Streaming & Services Guide: DistroKid and Beatport - Everything You Need to Know
In today's digital music landscape, independent artists have more opportunities than ever to share their music with the world. Two platforms that have revolutionized music distribution and promotion are DistroKid and Beatport. Whether you're a bedroom producer or an established electronic artist, understanding how to leverage these platforms can significantly impact your music career.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about DistroKid and Beatport, from basic features to advanced strategies for maximizing your presence on these platforms.
What is DistroKid?
DistroKid is a digital music distribution service that allows independent artists to upload unlimited music to major streaming platforms and online stores for a flat annual fee. Founded in 2013 by Philip Kaplan, DistroKid has quickly become one of the most popular distribution services for independent musicians.
Unlike traditional record labels or other distribution services that take a percentage of your earnings, DistroKid lets you keep 100% of your royalties. This business model has disrupted the music distribution industry and empowered countless independent artists to take control of their music careers.
Key Features of DistroKid
DistroKid offers a range of features designed to make music distribution as seamless as possible:
Unlimited uploads: For a flat annual fee (starting at $19.99/year), you can upload as many songs and albums as you want.
Wide distribution network: DistroKid distributes to over 150 platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TikTok, Instagram, and yes, Beatport.
Fast delivery: Most releases are delivered to streaming platforms within 1-2 business days.
Split payments: Easily split royalties with collaborators, producers, and other contributors.
Spotify for Artists verification: Automatic verification for your Spotify for Artists account.
YouTube Content ID: Monetize your music when it's used in YouTube videos.
Leave a Legacy: An option that ensures your music stays on streaming platforms and royalties continue to be paid to your designated beneficiary even after you're gone.
What is Beatport?
Beatport is an online music store specializing in electronic dance music and content for DJs and producers. Founded in 2004, Beatport has established itself as the premier destination for electronic music, offering high-quality downloads in formats suitable for professional DJs.
Unlike general streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, Beatport caters specifically to the electronic music community, making it an essential platform for artists in genres like house, techno, trance, drum and bass, and other electronic music styles.
Key Features of Beatport
Beatport offers several features that make it unique in the digital music landscape:
DJ-focused formats: Offers high-quality WAV and AIFF files, not just compressed MP3s.
Genre specialization: Detailed genre categorization that helps DJs find exactly what they're looking for.
DJ charts: Influential DJs create charts that can give tracks significant exposure.
Beatport LINK: A subscription service that allows DJs to stream Beatport's catalog directly to compatible DJ software and hardware.
Beatport HYPE: A feature that highlights promising tracks from smaller labels.
Professional community: Used by professional DJs worldwide, getting your track on Beatport puts it in front of the people who play music to large audiences.
How to Distribute Your Music to Beatport Through DistroKid
One of the most powerful combinations for electronic music producers is using DistroKid to get your music onto Beatport. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make this happen:
Step 1: Sign Up for DistroKid
If you haven't already, sign up for a DistroKid account. The basic plan starts at $19.99 per year, but you might want to consider the Musician Plus ($35.99/year) or Label ($79.99/year) plans if you need additional features like custom release dates or the ability to manage multiple artists.
You can sign up at DistroKid's official website.
Step 2: Prepare Your Release
Before uploading, make sure your music meets Beatport's requirements:
High-quality audio files (ideally 24-bit WAV)
Professional artwork (3000x3000 pixels minimum)
Accurate genre classification
Complete and accurate metadata (artist name, track title, etc.)
ISRC codes (DistroKid can generate these for you)
Remember that Beatport is a curated platform, so quality matters. Make sure your production is polished and professional.
Step 3: Upload Your Music to DistroKid
Log in to your DistroKid account and click on "Upload." Follow the prompts to upload your tracks, album artwork, and enter all the necessary metadata.
When selecting stores for distribution, make sure to include Beatport. In DistroKid, you'll see Beatport listed among the distribution options.
Step 4: Select the Right Genres
Genre classification is particularly important for Beatport. Make sure to select the most appropriate primary and secondary genres for your music. This will determine where your tracks appear in Beatport's browsing categories.
DistroKid's genre options don't perfectly align with Beatport's more specific electronic music categories, so choose the closest match. Beatport will ultimately categorize your music based on their own evaluation.
Step 5: Set Your Release Date
Choose a release date at least 2-3 weeks in the future. This gives DistroKid and Beatport enough time to process your release and gives you time for pre-release promotion.
If you're on the Musician Plus or Label plan, you can set custom release dates. Otherwise, DistroKid will distribute your music as soon as it's processed.
Step 6: Submit Your Release
Review all your information carefully, then submit your release. DistroKid will process your submission and deliver it to Beatport along with other platforms you've selected.
It's important to note that while DistroKid delivers to Beatport, Beatport has its own curation process. Not all tracks submitted to Beatport are accepted, especially if they don't meet quality standards or fit within their electronic music focus.
Maximizing Your Success on Beatport
Getting your music on Beatport is just the first step. Here are strategies to increase your visibility and sales on the platform:
Build Relationships with Labels
While you can distribute directly to Beatport through DistroKid, having your music released by an established electronic music label can significantly increase your chances of success on Beatport. Labels often have established relationships with Beatport, better placement, and built-in audiences.
