charts: Each genre has its own top 100 chart based on sales.
Overall chart: The main Beatport chart aggregates sales across all genres.
DJ charts: Individual DJs can create charts of tracks they support, providing valuable exposure.
Hype charts: These charts highlight upcoming releases that are gaining traction.
Featured placements: Beatport editorial features can dramatically increase visibility.
Understanding how these charts work can help you develop more effective release and promotion strategies.
Building a Long-term Beatport Strategy
Success on Beatport often comes from consistent quality releases rather than a single hit:
Release consistency: Establish a regular release schedule to build a following.
Sound identity: Develop a recognizable sound while still evolving as an artist.
Quality over quantity: Better to release fewer high-quality tracks than flood the market with mediocre material.
Artist branding: Consistent visual identity and branding across releases helps build recognition.
Industry relationships: Network with other artists, DJs, and labels in your genre.
Treat each release as part of a larger career strategy rather than isolated events.
Success Stories: Artists Who've Gone from DistroKid to Beatport Charts
Many electronic music producers have successfully used DistroKid to get their music on Beatport and achieve significant chart success. While major established artists often use label services or specialized distributors, emerging artists have found DistroKid to be an accessible starting point.
Common patterns in success stories include:
Starting with self-releases through DistroKid to establish a catalog
Using initial Beatport presence to attract label attention
Developing a hybrid approach of self-releases and label releases
Focusing on a specific subgenre to build a dedicated audience
Consistent quality releases that gradually build momentum
These artists demonstrate that while Beatport success often comes gradually, a strategic approach to distribution and promotion can lead to significant results.
The Future of DistroKid and Beatport Integration
The relationship between digital distributors like DistroKid and specialized music stores like Beatport continues to evolve. Recent and potential future developments include:
Improved analytics: More detailed sales and performance data for artists
Enhanced genre tagging: Better tools for accurately categorizing electronic music
Streamlined submission process: Potentially faster delivery and approval times
Integration with promotional tools: Closer connections between distribution and promotion
Beatport LINK integration: Potential opportunities with Beatport's streaming service for DJs
Staying informed about platform changes and new features can help you adapt your distribution strategy for maximum effectiveness.
Conclusion: Is DistroKid to Beatport Right for Your Electronic Music?
For electronic music producers, especially those working in dance music genres, distributing to Beatport through DistroKid offers several advantages:
Access to the most important specialized store for electronic music
A straightforward distribution process with reasonable fees
The ability to maintain control over your releases and royalties
Flexibility to self-release while pursuing label opportunities
However, the success of your Beatport strategy depends on multiple factors beyond just distribution, including music quality, genre fit, promotion efforts, and networking within the electronic music community.
Whether you're just starting your production career or looking to expand your existing presence, understanding the relationship between DistroKid and Beatport can be a valuable component of your overall music career strategy.
By carefully planning your releases, optimizing your track information for Beatport's specialized audience, and developing a consistent promotion strategy, you can maximize your chances of success in the competitive but rewarding world of electronic music distribution.