13 things you need to know about DistroKid

Yes, you have to pay for DistroKid. The platform operates on a subscription-based model, requiring an annual fee to distribute your music to digital stores and streaming services. This model allows you to upload unlimited tracks and albums during your subscription period.

One key advantage for producers and artists is that DistroKid lets you keep 100% of your royalties from sales and streams. This makes it a practical choice for independent music creators who want to maximize their earnings and control their releases.

Additional services, such as distribution to specific stores or platforms, may involve extra fees on top of the standard subscription. For a detailed overview of how DistroKid's subscription model works and what to expect as a buyer or artist, see 13 things you need to know about DistroKid!

DistroKid distributes your music to Shazam, making your tracks recognizable when played in DJ sets, clubs, or on radio. This means fans and industry professionals can identify your productions instantly using the Shazam app, which is valuable for building your artist profile and tracking engagement.

When you release tracks through DistroKid, Shazam is included among the supported platforms. This helps your music get picked up not only by Shazam users but also by services connected to Shazam, such as Apple Music. For producers, this increases the chance your work will be discovered after being played in a set or mix.

DistroKid charges an annual fee per track for distribution, which covers delivery to Shazam and other major stores. Having your music on Shazam is especially useful for unreleased tracks or club edits, ensuring your artist name and track title are linked to your work and making it easier for fans to find your catalog.

For more details on DistroKid's distribution and how it works for producers, check 13 things you need to know about DistroKid!

DistroKid does not promote your music. It is a digital distribution service that delivers your tracks to streaming platforms and online stores, but all music promotion and audience-building is up to you as the artist or producer.

When you release music through DistroKid, your tracks become available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. However, DistroKid does not offer playlist pitching, advertising, or radio campaigns. Their focus is on fast and broad distribution, not on marketing or growing your fanbase.

To actually promote your music, you need to create your own strategy. This can include pitching to independent playlist curators, building a social media presence, collaborating with other artists, and reaching out to blogs or influencers. Many producers combine DistroKid distribution with their own promotional efforts or use separate services for marketing support.

For a full overview of DistroKid's features and what to expect from their service, see 13 things you need to know about DistroKid!

When you release music through DistroKid, you receive royalties for streams and sales on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. DistroKid acts as your distributor, collecting royalties from digital stores and streaming services, then paying these out to your account. As a producer or artist, you can monitor your earnings in your DistroKid dashboard and request payouts in euros. The process is designed to make royalty collection and payment straightforward, so you can focus on your music while DistroKid handles the distribution and reporting.

If you stop paying for your DistroKid subscription, your music will usually be removed from streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. DistroKid notifies these platforms to take down your releases, so your tracks and albums become unavailable to listeners. You will still be able to log in to your DistroKid account and withdraw any royalties you have already earned, but you cannot upload new music or keep your catalog live without an active subscription.

To keep your music online after canceling, DistroKid offers an option to pay a one-time fee per release. This lets your tracks stay available even if your subscription ends. Always check your DistroKid account for the latest details on takedown timing and payout status.

DistroKid does not copyright your music or register your tracks with a Performance Rights Organization (PRO). When you upload music to DistroKid, you remain the copyright owner. DistroKid's service is focused on distributing your tracks to streaming platforms and stores, not on handling copyright registration or legal protection.

If you want your music to be officially copyrighted or to collect royalties through a PRO, you need to register your works yourself. Uploading to DistroKid does not automatically protect your music from copyright infringement or ensure royalty collection. As a producer, DJ, or artist, you are responsible for managing your own copyright and licensing needs.

For more details on how DistroKid operates and what to expect as a music creator, see 13 things you need to know about DistroKid!

DistroKid does not own your music. When you use DistroKid to distribute your tracks, you remain the legal owner and keep all rights to your music. DistroKid's role is to deliver your releases to streaming platforms and digital stores, not to claim ownership or creative credit.

As a producer or artist, you receive royalties collected from streams and downloads, which DistroKid passes on to you as the rights holder. This setup allows you to manage your catalog, choose where your music appears, and decide if or when to remove tracks from stores. You are also free to work with other distributors or release music independently if you wish.

If you want to know more about using multiple distributors, check Can you use two different music distributors?

DistroKid uploads your music to a wide range of major streaming platforms and digital stores, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora, TikTok, Instagram, and iHeartRadio. When you release a track through DistroKid, it is distributed to these platforms so listeners can find your music worldwide, whether you are a producer, DJ, or artist working with original tracks or ghost productions.

For producers and artists, this means your release is available on all the key platforms where fans actually listen. DistroKid’s distribution covers both mainstream and niche services, so your music can reach audiences on Spotify playlists, Apple Music libraries, TikTok videos, and even Instagram Stories. You do not need to manually upload to each service, DistroKid handles the delivery and metadata for you.

Every upload through DistroKid is processed for all supported platforms, maximizing your exposure and potential royalties. The service does not take a percentage of your streaming revenue, so you keep 100% of what you earn from these platforms. This makes DistroKid a practical choice for independent artists, labels, and ghost producers who want to control their catalog and earnings.

For more on DistroKid’s Spotify distribution, see Does DistroKid upload to Spotify?

To replace a file on DistroKid, you must delete the original release and upload a new version. DistroKid does not support direct audio swaps or file replacements for tracks that are already live. If you need to update a song or album, remove the release, then re-upload the corrected audio file as a new release. This process is essential for producers and DJs who want to fix a mix, master, or any audio issue after distribution.

Step-by-step: Replacing audio on DistroKid

• Log in to your DistroKid account and select the release you want to change.
• Delete the release. This removes your track from all streaming platforms.
• Re-upload your updated audio file as a new release. If you want to keep the same ISRC, record it before deletion and assign it manually if possible.

