How to Distribute Your Music Globally to All Platforms Using DistroKid (2024)

DistroKid is an online music distribution service that allows artists to upload their music to various streaming platforms. It stands out due to its user-friendly interface and cost-effective pricing.

Service Features

• Unlimited uploads for a single annual fee.
• Supports distribution to major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
• Offers additional services such as YouTube monetization and legacy releases.

Pricing Model

• Annual subscription starting at $19.99.
• Different plans cater to solo artists, bands, and labels.
• DistroKid aims to simplify music distribution, making global reach accessible for independent artists.

Why Choose DistroKid for Music Distribution

DistroKid offers numerous advantages for artists seeking global music distribution:

• Unlimited Uploads: Unlike other platforms that charge per release, DistroKid provides unlimited uploads for a flat annual fee.
• Speedy Distribution: Get your music on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms within days.
• 100% Royalties: Artists retain 100% of their royalties, maximizing earnings.
• Comprehensive Analytics: Detailed reports and analytics help track performance and demographics.
• Automatic Splits: Easily split royalties with collaborators or band members.
• Extensive Platform Reach: DistroKid distributes music to over 150 streaming services and digital stores worldwide.
• Cost-Effective Plans: Competitive pricing plans cater to independent artists and labels.

Getting Started: Setting Up Your DistroKid Account

To get started with DistroKid, one needs to create an account. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the DistroKid website.
2. Click on the “Sign Up” button.
3. Choose a membership plan that fits your needs.
4. Fill in the required personal information:

• Name
• Email Address
• Password

1. Verify your email address through the confirmation link.
2. Enter your artist or band name.
3. Set up your payment method for collecting royalties.
4. Read and accept DistroKid’s terms and conditions.
5. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid future complications.

Uploading Your Music: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create a DistroKid Account: Sign up on DistroKid with a valid email and choose a subscription plan that fits your needs.
2. Log In: Use your credentials to log in to your newly created account.
3. Select ‘Upload’: Navigate to the Upload page.
4. Choose Music Services: Select the platforms where you want your music to be available (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music).
5. Upload Your Audio Files: Click the button to upload your audio files. Ensure they meet DistroKid’s format requirements.
6. Fill In Required Information: Enter the artist name, song title, release date, genre, and other necessary details.
7. Submit for Distribution: Review the information and submit the track for distribution. DistroKid will handle the rest.

Customizing Your Release: Metadata, Artwork, and More

Accurate metadata is crucial for music distribution. Ensure song titles, artist names, and album information are correctly entered. Incorrect metadata can lead to misplacements on streaming platforms.

Steps to Enter Metadata:

• Song Titles: Enter all song titles as they appear on the album.
• Artist Names: Include featured artists, if any.
• Album Information: Add details like release date and genre.

Adding Artwork:

• Image Specifications: The artwork should be at least 3000 x 3000 pixels.
• Format: Use a .jpg or .png file.
• Quality: Ensure high quality to avoid blurriness.

Additional Customizations:

• Lyrics: Optionally provide lyrics for each track.
• Explicit Content: Mark explicit content if present.
• ISRC Codes: Assign ISRC codes for unique track identification.

Attention to these details enhances the professional presentation and accessibility of the release across all platforms.

Selecting Your Platforms: Where Will Your Music Go?

Choosing the right platforms for music distribution is crucial. DistroKid provides a comprehensive range of options to ensure maximum reach:

• Streaming Services: Major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
• Digital Stores: iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon MP3.
• Social Media: TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

Artists should analyze the audience demographics of each platform. Some music might resonate more on Spotify, while other tracks could perform better on TikTok. It is essential to leverage DistroKid’s tools to target the right channels effectively.

Understanding DistroKid’s Pricing and Plans

DistroKid offers various plans designed to meet different needs. The plans are:

• Musician Plan: $19.99 per year.
• Allows unlimited song uploads.
• Includes Spotify Verified Checkmark.
• Musician Plus Plan: $35.99 per year.
• Adds customizable label name.
• Includes customizable release dates and pre-orders.
• Label Plan: Starts at $79.99 per year.
• For labels and with multiple artists.
• Includes all benefits of Musician Plus.
• Allows uploading for 5 to 100 artists.

Perks:

• No commission.
• Access to global music stores and streaming services.

