DistroKid Pricing: Complete Guide to Plans, Costs & Features (2024)
When it comes to distributing your music to streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more, DistroKid stands as one of the most popular options for independent artists. However, understanding DistroKid pricing is crucial to determine if this service aligns with your music career goals and budget.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about DistroKid's pricing plans, what features you get at each tier, and how it compares to other distribution services. Whether you're a solo musician releasing your first single or a label managing multiple artists, this guide will help you make an informed decision about your music distribution investment.
DistroKid Pricing Overview: The Three Main Plans
DistroKid offers three primary pricing tiers, each catering to different types of musicians and their specific needs. Let's explore each plan in detail:
1. Musician Plan - $19.99/year
The Musician plan is DistroKid's entry-level option, designed for solo artists who want to release their music under a single artist name. Here's what you get:
Unlimited music uploads
Keep 100% of your royalties
Distribution to 150+ streaming services and stores
Releases appear within 1-2 days (typically)
Basic analytics and reporting
Automatic payments to your bank account
This plan is ideal for individual artists who release music consistently under one name and don't need to split royalties with collaborators. At less than $20 per year, it's an extremely cost-effective solution compared to per-release pricing models offered by some competitors.
2. Musician Plus Plan - $35.99/year
The Musician Plus tier offers several valuable upgrades over the basic plan:
Up to 2 artist names/bands
Release music using different names
Custom release dates (schedule music in advance)
Split payments with collaborators
Daily sales stats
Cover song licensing (costs extra)
Store earnings separately by release
This mid-tier plan is perfect for musicians who record under multiple names or who frequently collaborate with others. The ability to split payments automatically with collaborators saves significant administrative headache and ensures transparent accounting.
3. Label Plan - $79.99/year
The Label plan is designed for small labels or managers handling multiple artists:
Manage up to 5 artist names/accounts (with options to add more)
Centralized dashboard for all artists
Team management features
Separate payment splitting for each release
All features from Musician Plus
Option to add additional artists ($9.99 each per year)
This plan is the most comprehensive option for managing multiple artist projects. The Label plan allows you to maintain separate artist identities while managing everything from one dashboard, making it ideal for small record labels, management companies, or prolific artists with multiple projects.
Additional DistroKid Pricing Options and Add-Ons
Beyond the basic plan costs, DistroKid offers several add-on services that might impact your total expenditure:
Leave a Legacy - $29 (One-time fee)
One of the most important considerations with any digital distributor is what happens to your music if you stop paying. With DistroKid's basic pricing, your music will be removed from streaming platforms if you don't renew your annual subscription.
The "Leave a Legacy" feature allows your music to stay on streaming platforms forever, even if you cancel your DistroKid subscription. This is a one-time fee of $29 per single or album, not an annual charge.
Shazam & iPhone Siri - Free
DistroKid includes distribution to Shazam and iPhone Siri at no additional cost, which is a nice perk that helps listeners discover your music through audio recognition.
YouTube Money - Free
This feature allows you to monetize your music when it's used in YouTube videos. DistroKid doesn't charge extra for this service, unlike some competitors.
Cover Song Licensing - $12 per song
If you're releasing a cover song, you'll need to secure the proper licensing. DistroKid streamlines this process for $12 per cover song, which handles the mechanical licensing requirements in the US.
Store Maximizer - $7.95 per release
This add-on ensures your music is sent to new streaming platforms and stores that emerge after your initial distribution. Without this feature, your music only goes to the platforms that existed when you first uploaded it.
Understanding DistroKid's Payment Structure: What's Your True Cost?
When calculating the real cost of using DistroKid, consider both your subscription cost and any add-ons you might need:
Yearly Subscription vs. Per-Release Costs
Unlike some services that charge per release (like CD Baby), DistroKid's annual subscription model can provide significant savings if you release multiple tracks or albums per year. Let's break down some scenarios:
Occasional Releaser: If you only release 1-2 singles per year, DistroKid's $19.99 annual fee might still be economical, especially when compared to per-release services that might charge $9.99 per single.
Regular Releaser: If you release an album and several singles yearly, the unlimited uploads feature offers tremendous value.
Prolific Releaser: For artists releasing music frequently, DistroKid's unlimited upload model is likely the most cost-effective option on the market.
