13 things you need to know about DistroKid!

Yes, you need to pay for DistroKid. It operates on a subscription-based model, requiring an annual fee to distribute your music. Currently, the cost is $19.99 per year, allowing you to upload unlimited albums and tracks. One of the biggest advantages of DistroKid is that you keep 100% of your royalties. DistroKid provides an affordable way for independent artists to distribute their music while retaining full earnings. If you're looking to elevate your music career, check out our House Ghost Production services for high-quality tracks that can enhance your sound.

DistroKid is a reliable music distributor that sends your tracks to Shazam. When you distribute your music through DistroKid to Shazam, you will incur an annual fee per track. This service is crucial for artists looking to expand their reach on major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Having your tracks on Shazam enhances discoverability, making it easier for listeners to identify your music when it’s played in a DJ set or venue. This increased accessibility can lead to more plays across streaming platforms, strengthening your presence in the competitive music industry.

DistroKid doesn’t promote your music. It is a distribution service that delivers your music to various online stores and streaming platforms, allowing you to handle promotion yourself. To effectively promote your music, it's essential to develop a well-planned strategy. A strong promotion strategy is key to successfully increasing your reach and audience.

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 register songs for copyright or with any Performance Rights Organization (P.R.O.). It solely provides a platform for distributing your music.

DistroKid does not own your music. They do not take any ownership or credit for your tracks—DistroKid only distributes your music. The royalties generated by your music are collected by DistroKid and then distributed to the original owner.

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 operates globally, allowing your music to reach major streaming platforms. However, some restrictions may apply due to factors such as language, content, and licensing requirements.

DistroKid, a leading music distribution service, allows independent artists to retain 100% of their earnings, aside from banking fees and applicable taxes. This ensures you keep all of your hard-earned money, reinforcing DistroKid's commitment to helping you monetize your music effectively. When using DistroKid's YouTube Money service, the platform retains only 20% of the ad revenue from identified YouTube videos, allowing you to collect the remaining 80%. This transparent model ensures that earnings from sales and streaming platforms like iTunes, Spotify, and other major services go directly to you. With its fair payout structure, DistroKid stands out as a top-tier distributor in the digital music industry, providing independent artists with a reliable way to maximize their revenue across various streaming platforms.

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 edit releases, a significant advantage in the music industry. Simply log into your account and select "DistroKid Change" under "Edit Release." Here, you'll find options to update your album art and other essential details for your presence as a Spotify artist. You can change your cover art, album cover art, and even the release date. Keep in mind that most stores take a couple of days to apply revisions, and metadata updates may take 1-2 weeks. If you need a quick change, contacting customer support is advisable. They can help you update your release quickly and efficiently.

To change the artwork for your tracks on DistroKid, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your DistroKid account and go to the "Tracks" tab.
2. Select the track you want to update the artwork for.
3. Click on the "Artwork" tab in the left-hand menu.
4. Click on the "Change Artwork" button to upload a new image for your track.
5. Once you've selected the new artwork, click "Save" to update the album art for your track.

What are the technical specifications for DistroKid artwork?

The technical specifications for DistroKid artwork are crucial for artists and musicians looking to update their album art. The file must be in JPEG or PNG format, with a minimum resolution of 1400x1400 pixels. This is important when updating your album's artwork on DistroKid, especially for optimizing your presence on platforms like Spotify for Artists. The maximum file size is 10MB, and the aspect ratio should be square to ensure compatibility with various streaming services.

How do I change the artwork for an individual track on DistroKid?

To change the artwork for an individual track on DistroKid, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your DistroKid account.
2. Select the release that contains the track you wish to update.
3. Scroll down to the "Tracks" section of the page.
4. Click on the track for which you want to change the artwork.
5. Click on the "Artwork" tab.
6. Click "Change" to upload a new image.
7. Click "Save Changes" to finalize the update.

How do I change the artwork for an entire DistroKid release?

To change the cover art for an entire DistroKid release, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your DistroKid account.
2. Select the release for which you want to update the artwork.
3. Scroll down to the "Artwork" section of the page.
4. Click "Change" to upload a new image for your album or single.
5. Click "Save Changes" to finalize the update.

What should I do if my artwork is rejected by DistroKid?

If your artwork is rejected by DistroKid, it may not meet the required technical specifications outlined above. This issue often arises when updating metadata or making a DistroKid name change, which may require additional review time. To resolve this, ensure your artwork meets the specified requirements, make any necessary adjustments, and re-upload the image. If you're unsure why your artwork was rejected, contact DistroKid support for further assistance.

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.