Maximizing Your Reach: Utilizing DistroKid’s Marketing Tools

Harness DistroKid’s marketing tools to elevate your music’s presence and reach a global audience. These tools include:

• HyperFollow Pages: Create landing pages that aggregate streaming platforms, making it easy for fans to pre-save and stream your music.
• Promo Cards: Generate eye-catching visuals for social media sharing to promote your releases effectively.
• Social Video Generator: Utilize this feature to create engaging video snippets for platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
• Spotify Canvas: Integrate short, looping visuals with your tracks on Spotify to enhance fan interaction.

Employ these features strategically to expand your listener base and intensify engagement with your music.

Navigating Copyright and Royalties with DistroKid

DistroKid streamlines the process of managing copyrights and royalties. Upon uploading, artists retain full control of their work, as DistroKid does not claim ownership.

Key Features

• Copyright Registration: Optional add-on allows musicians to register songs with the U.S. Copyright Office for a fee.
• Royalties Management: Earnings from various platforms consolidate in one place, making tracking simpler.
• Splits: Automate royalty distribution among collaborators, ensuring transparency.
• YouTube Monetization: Opt-in feature to earn from YouTube videos using the artist’s music.

Each platform has slightly different methods for calculating royalties. Understanding these differences helps artists maximize their revenue.

The Benefits of DistroKid’s Fast Release Times

DistroKid’s fast release times provide musicians with numerous advantages, enhancing their ability to reach audiences promptly:

• Immediate Distribution: Artists can see their music on major streaming platforms within hours, not days.
• Timely Promotion: Fast release enables musicians to capitalize on marketing campaigns and social media buzz.
• Reactivity: Artists can quickly respond to current events or trends with relevant content.
• Fan Engagement: Immediate availability ensures fans don’t have to wait, maintaining audience interest and loyalty.
• Revenue: Faster release translates to quicker earnings from streaming and purchases.

These factors collectively boost an artist’s visibility and financial returns.

Tracking Your Success: Analytics and Reports

DistroKid provides artists with robust analytics and reporting tools to monitor their music’s performance. These tools offer insights into various metrics:

• Stream Counts: Track the number of streams your music receives across multiple platforms.
• Revenue Reports: Get detailed reports on the earnings generated from your tracks.
• Geographic Data: Understand where your listeners are located geographically.
• Platform-Specific Data: See performance data segmented by each music platform.

These insights help artists make informed decisions about marketing strategies, tour planning, and audience engagement. By leveraging these analytics, artists can continuously refine their approach for better reach and revenue.

Leveraging Additional Features: Collaborations, Splits, and More

DistroKid offers several features to enhance music distribution:

• Collaborations: Artists can easily add featured artists to their tracks. This is invaluable for ensuring all contributors receive appropriate credit.
• Splits: Revenue can be automatically split among collaborators. DistroKid handles the math and payments, freeing artists from tracking who gets what.
• Sync Licensing: Opting into this service allows artists to get their music placed in TV shows, movies, and commercials, potentially increasing exposure.
• Teams: This feature lets multiple users log in to manage releases, ensuring smooth coordination.
• Promotional Tools: Various tools to create hyperfollow pages, embeddable widgets, and more, enhancing marketing efforts.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Distributing music globally can face several challenges. Knowing how to overcome these issues is crucial for a smooth release.

Metadata Errors

• Double-check song details (titles, artist names).
• Ensure correct formatting and consistency.

Artwork Rejections

• Adhere to platform-specific guidelines (format, size, resolution).
• Use professional design tools or services.

Payment Issues

• Set up payment information accurately.
• Monitor payment cycles and earnings in the DistroKid dashboard.

Content Mismatches

• Ensure audio quality meets platform standards.
• Verify the uploaded content matches the provided metadata.

Conclusion: Making the Most Out of DistroKid

To maximize the benefits of using DistroKid, users should:

• Frequently release new content: Regular uploads keep the audience engaged and can increase streaming numbers.
• Utilize promotional tools: Leverage features like HyperFollow and pre-save campaigns.
• Monitor analytics: Regularly review streaming data to understand listener demographics and trends.
• Engage with fans: Use social media and email newsletters to connect directly with the audience.
• Explore additional services: Consider features like Sync Licensing for extra revenue streams.
• Stay updated: Keep an eye on platform updates and new features to remain competitive in the market.

Start distributing your music today with DistroKid and take your music career to the next level.