DistroKid Cost: Complete Pricing Breakdown & Value Analysis for Musicians in 2023
For independent musicians looking to share their music with the world, understanding the DistroKid cost structure is essential for making informed decisions about digital distribution. As one of the most popular music distribution services available today, DistroKid offers various pricing tiers and features that can significantly impact your music career and bottom line.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about DistroKid pricing, from the basic subscription fees to hidden costs, add-ons, and whether the investment truly delivers value for your music career.
DistroKid Cost Overview: What to Expect in 2023
DistroKid operates on a subscription-based model, which sets it apart from many competitors who charge per release or take a percentage of your royalties. Here's the current DistroKid pricing structure:
Musician Plan: $19.99/year
Musician Plus Plan: $35.99/year
Label Plan: $79.99/year
These base prices are just the starting point. To truly understand the DistroKid cost, we need to examine what each tier offers, the additional features you might need to purchase, and how this compares to other distribution services on the market.
Detailed Breakdown of DistroKid Subscription Plans
Musician Plan: $19.99/year
The entry-level tier provides:
Unlimited song and album uploads
Distribution to 150+ streaming platforms (including Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, Instagram, and more)
Keep 100% of your royalties
Spotify for Artists access
YouTube Content ID (basic monetization)
Automatic splits payments with collaborators
Cover song licensing (at additional cost)
Key limitations of this plan include:
Only covers a single artist name/profile
No custom release dates (all releases go live as soon as approved by stores)
No pre-save links
No store reporting
Musician Plus: $35.99/year
This mid-tier plan adds several valuable features beyond the basic plan:
Everything in the Musician plan
Support for 2 artist names/profiles
Custom release dates (schedule your music in advance)
Daily sales statistics
Pre-save links for Spotify
Individual track royalty splitting with collaborators
Ability to remove your music from select stores (store customization)
Label Plan: $79.99/year
Designed for those managing multiple artists or running a small label:
Everything in the Musician Plus plan
Up to 100 artist names/profiles
Team management capabilities
Advanced royalty splitting options
Customizable label roles and permissions
When considering the true DistroKid cost, it's important to think about which features are essential for your music career stage. Many artists find that the Musician Plus tier offers the best balance of affordability and necessary features.
DistroKid Add-On Costs: The Hidden Expenses
While the subscription fees seem straightforward, there are several add-on services that can significantly increase your total DistroKid cost:
1. Leave a Legacy ($19 per release)
This is perhaps the most crucial add-on to consider. Without it, your music will be removed from all streaming platforms if you stop paying your annual subscription. For $19 per release (one-time payment), your music stays on platforms permanently, even if you cancel your DistroKid subscription.
2. Store Maximizer ($7.95 per release)
This add-on distributes your music to additional niche platforms beyond the standard 150+ services.
3. Cover Song Licensing ($12 per song)
If you're releasing cover songs, you'll need to pay $12 per cover to handle the mechanical licensing requirements.
4. Shazam & iPhone Siri ($0.99 per release)
While most distribution services include Shazam by default, DistroKid charges a small fee to make your music identifiable via Shazam and Siri.
5. YouTube Money ($4.95 per release yearly)
Though basic YouTube Content ID is included, this advanced monetization service helps collect revenue when your music is used in YouTube videos.
6. DistroVid ($9.99 per month or $99 per year)
A separate service for music video distribution to platforms like Apple Music, Amazon, and TIDAL.
These add-ons can quickly increase your overall DistroKid cost. For example, if you release 10 songs per year and purchase Legacy for each, that's an additional $190 on top of your subscription fee.
Real-World DistroKid Cost Scenarios
To better illustrate potential expenses, let's examine a few common scenarios:
Beginner Artist (5 singles per year)
Base Subscription: $19.99 (Musician Plan)
Leave a Legacy: $95 ($19 × 5 releases)
Shazam & Siri: $4.95 ($0.99 × 5 releases)
Total Annual Cost: $119.94
Active Independent Artist (1 album, 8 singles per year)
Base Subscription: $35.99 (Musician Plus Plan)
Leave a Legacy: $171 ($19 × 9 releases)
Cover Song Licensing: $24 (2 covers at $12 each)
YouTube Money: $44.55 ($4.95 × 9 releases)
Total Annual Cost: $275.54
Small Label (5 artists, 30 total releases)
Base Subscription: $79.99 (Label Plan)
Leave a Legacy: $570 ($19 × 30 releases)
Various other add-ons: ~$200
Total Annual Cost: ~$850
These examples demonstrate that the advertised subscription fee is often just a fraction of the total DistroKid cost you might incur based on your specific needs and release schedule.
DistroKid vs. Competitors: Cost Comparison
To determine if DistroKid offers good value, it's important to compare its pricing structure with other music distribution services:
TuneCore
Pricing Model: Annual fee per single ($9.99/year) or album ($29.99/year)
Royalty Cut: 0%
Key Difference: Higher upfront costs but includes features DistroKid charges extra for
CD Baby
Pricing Model: One-time fee per single ($9.95) or album ($29.95)
Royalty Cut: 9%
Key Difference: No annual renewal fees, music stays up permanently
Amuse
Pricing Model: Free tier available; Pro tier at $59.99/year
Royalty Cut: 0%
Key Difference: Free option available but with limited features
UnitedMasters
Pricing Model: Free tier with 10% royalty cut; $59.99/year for Select tier
Royalty Cut: 0% on paid tier, 10% on free tier
Key Difference: Includes marketing tools and brand partnership opportunities
While DistroKid's annual subscription may seem competitive initially, the additional costs for features that some competitors include as standard should be factored into your decision.