For more on deleting and reuploading, see Can you delete and reupload on DistroKid?.

How long does it take for changes to appear?

After re-uploading, your new track version usually appears on streaming services within 1-2 days. Metadata or playlist updates can take up to 1-2 weeks to fully update across all platforms. Plan your changes well before important release dates to avoid downtime.

Tips for producers and DJs

• There will be a period where your music is unavailable during the swap process.
• Always double-check your mix, master, and metadata before uploading to avoid repeated takedowns and reuploads.
• Keep your ISRC codes and release info organized for smoother transitions.

For more on DistroKid's copyright and rights, see Does DistroKid copyright your music?.

DistroKid is a worldwide digital music distribution platform, giving producers and artists the ability to release tracks to major streaming services across the globe. When you distribute music through DistroKid, your releases are sent to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, making your tracks available to listeners in most countries.

Keep in mind that while DistroKid aims for global reach, some restrictions can apply. These may be due to language, explicit content, or local licensing rules set by individual platforms or countries. This means certain tracks might not appear everywhere, depending on regional policies and content guidelines.

To ensure the broadest possible distribution, check that your music, artwork, and metadata meet the requirements of each platform. For more details on how DistroKid works and what to expect from their global distribution, visit this DistroKid overview.

DistroKid makes money by charging artists an annual fee for music distribution. This subscription model means you pay a set yearly amount to release unlimited tracks to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes. DistroKid does not take a percentage of your streaming or download royalties, so producers and artists keep all their earnings from sales and streams, except for standard banking fees and taxes.

For certain optional services, DistroKid may charge extra or take a commission. For example, if you use the YouTube Money service, DistroKid keeps a portion of ad revenue from YouTube videos that use your music, while you receive the rest. Other add-ons, such as store maximizer or Shazam integration, may also involve additional charges, but these do not affect your main streaming payouts.

This approach gives producers and DJs a clear understanding of costs and payouts. You pay a predictable annual fee for distribution, and only specific extra features involve further costs. For more details on DistroKid's services and what to expect as a producer, visit 13 things you need to know about DistroKid!

DistroKid does not take a percentage of your royalties. As an artist or producer, you keep 100% of the money earned from streams and downloads when using DistroKid for music distribution. Your full earnings are paid directly to your account, with no commission or royalty split taken by DistroKid.

This model is especially relevant for producers and DJs who want to maximize their music income and retain full control over their catalog. The only cost is the annual subscription fee for using DistroKid's service. For more details on how DistroKid works for artists, check the DistroKid overview.

To release your music with an aggregate service, choose a distributor such as CD Baby, TuneCore, or DistroKid. These platforms let you upload your track, set your artist details, and distribute your music to stores like Spotify, Apple Music, and Beatport. You pay a fee to the service, and they handle delivery, reporting, and royalty collection for your releases.

How aggregate music distribution works

Aggregate services act as a bridge between independent producers or DJs and digital music stores. After you upload your production, the service ensures your track meets technical requirements, delivers it to streaming platforms, and manages metadata. You retain your rights and receive royalties directly from the aggregator based on streams and sales.

Choosing the right aggregator

Popular options include DistroKid, CD Baby, and TuneCore. Each has its own pricing model and features. For example, TuneCore is known for straightforward global distribution and is widely used by independent artists aiming for reach and control. Compare services based on payout speed, supported stores, and ease of use.

Tips for a successful release

• Prepare high-quality masters and accurate metadata before uploading.
• Plan your release date to maximize visibility and playlist opportunities.
• Promote your release through social channels and DJ networks.
• Monitor your royalty statements and update your catalog as needed.

Using an aggregate service is a practical way to get your music onto all major platforms while keeping control over your rights and earnings. For producers working with ghost productions, this approach ensures your tracks reach a global audience efficiently.

DistroKid makes it easy for musicians to change artwork on any release, which is a real advantage in today’s music industry. Whether you want to update your album cover, single artwork, or correct a previous upload, the platform is designed for quick edits and flexibility.

To change your artwork on DistroKid, log in and select the release you want to update. Click "Edit Release" and you’ll find the option to upload new cover art. This process is straightforward and gives producers and artists control over their visual branding, even after a track is live on streaming services.

Most stores and streaming platforms will process your artwork change within a few days, but full updates across all platforms can take up to two weeks. If you need a faster revision, contacting DistroKid support can help speed up the process.

For best results, make sure your new artwork meets DistroKid’s technical requirements: JPEG or PNG format, minimum 1400x1400 pixels, square aspect ratio, and a maximum file size of 10MB. Artwork that doesn’t meet these specs will be rejected, which can delay your update.

Having the ability to easily change artwork is a significant advantage for independent musicians and labels. It allows you to react to feedback, rebrand, or fix mistakes without having to take down and re-upload your music. For more inspiration on creating standout visuals, check How to create inspiring artwork for your label.

You can delete and reupload tracks on DistroKid, but most updates no longer require a full takedown. DistroKid now offers an edit feature, letting you update audio files and metadata for your release without removing it from Spotify, Apple Music, or other platforms.

How to update your DistroKid release

If you need to fix audio, correct metadata, or change artwork, use the edit icon next to your release in the DistroKid dashboard. This lets you push changes to streaming services while keeping your play counts and playlist spots intact.

When should you delete and reupload?

• If you want to remove a track or album from all stores, use the "Remove Release" option in DistroKid. This takes your music down from every platform.
• For major changes like switching ISRCs or altering the tracklist, you may need to delete and reupload. In these cases, your release will be treated as new by streaming services.

For more practical tips on DistroKid and digital distribution, check out DistroKid essentials at House of Tracks.