DistroKid: The Complete Guide to the Leading Music Distribution Company
In today's digital music landscape, independent artists have more opportunities than ever to share their music with the world. At the forefront of this revolution stands DistroKid, a game-changing music distribution company that has transformed how independent musicians release their work. Founded in 2013, DistroKid has quickly become one of the most popular distribution services for musicians looking to get their music on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and beyond.
Whether you're a bedroom producer ready to release your first track or an established independent artist managing multiple releases, understanding what DistroKid offers can significantly impact your music career. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the DistroKid company, from its founding story to its pricing structure, features, and how it compares to competitors in the music distribution space.
What is DistroKid?
DistroKid is a digital music distribution service that allows artists to upload unlimited music to streaming platforms and online stores for a flat annual fee. Unlike traditional record labels or older distribution models, DistroKid operates on a subscription basis, giving musicians complete control over their releases while keeping 100% of their royalties.
The company was founded by Philip Kaplan, an entrepreneur and musician who recognized the need for a more efficient, affordable way for independent artists to distribute their music. Before DistroKid, most distribution services charged per release or took a percentage of royalties, creating significant barriers for prolific independent artists.
The DistroKid Origin Story
Philip Kaplan launched DistroKid in 2013 after experiencing firsthand the challenges of music distribution as an independent artist. Frustrated by the existing options, Kaplan set out to create a service that would be faster, more affordable, and more artist-friendly than anything else on the market.
The name "DistroKid" combines "distribution" with "kid," reflecting the company's focus on making music distribution accessible and straightforward, even for newcomers to the industry. From its inception, DistroKid has maintained a lean operation, focusing on automation and efficiency to keep costs low and pass those savings on to artists.
What began as a small startup has grown into one of the most significant players in music distribution. By 2021, DistroKid announced it was distributing over 30-35% of all new music worldwide, a testament to its massive impact on the industry. In August 2021, the company received a significant investment that valued DistroKid at $1.3 billion, officially giving it "unicorn" status in the business world.
How DistroKid Works
DistroKid's business model revolves around simplicity and efficiency. Here's a breakdown of how the service works for artists:
The Upload Process
Artists begin by creating an account and selecting a subscription plan. Once subscribed, they can upload their music through DistroKid's straightforward interface. The process requires:
Music files (WAV format is recommended for best quality)
Album artwork
Track information (titles, featured artists, songwriter credits, etc.)
Release date preferences
Selection of stores and platforms for distribution
After submission, DistroKid processes the release and delivers it to all selected platforms, typically within 1-2 business days. The actual appearance on streaming services depends on each platform's processing time, but most releases appear within a few days to a week.
Distribution Network
One of DistroKid's strengths is its extensive distribution network. The service delivers music to more than 150 digital platforms worldwide, including:
Major streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TIDAL)
Social media platforms (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook)
Digital stores (iTunes, Google Play)
Regional platforms (NetEase, Boomplay, JioSaavn)
Video platforms (YouTube Music, Vevo)
This wide reach ensures that artists' music is available virtually everywhere listeners might look for it, maximizing potential audience and revenue streams.
Royalty Collection and Payment
DistroKid collects royalties from all platforms and pays artists 100% of what they earn. Payments are typically made monthly, with earnings from each platform deposited directly into the artist's bank account or PayPal. The service provides detailed analytics on where streams and downloads are coming from, helping artists track their performance across different platforms.
Unlike many competitors, DistroKid doesn't take any percentage of royalties, regardless of how successful a release becomes. This model has been particularly attractive to independent artists who want to maintain complete financial control of their music.
DistroKid Subscription Plans and Pricing
DistroKid offers several subscription tiers to accommodate different needs, from solo artists to labels managing multiple artists. As of 2023, the main plans include:
Musician Plan
The entry-level plan costs $19.99 per year and includes:
Unlimited song and album uploads
Distribution to all major platforms
100% royalty retention
Basic analytics
Cover song licensing (for an additional fee)
This plan is designed for solo artists releasing music under a single artist name.