It's worth noting that if you want your music to remain on platforms permanently, you'll need to either maintain your DistroKid subscription indefinitely or purchase the "Leave a Legacy" option for each release.
The Real Cost Calculator: Annual Plan + Add-ons
To understand your true annual cost with DistroKid, use this formula:
Base subscription + (Leave a Legacy × number of releases) + (Cover song licensing × number of covers) + (Store Maximizer × number of releases)
For example, if you're on the Musician plan ($19.99), releasing 2 albums and 3 singles per year, with 2 cover songs total, and want Legacy for everything:
$19.99 + ($29 × 5 releases) + ($12 × 2 cover songs) + ($7.95 × 5 releases) = $214.64 per year
This example shows how add-ons can significantly increase your costs beyond the base subscription price. However, it's important to note that many of these are one-time fees rather than recurring annual charges.
Comparing DistroKid Pricing to Other Distribution Services
To truly understand the value of DistroKid's pricing structure, let's compare it to some other popular music distribution services:
DistroKid vs. TuneCore
TuneCore charges $9.99 per single (annually) and $29.99 per album (for the first year, then $49.99 annually thereafter). While their single pricing seems competitive, the costs add up quickly for artists with multiple releases. For an artist releasing just 3 singles and 1 album, the annual cost would be approximately $110 with TuneCore, compared to just $19.99 with DistroKid's base plan.
TuneCore does offer the advantage of permanent distribution without additional fees if you keep paying the annual renewal. Learn more about independent music distribution options to compare all available services.
DistroKid vs. CD Baby
CD Baby charges a one-time fee of $9.95 per single and $29 per album, plus they take 9% of your royalties. The advantage is that you pay once and your music stays up forever, with no annual fees. For artists who release infrequently, this might be more economical than DistroKid's annual subscription model.
However, if you release more than 2 singles or 1 album per year, DistroKid typically becomes more cost-effective, especially considering you keep 100% of your royalties.
DistroKid vs. AWAL
AWAL is a curated service that doesn't charge upfront fees but takes 15% of royalties. Their selective application process means not all artists are accepted, but they offer additional marketing and playlist pitching support. This makes AWAL more suitable for established artists with higher streaming numbers.
DistroKid's predictable pricing and guaranteed acceptance make it more accessible for emerging artists, though with fewer marketing services included.
Hidden Costs and Considerations When Evaluating DistroKid's Pricing
While DistroKid's pricing structure seems straightforward, there are some additional factors to consider that might affect your long-term costs:
Payment Thresholds and Fees
DistroKid requires you to accumulate at least $5 in royalties before they'll process a payment to your bank account. Additionally, depending on your payment method, you might encounter fees:
PayPal withdrawals: $0.25 fee
Bank transfers: Varies by country (typically $0-$5)
Hyperwallet: Various fees depending on withdrawal method
These fees are minimal but should be factored into your calculations, especially if you're earning modest streaming revenue.
Currency Conversion
If you're not based in the US, currency conversion might apply when you receive payments, potentially reducing your net earnings slightly.
Annual Renewal Considerations
Remember that DistroKid is a subscription service. If you forget to renew or decide to cancel, your music will be removed from streaming platforms unless you've purchased the Leave a Legacy option for your releases.
Maximizing Value: Getting the Most from Your DistroKid Subscription
Regardless of which pricing tier you choose, here are some strategies to maximize the value you get from DistroKid:
Strategic Release Planning
Since you're paying an annual fee for unlimited uploads, consider your release strategy carefully:
Batch releases: Instead of releasing one song every few months, you might find it more economical to release multiple songs in batches.
EPs vs. singles: Consider whether releasing tracks as an EP rather than individual singles makes sense for your music and marketing strategy.
Pre-saving features: Take advantage of DistroKid's pre-save links to build anticipation for scheduled releases.
Using Split Payments Effectively
If you're on the Musician Plus or Label plan, make the most of the split payment feature:
Set up transparent royalty splits with collaborators
Reduce administrative work by automating payments
Create accurate documentation for royalty payments
This feature alone can justify the upgrade from the basic plan for artists who frequently collaborate with others.
Taking Advantage of Free Tools
DistroKid offers several free tools that add value to your subscription:
Hyperfollow: Creates landing pages for your releases to capture fan emails
DistroLock: Provides secure private streaming links before release
DistroVid: Allows you to upload music videos to YouTube, Apple Music, and other platforms
While having a distribution service is essential, you'll also need a professional website to showcase your music. Check out these free musician website platforms to complement your DistroKid distribution.
