DistroKid is a music distributor that puts your songs on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, TikTok and more than 150 other platforms. You pay a yearly subscription, upload as many releases as you like and keep 100% of your streaming royalties. It’s popular with artists who release often, because the cost doesn’t rise with the number of songs.
At a glance
| What it is | Music distributor with yearly plans |
| Musician plan | $24.99 a year |
| Musician Plus | $44.99 a year |
| Ultimate | $89.99 a year |
| Royalties | You keep 100% of streaming royalties |
| Reach | 150+ platforms |
How it works
You sign up, choose a plan and upload your audio, cover art and release details. DistroKid sends your music to the stores you choose, usually within a few days. Royalties from each platform flow into your DistroKid account, and you withdraw them when you like.
What it costs
The Musician plan costs $24.99 a year and covers unlimited uploads for one artist name. Musician Plus, at $44.99, adds features such as custom release dates, pre-orders, daily stats and a second artist name. Ultimate, at $89.99, is for artists and small teams managing more names. Some extras, such as YouTube Content ID or keeping releases online forever, cost more.
What you earn
DistroKid takes no cut of your streaming royalties. You earn whatever the platforms pay for your streams and downloads, minus any banking fees and taxes. Splits let you pay collaborators automatically from the same release.
Keeping your music online
Your releases stay live as long as your subscription is active. If you stop paying, DistroKid can take your music down, unless you’ve bought its “Leave a Legacy” add-on for those releases. Plan for the yearly fee as a permanent cost.
Getting started
Have finished, mastered audio, square cover art and your release details ready. Release singles regularly rather than waiting for a full album, since frequent releases help with algorithms and playlists.
Common mistakes
Some artists forget to renew and lose their releases. Others add every extra without checking whether they need it. A third mistake is uploading songs with samples or covers without the right licenses.
Release strategy
Many artists release a single every four to six weeks to keep their profile active. With unlimited uploads, DistroKid makes this cheap. Pitch each release to Spotify’s editors through Spotify for Artists before it comes out.
Keeping track
DistroKid shows earnings by store and month. Watch which platforms pay you most and where listeners are, and focus your promotion there.
Is it worth it?
For anyone releasing more than one or two songs a year, yes. The yearly fee is less than most per-release prices, and you keep every cent of streaming income.
Before you upload
Check your audio for clipping, make sure the artwork meets store rules and that song titles, artist names and credits are spelled exactly as you want them shown everywhere.
Getting on playlists
Distribution only puts your music in stores. To reach listeners, pitch unreleased songs to Spotify’s editors, share pre-save links and build your own fan base on social media and email.
Owen’s take
DistroKid is the default choice for artists who release often. The yearly fee is low, the 100% royalty is real, and the only big catch is remembering to renew.
Who it suits
It suits independent artists and producers who release several songs a year. It suits less well artists who release once and want their music online forever without paying again.
Similar options
- TuneCore offers similar unlimited plans.
- CD Baby charges once per release instead.
- Amuse has a slightly cheaper entry plan.
- Bandcamp lets you sell directly to fans.
More options are in Music & Audio.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Unlimited uploads for one yearly fee
- 100% of streaming royalties
- Fast delivery to 150+ platforms
Cons
- Music can come down if you stop paying
- Paid add-ons for some features
- Support can be slow
FAQ
How much does DistroKid cost?
From $24.99 a year for the Musician plan.
Does DistroKid take a cut of royalties?
No, you keep 100% of streaming royalties.
What happens if I stop paying DistroKid?
Your music can be taken down unless you bought Leave a Legacy for those releases.
How many songs can I upload?
Unlimited, on every plan.
Can I split royalties with collaborators?
Yes, with DistroKid’s splits feature.