Musician Plus Plan
At $35.99 per year, this mid-tier plan adds:
Everything in the Musician plan
Ability to set custom release dates
Splitting payments with collaborators
Daily sales stats
Two artist names/bands
Store customization options
This plan is popular among more established independent artists who need additional flexibility and features.
Label Plan
Starting at $79.99 per year, the Label plan is designed for those managing multiple artists:
Everything in Musician Plus
Manage up to 5 artist names (with options to add more)
Separate login accounts for each artist
Automatic split payments
Team management features
This plan scales up depending on how many artist accounts are needed, making it suitable for small labels or artist managers.
Add-On Services
Beyond the basic subscription, DistroKid offers several add-on services that artists can purchase:
DistroLock - Protects releases from being taken down if an artist leaves DistroKid ($19.99 per release)
Shazam & iPhone Siri - Ensures music is recognizable by Shazam and Siri ($0.99 per release)
YouTube Money - Helps collect revenue when your music is used in YouTube videos ($4.95 per release)
Cover Song Licensing - Handles licensing for cover songs ($12 per song)
Store Maximizer - Automatically adds your music to new stores as they become available ($7.95 per release)
These add-ons allow artists to customize their distribution package based on their specific needs and goals.
Key Features and Benefits of DistroKid
DistroKid has risen to prominence largely due to its unique features and artist-friendly approach. Here's what sets the company apart:
Unlimited Uploads
Perhaps DistroKid's most distinctive feature is unlimited music uploads for a flat annual fee. This model has revolutionized how prolific artists approach releases, enabling them to publish music as frequently as they wish without incurring additional costs. For artists who release multiple singles, EPs, or albums per year, this represents significant savings compared to per-release pricing models.
Speed of Distribution
DistroKid is known for its rapid processing times. While most traditional distributors might take weeks to process a release, DistroKid typically delivers music to platforms within 1-2 business days after submission. This quick turnaround allows artists to be more responsive to trends and opportunities in the fast-moving music landscape.
Split Payments
The platform's split payment feature allows artists to automatically divide royalties among collaborators. This functionality streamlines the often complicated process of ensuring everyone involved in a track gets paid their fair share. Artists can specify percentage splits, and DistroKid handles the rest, depositing earnings directly to each contributor's account.
Hyperfollow
DistroKid's Hyperfollow tool creates customized landing pages for new releases, allowing fans to pre-save on Spotify, follow on social media, and receive notifications when the music drops. This marketing tool helps artists build anticipation for releases and grow their following across platforms.
Teams
For artists working with managers, producers, or other team members, DistroKid's Teams feature allows for delegated access to the account. This means artists can give specific permissions to team members without sharing their full account credentials, facilitating better collaboration while maintaining security.
Automations and Integrations
DistroKid offers various automations that streamline the release process, including:
Automatic YouTube Content ID - Identifies and monetizes your music when used in YouTube videos
Social media integrations - Connects with platforms like Instagram and TikTok for easier music use in social content
Spotify for Artists verification - Automatically submits for verification on Spotify's artist platform
These integrations help artists maximize their presence across the digital ecosystem with minimal manual effort.
DistroKid vs. Competitors
The digital distribution landscape is competitive, with several major players offering services to independent artists. Here's how DistroKid compares to some of its main competitors:
DistroKid vs. TuneCore
TuneCore was one of the early leaders in digital distribution and remains a significant competitor. Key differences include:
Pricing model: TuneCore charges per release and annually to keep music on platforms, while DistroKid offers unlimited uploads for a flat annual fee
Royalty split: Both services offer 100% royalty to artists
Publishing administration: TuneCore offers more comprehensive publishing services, while DistroKid's publishing options are more limited
TuneCore may be preferable for artists who release infrequently but want more robust publishing administration, while DistroKid typically offers better value for prolific artists.
