Why Distrokid Is The Best 2025 (Full Review)

Why Distrokid Is The Best 2025 (Full Review)

When it comes to music distribution, DistroKid has emerged as one of the top contenders in recent years. Founded in 2013, DistroKid provides musicians with an easy-to-use platform to upload their music to popular streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. However, as more and more competitors enter the music distribution market, it can be difficult to know which service is right for you. In this article, we will compare DistroKid to some of its top competitors, including TuneCore, CD Baby, and RouteNote, to show you why DistroKid is the best music distribution platform. 

Pricing and Features:

DistroKid
One of the most important considerations for musicians looking for a music distribution service is pricing. What makes Distrokid the best is that DistroKid offers a simple pricing structure with no hidden fees or additional charges. For $19.99 per year, you can upload an unlimited number of songs and keep 100% of your earnings. DistroKid also offers a number of additional features, including YouTube Content ID, which allows you to monetize your music on YouTube, and Shazam and Instagram integration, which makes it easier for fans to discover your music.

TuneCore
TuneCore, on the other hand, charges a one-time fee of $29.99 per album or $9.99 per single, in addition to a 20% cut of your earnings. This can add up quickly, especially for musicians who are uploading a large number of songs. TuneCore does offer some additional features, such as a sync licensing service that helps you place your music in TV shows, movies, and commercials, but these services can be expensive.

CD Baby
CD Baby offers a range of pricing options, starting at $9.95 per single or $29 per album. CD Baby takes a 9% cut of your earnings, but also offers a range of additional features, including physical distribution to record stores and the ability to create personalized storefronts for your music.
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RouteNote
RouteNote offers a free option, which allows you to distribute your music to a limited number of streaming services, but takes a 15% cut of your earnings. Their paid options start at $10 per single or $20 per album, with a lower percentage cut of your earnings. However, they don't offer as many additional features as some of the other services.

Ease of Use:

DistroKid
Another important consideration is how easy it is to use each service. DistroKid has a very user-friendly platform, with a simple interface that makes it easy to upload your music and manage your releases. DistroKid also offers a number of helpful resources, including a Knowledge Base and an active community forum.
TuneCore
TuneCore is also relatively easy to use, with a simple upload process and a dashboard that allows you to track your sales and earnings. However, some users have reported issues with customer service and slow response times.

CD Baby
​CD Baby can be a bit more difficult to navigate, with a more complicated upload process and a less intuitive interface. However, CD Baby does offer a range of helpful resources, including a knowledge base and a dedicated support team.

RouteNote
RouteNote has a relatively simple upload process, but some users have reported issues with delays and slow response times from their customer support team.

Distribution Network:

DistroKid
The distribution network of each service is another important consideration. DistroKid offers distribution to over 150 streaming services, including all of the major players like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. DistroKid also offers distribution to a number of smaller, niche services, which can be helpful for musicians looking to reach a specific audience.

TuneCore
TuneCore offers distribution to a similar range of services, including all of the major players, as well as a number of smaller services. TuneCore also offers physical distribution to retailers like Best Buy and Barnes & Noble.

CD Baby
CD Baby offers distribution to over 150 streaming services, as well as physical distribution to record stores. CD Baby also has partnerships with a number of music licensing companies, which can help you get your music placed in TV shows, movies, and commercials.

RouteNote
RouteNote offers distribution to over 40 streaming services, which is fewer than some of the other services. However, they do offer distribution to a number of smaller services that may not be available on other platforms.

Customer Support:

DistroKid
Customer support is another important consideration when choosing a music distribution service. DistroKid offers fast and responsive customer support, with a dedicated support team available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

TuneCore
TuneCore offers customer support via phone and email, but some users have reported slow response times and difficulty getting in touch with a representative.

CD Baby
CD Baby offers a dedicated support team that can be reached via phone, email, or live chat. They also offer a range of helpful resources, including a knowledge base and a community forum.
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RouteNote
RouteNote offers customer support via email and a contact form on their website. Some users have reported slow response times and difficulty getting in touch with a representative.

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In conclusion, DistroKid is the best in the music distribution market, offering an affordable and easy-to-use platform with a wide range of distribution options and additional features. However, each service has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs as a musician.

TuneCore offers a range of additional services, including sync licensing and physical distribution to retailers, but can be more expensive than some of the other options. CD Baby offers a range of pricing options and a dedicated support team, but can be more difficult to navigate than some of the other platforms. RouteNote offers a free option and a lower percentage cut of your earnings, but has a smaller distribution network and slower customer support.