Who Should Choose Each DistroKid Pricing Plan?
Now that we've explored the features and costs in detail, let's consider which DistroKid plan is right for different types of musicians:
Musician Plan ($19.99/year): Best for Solo Artists with One Project
Ideal for:
New artists just starting to release music
Solo musicians with a single artist identity
Artists who don't need to split payments with collaborators
Musicians on a tight budget who still want unlimited releases
Not ideal for: Artists with multiple projects or those who frequently collaborate and need to split royalties.
Musician Plus Plan ($35.99/year): Best for Active Collaborators and Multi-Project Artists
Ideal for:
Artists who release music under 2 different names or projects
Musicians who regularly collaborate and need to split royalties
Artists who need to schedule releases in advance
Musicians who want more detailed analytics on their releases
Not ideal for: Artists managing more than 2 projects or small labels managing multiple artists.
Label Plan ($79.99/year): Best for Managers and Small Labels
Ideal for:
Small independent labels managing multiple artists
Managers handling several clients' music
Collectives with multiple artists under one umbrella
Highly prolific artists with several distinct projects
Not ideal for: Solo artists or duos unless they have many different musical projects under various names.
Common Questions About DistroKid Pricing
Does DistroKid take a percentage of royalties?
No, DistroKid allows you to keep 100% of your streaming royalties. They make their money through subscription fees and add-on services rather than taking a cut of your earnings.
What happens if I don't renew my DistroKid subscription?
If you don't renew your annual subscription, DistroKid will remove your music from all streaming platforms and stores, typically within 30-90 days after your subscription expires. The only exception is for releases with the "Leave a Legacy" add-on, which will remain available indefinitely.
Is DistroKid's "Leave a Legacy" worth it?
The value of "Leave a Legacy" depends on your long-term plans. If you're uncertain about maintaining your DistroKid subscription indefinitely, it provides insurance that your music will remain available. At $29 per release, it's worth considering for your most important or successful releases.
Can I upgrade or downgrade my DistroKid plan?
Yes, you can upgrade your plan at any time, and the new features will be immediately available. Downgrading is possible when your current subscription period ends. Note that downgrading from a higher tier might affect certain features, like the number of artist names you can maintain.
Are there any educational discounts for DistroKid?
DistroKid occasionally offers discounts for students, though these aren't always advertised. They also run promotional discounts from time to time, so it's worth watching for special offers before subscribing or renewing.
Making the Final Decision: Is DistroKid's Pricing Right for You?
When deciding if DistroKid offers the right pricing structure for your needs, consider these key factors:
Release Frequency
If you release music regularly (more than 2-3 releases per year), DistroKid's unlimited upload model typically offers better value than per-release services.
Number of Projects
Artists with multiple projects should factor in the additional cost of higher-tier plans versus using separate accounts with other distributors.
Collaboration Requirements
If you frequently collaborate and need to split royalties, the Musician Plus plan's automatic splitting feature can save considerable administrative time and improve transparency.
Long-Term Planning
Consider whether you're comfortable with an annual subscription model versus one-time payments. Factor in the potential cost of Leave a Legacy if you want permanent distribution.
Growth Trajectory
Think about your music career's growth path and whether DistroKid's tiered structure will accommodate your expanding needs without becoming cost-prohibitive.
Conclusion: Balancing Cost and Value in Music Distribution
DistroKid's pricing structure offers impressive value for many independent artists, particularly those who release music frequently. The unlimited upload model, combined with 100% royalty retention, makes it one of the most cost-effective distribution services available for active musicians.
However, the annual subscription model and potential add-on costs require careful consideration, especially for artists on tight budgets or those who release music infrequently. By understanding the full pricing structure and strategically choosing your plan and add-ons, you can maximize the value you receive while minimizing unnecessary expenses.
Remember that the right distribution service isn't just about price—it's about finding the platform that best supports your music career goals, release strategy, and business needs. DistroKid's combination of affordable pricing, robust features, and artist-friendly policies makes it a compelling option for many independent musicians in today's digital music landscape.
Whichever pricing plan you choose, make sure it aligns with your release strategy and long-term career goals to get the most value from your music distribution investment.