DistroKid vs. CD Baby
CD Baby is one of the oldest digital distributors and offers a different approach:
Pricing model: CD Baby charges a one-time fee per release with no annual renewal, while DistroKid requires annual subscription
Royalty split: CD Baby takes 9% of royalties, while DistroKid takes 0%
Physical distribution: CD Baby offers physical CD and vinyl distribution services that DistroKid doesn't provide
CD Baby might be better for artists who release infrequently and want physical distribution options, while DistroKid typically works better for digital-focused artists with multiple releases.
DistroKid vs. United Masters
United Masters is a newer competitor with a focus on marketing and brand partnerships:
Pricing model: United Masters offers both a subscription model and a free tier that takes a percentage of royalties
Additional services: United Masters emphasizes brand partnerships and placement opportunities that DistroKid doesn't focus on
Target audience: United Masters particularly targets hip-hop and urban artists, while DistroKid serves all genres equally
Artists looking for potential brand deals and marketing support might consider United Masters, while those prioritizing simplicity and keeping 100% of royalties often prefer DistroKid.
For a comprehensive breakdown of all your distribution options as an independent artist, check out this guide to the best music distribution services for indie artists.
Pros and Cons of Using DistroKid
Like any service, DistroKid has its strengths and limitations. Here's an objective assessment:
Pros of DistroKid
Cost-effective for prolific artists - The unlimited upload model provides exceptional value for artists who release music frequently
Fast distribution - Among the quickest turnaround times in the industry
100% royalty retention - Artists keep all their streaming and download revenue
User-friendly interface - The platform is intuitive and straightforward to navigate
Extensive store coverage - Distribution to over 150 platforms ensures maximum reach
Split payments - Automated royalty splitting simplifies collaboration
Cons of DistroKid
Annual renewal requirement - Music is removed if subscription lapses (unless DistroLock is purchased)
Add-on costs - Some features that competitors include standard come as paid add-ons
Limited customer support - Support is primarily email-based and can be slow during busy periods
Basic analytics - While improving, analytics features aren't as robust as some competitors
No physical distribution - No options for CD or vinyl distribution
Success Stories and Notable DistroKid Artists
DistroKid has been the distribution partner for numerous success stories in independent music. While many major artists now use the service, DistroKid was particularly instrumental for artists who built their careers without traditional label support.
Breakthrough Artists
Several artists have achieved remarkable success while using DistroKid as their distributor:
Chance the Rapper - The Grammy-winning artist famously built his career as an independent artist, using services like DistroKid
Arizona Zervas - His track "Roxanne" went viral and reached #4 on Billboard Hot 100 while he was an independent artist using DistroKid
Lauv - Built a massive following as an independent artist before signing major deals
These success stories demonstrate that DistroKid's model can support artists from their earliest releases through to mainstream success.
Artist Testimonials
Many artists have shared positive experiences with DistroKid, particularly highlighting:
The freedom to release music on their own schedule
The financial benefit of keeping 100% of royalties
The simplicity of the platform compared to more complex distribution services
Of course, experiences vary, and some artists have reported challenges with customer service responsiveness or issues with specific platforms. However, the overall sentiment among users tends to be positive, particularly regarding value for money.
DistroKid's Impact on the Music Industry
Beyond its service to individual artists, DistroKid has had a transformative effect on the broader music industry in several ways:
Democratizing Music Distribution
By making distribution affordable and accessible, DistroKid has helped democratize the music industry. Before services like DistroKid, getting music onto major platforms required significant financial investment or label backing. Today, any artist with $20 can distribute unlimited music worldwide, fundamentally changing who can participate in the commercial music ecosystem.
Changing Release Strategies
The unlimited upload model has influenced how artists approach releases. Rather than saving songs for traditional album releases, many artists now release singles more frequently to maintain audience engagement. This shift in strategy has been enabled by services like DistroKid that don't financially penalize frequent releases.