Ultimately, it's important to consider factors like pricing, features, ease of use, distribution network, and customer support when choosing a music distribution service. By carefully weighing these factors, you can choose the platform that best meets your needs and helps you get your music in front of the right audience.

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DistroKid Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is DistroKid?
DistroKid is a digital music distribution service that allows independent musicians and record labels to release their music on various online platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. It provides artists with tools for music distribution, monetization, and promotion.

2. How does DistroKid work?
DistroKid works by allowing artists to upload their music, artwork, and metadata through their online platform. Once the content is uploaded, DistroKid delivers it to various music streaming services and digital stores worldwide. Artists retain 100% of their royalties and have access to features like Spotify for Artists and detailed analytics.

3. What platforms does DistroKid distribute to?
DistroKid distributes music to a wide range of digital platforms, including but not limited to Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music, Google Play, Deezer, Tidal, Pandora, YouTube Music, and many more. They continuously add new platforms to their distribution network.

4. How long does it take for music to be available on streaming platforms through DistroKid?
DistroKid strives to make music available as quickly as possible. In most cases, your music will be live on streaming platforms within 1-2 business days after you've uploaded it. However, some platforms may take longer to process and make the music available.

5. Can I use DistroKid to release cover songs or remixes?
Yes, DistroKid allows you to release cover songs and remixes. They offer a service called "Cover Song Licensing" which handles the necessary licensing and royalty payments for cover songs. For remixes, you need to have the rights to the original material or obtain permission from the rights holders.

6. Does DistroKid handle licensing and royalties?
DistroKid handles the distribution of your music, but they do not directly handle licensing and royalties. However, they provide services like YouTube Content ID, where you can collect royalties from YouTube for the usage of your music in videos. DistroKid also offers a service called "Leave A Legacy" to ensure your music stays on streaming platforms even after you cancel your subscription.

7. How much does DistroKid cost?
DistroKid offers different pricing plans. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, they have three main plans: "Musician" ($19.99/year for unlimited uploads), "Musician Plus" ($35.99/year for unlimited uploads with additional features), and "Label" ($79.99/year for unlimited uploads with advanced label features). However, their pricing structure may have changed, so it's best to visit their website for the most up-to-date information.

8. Does DistroKid take a cut of my royalties?
No, DistroKid does not take a percentage of your royalties. You keep 100% of the money you earn from your music. DistroKid's pricing plans are based on an annual subscription fee, allowing you to distribute as much music as you want without additional charges.

9. Can I use DistroKid if I'm part of a band or have multiple artists on my releases? Y
es, DistroKid supports band and multiple artist releases. You can add additional artists to your account and give them individual credits on your releases. They can also have access to DistroKid's features like splitting earnings, customizing artist pages, and more.

10. Does DistroKid provide any additional features or services?
In addition to distribution, DistroKid offers several useful features and services. Some notable ones include Shazam and Siri audio recognition, YouTube Content ID for monetization, Spotify for Artists access, hyperfollow hyperfollow pages for pre-saving and marketing campaigns, customizable artist profiles on streaming platforms, instant verification on Instagram and Facebook, and support for adding lyrics to your tracks on platforms like Apple Music.

11. Can I switch to DistroKid if my music is already on other platforms?
Yes, you can switch to DistroKid even if your music is already available on other platforms. DistroKid provides a feature called "Teams" that allows you to import your existing music catalog from other distributors without disrupting its availability. This feature ensures a smooth transition to DistroKid while preserving your streaming and playlisting history.

12. What if I want to cancel my DistroKid subscription?
If you decide to cancel your DistroKid subscription, you have the option to use their "Leave A Legacy" feature. This feature keeps your music available on streaming platforms even after your subscription ends. However, you will lose access to certain features and services provided by DistroKid.

13. Does DistroKid offer customer support?
Yes, DistroKid provides customer support to its users. They have a help center with detailed FAQs, tutorials, and guides to assist you with common questions and issues. Additionally, you can contact their support team directly through their website if you need further assistance.

14. Is DistroKid available worldwide?
Yes, DistroKid is available for artists worldwide. They distribute music to numerous streaming platforms and digital stores globally, allowing artists from different countries to release their music to a wide audience.

15. Can I use DistroKid for other types of content, such as podcasts or spoken word recordings?
DistroKid primarily focuses on music distribution, so it may not be the ideal platform for releasing podcasts or spoken word recordings. However, they have expanded their services to include select non-musical content such as meditation tracks and audio books. It's recommended to check DistroKid's website or contact their support for specific guidelines and options regarding non-musical content.
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