Research labels that release music similar to yours and submit your tracks to them. Many successful electronic artists started by releasing on smaller labels before moving to bigger ones or going independent.
Get Featured in DJ Charts
Beatport charts are powerful promotional tools. When influential DJs include your tracks in their Beatport charts, it can lead to significant exposure and sales.
Network with DJs in your genre and send them promotional copies of your music. Many DJs are constantly looking for new music to play in their sets and include in their charts.
Optimize Your Beatport Profile
Once you have music on Beatport, claim your artist profile through Beatport for Artists. This allows you to:
Add a profile picture and bio
Link your social media accounts
Create your own DJ charts
Access sales data and analytics
Promote upcoming releases
A complete and professional profile helps fans discover more of your music and follow your career.
Promote Your Beatport Releases
Don't rely solely on Beatport for promotion. Use your social media channels, email list, and other platforms to drive traffic to your Beatport releases. Consider creating teaser videos, DJ mixes featuring your new tracks, or behind-the-scenes content about your production process.
Remember to include direct links to your Beatport releases in all your promotional materials. Make it as easy as possible for potential buyers to find and purchase your music.
Understanding DistroKid's Pricing and Plans
DistroKid offers several pricing tiers, each with different features:
Musician ($19.99/year)
Unlimited song and album uploads
Distribution to all major platforms
Keep 100% of your royalties
Basic analytics
Musician Plus ($35.99/year)
Everything in the Musician plan
Custom release dates
Daily sales stats
Upload under different artist names
Separate royalty splits for each release
Label ($79.99/year)
Everything in Musician Plus
Manage up to 5 artist names/bands
Add team members with different access levels
Automatic monthly royalty splitting
For electronic music producers serious about getting their music on Beatport, the Musician Plus plan is often the sweet spot, offering the flexibility of custom release dates without the higher cost of the Label plan (unless you're managing multiple artists).
DistroKid Add-Ons Relevant for Beatport Releases
DistroKid offers several add-on services that can be particularly useful for artists targeting Beatport:
Store Maximizer ($7.95 per release)
This ensures your music is delivered to new stores and platforms as they become available, without requiring additional action from you. While your primary focus might be Beatport, having your music available on other platforms increases overall discoverability.
YouTube Money ($4.95 per release per year)
This service monetizes your music when it's used in YouTube videos. As electronic music is often used in mixes, vlogs, and other content, this can be a valuable additional revenue stream.
Cover Song Licensing ($12 per song)
If you're creating remixes or covers that require licensing, DistroKid can handle the mechanical licensing for you. This is particularly relevant for electronic producers who often remix other artists' work.
Understanding Beatport's Business Model and How You Get Paid
Beatport operates differently from streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. Here's what you need to know about how Beatport works and how you get paid:
Download-Based Model
Beatport primarily operates on a download-based model, where users purchase individual tracks or albums. Tracks typically sell for $1.29-$2.99, with higher prices for extended versions and higher quality formats.
This model generally results in higher per-track revenue compared to streaming royalties, which is one reason why Beatport remains important for electronic music producers.
Revenue Split
When your music sells on Beatport, the revenue is split between:
Beatport (approximately 40-50%)
The distributor or label (varies)
The artist (varies)
When using DistroKid to distribute to Beatport, you'll keep 100% of your artist share after Beatport takes their cut. If you're releasing through a label, the label will typically take a percentage of the remaining revenue before paying you your share.
Payment Timeline
DistroKid typically pays out Beatport earnings on a monthly basis, with a delay of about 1-2 months from when the sale occurs. This is faster than many other distributors, which might pay quarterly or even less frequently.
You can track your earnings through your DistroKid dashboard, which provides detailed breakdowns of where your revenue is coming from.
Beatport LINK and What It Means for Artists
Beatport LINK is Beatport's streaming service designed specifically for DJs. Unlike consumer-focused streaming services, Beatport LINK integrates directly with DJ software and hardware, allowing DJs to stream tracks during performances without having to purchase and download them first.
How Beatport LINK Affects Artists
As an artist with music on Beatport, here's what you should know about Beatport LINK:
Additional revenue stream: When DJs stream your tracks through Beatport LINK, you earn royalties, creating a new revenue source alongside traditional downloads.
Increased exposure: The lower barrier to entry (streaming vs. buying) means more DJs might try out your tracks in their sets.
Different royalty rates: Streaming royalties are typically lower than download sales, but the volume can potentially make up for this.
If your music is already on Beatport through DistroKid, it should automatically be available on Beatport LINK as well, with no additional action required on your part.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Artists often encounter certain challenges when using DistroKid to distribute to Beatport. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
Beatport Rejection
Challenge: Beatport doesn't accept all music submitted to it, even through established distributors like DistroKid.
Solution: Ensure your music is genuinely electronic and fits within Beatport's genre framework. Focus on production quality and consider releasing through an established electronic music label to increase your chances of acceptance.