Industry Partnerships
DistroKid has established notable partnerships that further its impact:
In 2018, Spotify acquired a minority stake in DistroKid and integrated it as a preferred distribution partner
The company has partnered with TikTok to streamline music delivery to the platform
Collaborations with various music technology companies have expanded the service's capabilities
These partnerships have helped cement DistroKid's position as a key player in the music distribution landscape.
Tips for Making the Most of DistroKid
If you're considering using DistroKid or already have an account, here are some strategies to maximize the service:
Release Strategy Optimization
Plan release dates strategically - Use the custom release date feature (available on higher tiers) to time releases for maximum impact
Consider release frequency - Take advantage of unlimited uploads with a consistent release schedule to keep fans engaged
Use pre-save campaigns - Leverage DistroKid's Hyperfollow tool to build anticipation before releases
Technical Best Practices
Submit high-quality audio - Use WAV files (16-bit, 44.1kHz minimum) for best sound quality across platforms
Prepare proper metadata - Include complete and accurate information about songwriters, producers, and featured artists
Check artwork specifications - Ensure cover art meets the 3000x3000 pixel requirement and looks good in both large and thumbnail formats
Financial Considerations
Evaluate add-ons carefully - Consider which add-on services provide value for your specific needs
Set up split payments properly - Configure revenue sharing before release to avoid complications later
Consider DistroLock for important releases - For your most valuable catalog items, the one-time DistroLock fee may be worthwhile for long-term security
For artists looking to maximize their online presence beyond just distribution, consider exploring the best free website builders for musicians to create a professional web presence that complements your distributed music.
The Future of DistroKid
As the music industry continues to evolve, DistroKid is positioning itself to grow and adapt. Several trends and developments suggest where the company might be headed:
Expanding Services
DistroKid has gradually expanded its offerings beyond basic distribution. Recent additions include:
Upstream - A service that helps independent artists connect with labels
DistroVid - A music video distribution service launched in 2022
Enhanced analytics - Increasingly sophisticated data tools for artists
This expansion suggests DistroKid may continue developing into a more comprehensive artist services platform rather than just a distributor.
Industry Position and Investment
The significant investment DistroKid received in 2021, valuing the company at $1.3 billion, provides substantial resources for growth. This financial backing, combined with Spotify's minority ownership, positions DistroKid to potentially:
Acquire complementary music technology companies
Develop more sophisticated artist tools
Expand into new international markets
Potentially offer financial services like advances against future royalties
Challenges and Competition
Despite its strong position, DistroKid faces challenges:
Increasing competition from both established distributors and new entrants
Pressure to improve customer service as the user base grows
The need to balance automation with personalized support
Evolving platform requirements from streaming services
How DistroKid navigates these challenges will significantly influence its future trajectory in the music distribution space.
Conclusion: Is DistroKid Right for You?
DistroKid has undeniably transformed music distribution for independent artists, offering an affordable, efficient way to get music onto global platforms while retaining full rights and royalties. The service's unlimited upload model, rapid distribution, and artist-friendly approach have made it a favorite among independent musicians worldwide.
However, the best distribution service for any artist depends on their specific needs, release frequency, budget, and career goals. DistroKid is particularly well-suited for:
Prolific artists who release music frequently
Independent musicians who prioritize keeping 100% of their royalties
Artists who value simplicity and speed in the distribution process
Collaborators who need automated payment splitting
Artists who release infrequently, need physical distribution, or require extensive publishing administration might find other services more suitable for their needs.
As the digital music landscape continues to evolve, DistroKid's influence seems likely to grow. By maintaining its focus on efficiency, affordability, and artist empowerment, the company has positioned itself as not just a service provider but a catalyst for change in how music reaches audiences in the digital age.
For independent artists navigating their careers, understanding services like DistroKid is essential to making informed decisions about how to share their music with the world. Whether DistroKid is your distribution partner of choice or just one option you're considering, its impact on making music distribution more accessible represents a significant shift in the industry that benefits creators everywhere.