Is DistroKid Worth the Cost? Value Analysis
To determine if the DistroKid cost provides good value, let's examine the pros and cons:
DistroKid Advantages
Unlimited uploads - Unlike per-release models, active artists can save significantly
Fast distribution - Typically gets your music to platforms within 1-2 days
100% royalty retention - You keep all streaming and download revenue
Split payments - Automatically divide royalties with collaborators
User-friendly interface - Simple, streamlined upload process
HyperFollow - Free smart links for promoting your releases
DistroKid Disadvantages
Music removal upon cancellation - Unless you purchase Leave a Legacy
Add-on fees - Many essential features require additional payment
Limited customer support - Known for slow response times
No physical distribution - Digital-only service
No marketing tools - Minimal promotional features compared to some competitors
Maximizing Value from Your DistroKid Subscription
If you've decided that DistroKid is the right choice for your music distribution needs, here are strategies to get the best value from your subscription:
1. Release More Music
The unlimited uploads feature becomes more valuable the more you release. If you're only putting out 1-2 songs per year, other distribution models might be more cost-effective.
2. Be Strategic with Add-Ons
Not every release needs every add-on. Consider which songs have the most potential and invest in add-ons selectively:
Purchase Leave a Legacy only for your best or most meaningful tracks
Use YouTube Money primarily for songs likely to be used in videos
Consider whether Shazam integration is necessary for every release
3. Upgrade Tiers Strategically
Start with the Musician plan and only upgrade when you truly need the additional features:
Move to Musician Plus when you need custom release dates for marketing campaigns
Only upgrade to the Label plan when you're actively managing multiple artists
4. Utilize Included Tools
Make full use of the features that come with your subscription:
HyperFollow links for release promotion
Automatic splits to simplify collaborations
Analytics to understand your audience better
Having a dedicated musician website is also crucial to maximizing the promotion of your distributed music.
Hidden DistroKid Costs: What They Don't Tell You
Beyond the advertised pricing and known add-ons, there are several potential hidden costs associated with using DistroKid:
1. Currency Conversion Fees
If you're not based in the US, your bank may charge conversion fees when DistroKid pays your royalties in USD.
2. Annual Price Increases
DistroKid has raised prices over the years. What costs $19.99 today might cost more at renewal time.
3. PayPal Fees
If you withdraw earnings via PayPal, you'll incur their standard fees, which can be significant for smaller amounts.
4. Opportunity Cost of Manual Work
Some tasks that other distributors automate require manual effort with DistroKid, such as certain types of reporting and asset management.
5. Re-upload Costs After Errors
If you need to fix metadata or audio after release, you'll need to remove the original release and pay any add-on fees again for the corrected version.
DistroKid Cost FAQ
Is DistroKid really a one-time fee?
No, DistroKid charges an annual subscription fee, not a one-time payment. Your music will be removed from streaming platforms if you don't renew your subscription, unless you purchase the Leave a Legacy add-on for each release.
Does DistroKid take a percentage of royalties?
No, DistroKid allows you to keep 100% of your streaming and download royalties. Their revenue comes solely from subscription fees and add-on services.
How much does DistroKid charge for an album?
DistroKid doesn't charge per album or single. You pay an annual subscription fee that allows unlimited uploads. However, add-ons like Leave a Legacy ($19) or YouTube Money ($4.95) are charged per release, whether it's a single or an album.
Can I cancel DistroKid after one year?
Yes, you can cancel your DistroKid subscription at any time. However, unless you purchased Leave a Legacy for your releases, your music will be removed from all streaming platforms within a few weeks of your subscription ending.
Is DistroKid cheaper than TuneCore?
For artists who release multiple songs annually, DistroKid is typically cheaper than TuneCore's per-release pricing model. However, when factoring in add-on costs for features TuneCore includes as standard, the price difference may decrease significantly.
Does DistroKid have a lifetime option?
DistroKid does not offer a lifetime subscription. The closest option is purchasing the Leave a Legacy add-on for individual releases, which keeps those specific songs on platforms even if your subscription lapses.
Recent Changes to DistroKid Pricing
It's worth noting that DistroKid has adjusted its pricing structure over time. In recent years, we've seen:
Base subscription price increases (Musician plan was previously $19.99)
Introduction of new add-on services with separate fees
Changes to the pricing of existing add-ons
This trend suggests that the DistroKid cost may continue to evolve, potentially increasing over time. When budgeting for your music distribution, it's wise to anticipate potential price adjustments at renewal time.
Conclusion: Is DistroKid Cost-Effective for Your Music Career?
The true DistroKid cost extends beyond the advertised annual subscription fee. For many artists, particularly those who release music regularly, DistroKid remains one of the more affordable distribution options, even with add-on fees factored in.
However, the value proposition depends heavily on your specific needs:
For prolific artists releasing 10+ songs per year, DistroKid's unlimited upload model typically offers excellent value even with some add-ons.
For occasional releasers putting out only 1-2 songs annually, the total cost including necessary add-ons might make per-release services like CD Baby more economical.
For artists concerned about long-term presence, the additional cost of Leave a Legacy should be carefully considered against competitors offering permanent distribution.
Ultimately, the best distribution service is the one that aligns with your release strategy, budget, and career goals. By understanding the complete DistroKid cost structure – including subscription fees, essential add-ons, and hidden expenses – you can make an informed decision about whether it's the right platform for your music in 2023 and beyond.
Remember that distribution is just one piece of your music career puzzle. Investing in your online presence as a musician and exploring various distribution options for independent artists will help you build a sustainable career in music.