Genre Miscategorization
Challenge: Your music ends up in the wrong genre category on Beatport, limiting its discoverability to your target audience.
Solution: Be as specific as possible when selecting genres in DistroKid. If your music is miscategorized after release, contact DistroKid support, who can sometimes request category changes from Beatport.
Delayed Payments
Challenge: Payments from Beatport sales take longer than expected to appear in your DistroKid balance.
Solution: Understand that there's typically a 1-2 month delay between sales and payment. If it's been longer than that, contact DistroKid support with specific details about the missing payments.
Release Timing Issues
Challenge: Your release doesn't appear on Beatport on the scheduled release date.
Solution: Always plan for buffer time by scheduling releases at least 2-3 weeks in advance. If you're on the Musician Plus or Label plan, use the custom release date feature to ensure proper timing.
Comparing DistroKid with Other Distributors for Beatport
While DistroKid is a popular choice for distributing to Beatport, it's worth comparing it with other distribution options:
DistroKid vs. Label Engine
Label Engine specializes in electronic music distribution and offers direct Beatport integration with features specifically designed for electronic labels and artists.
Pros of Label Engine: Better Beatport placement, electronic music focus, label management tools.
Cons of Label Engine: Higher cost, more complex setup, primarily designed for labels rather than individual artists.
DistroKid vs. LANDR
LANDR offers both mastering services and distribution, which can be convenient for producers who want an all-in-one solution.
Pros of LANDR: Integrated mastering services, simple interface, good for beginners.
Cons of LANDR: Higher cost for unlimited distribution, less established relationship with Beatport, fewer electronic-specific features.
DistroKid vs. Direct Label Submission
Getting signed to a label that already has an established Beatport presence is another route to consider.
Pros of Label Submission: Better Beatport placement, marketing support, industry connections.
Cons of Label Submission: Revenue sharing with the label, less control over your releases, competitive submission process.
For most independent electronic music producers, DistroKid offers the best balance of affordability, ease of use, and effectiveness for getting music onto Beatport. However, as your career progresses, exploring label relationships can provide additional benefits.
Building Your Online Presence Beyond DistroKid and Beatport
While DistroKid and Beatport are powerful platforms for distributing and selling your music, they're just one part of a comprehensive online presence. To maximize your success as an electronic music artist, you should also focus on:
Creating a Professional Website
A dedicated website gives you complete control over your online presence and serves as a central hub for your music, news, tour dates, and merchandise. For guidance on building an effective musician website, check out this comprehensive guide on the best platforms to build your online presence as a musician.
Leveraging Social Media
Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok allow you to connect directly with fans and promote your Beatport releases. Each platform has its own strengths:
Instagram: Great for visual content, studio shots, and short video clips
Twitter: Ideal for quick updates and industry networking
Facebook: Useful for event promotion and longer-form content
TikTok: Perfect for viral music clips and reaching younger audiences
Building an Email List
Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to promote new releases and maintain a direct connection with your most dedicated fans. Consider offering a free track download in exchange for email signups.
Exploring Additional Distribution Channels
While Beatport is essential for electronic music, don't neglect other platforms. For a comprehensive overview of distribution options for independent artists, explore this guide on the best music distribution options for indie artists.
Future Trends: DistroKid, Beatport, and the Evolving Music Industry
The music distribution and retail landscape continues to evolve. Here are some trends to watch that may affect how you use DistroKid and Beatport in the future:
NFTs and Blockchain Technology
Both DistroKid and Beatport have begun exploring blockchain technology and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). Beatport has already launched Beatport.io for electronic music NFTs, while DistroKid has partnered with blockchain platforms to explore new royalty distribution models.
These technologies could potentially offer new revenue streams and more transparent royalty payments for artists in the future.
Direct Artist-to-Fan Relationships
Platforms that facilitate direct artist-to-fan relationships, like Bandcamp and Patreon, are growing in importance. While DistroKid and Beatport remain essential for wide distribution and reaching DJs, building direct relationships with your most dedicated fans can provide more sustainable income.
AI and Music Production
As AI tools for music production become more sophisticated, the volume of music being distributed is likely to increase. This may make curation platforms like Beatport even more valuable, as they help quality music stand out from the growing crowd.
Conclusion: Making the Most of DistroKid and Beatport
DistroKid and Beatport represent a powerful combination for electronic music producers. DistroKid offers an affordable, efficient way to distribute your music widely, while Beatport provides specialized access to the DJ and electronic music community.
To maximize your success with these platforms:
Focus on quality over quantity in your productions
Choose the right DistroKid plan for your needs
Pay careful attention to genre categorization
Build relationships with DJs and labels
Promote your Beatport releases across all your channels
Track your performance and adjust your strategy accordingly
Remember that while these platforms provide the technical infrastructure for distributing and selling your music, the most important factor remains the quality and uniqueness of your productions. Focus first on creating compelling music that resonates with listeners, then use DistroKid and Beatport as tools to share that music with the world.
By understanding how to effectively use these platforms together, you'll be well-positioned to reach DJs, producers, and electronic music fans worldwide, building a sustainable career in the ever-evolving music industry.