After comparing Distrokid and other music distributors, you might want to know how users review DistroKid. Reading the DistroKid threads and posts on Reddit communities such as WeAreTheMusicMakers or MusicProduction is a bit cumbersome. That’s why I scrolled for a few hours through Reddit’s endless posts, complaints and complements and took notes on the good, the bad and the ugly. BTW, did you know DistroKid has a Helpdesk on Reddit?

The good about DistroKid (according to Reddit users)

Reddit discussions about DistroKid often highlight the platform’s value for independent artists looking for an affordable, straightforward distribution service. With unlimited song uploads for a flat annual fee, it appeals to artists releasing multiple singles or albums each year. Users generally appreciate DistroKid’s no-commission model, which allows artists to keep 100% of their streaming royalties—a major advantage compared to other distributors that charge per release or take a cut of earnings.

One of the key draws of DistroKid is its speed and reliability in getting music onto streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Artists on Reddit often cite DistroKid’s efficiency, with music typically reaching major platforms in a couple of days. DistroKid’s pricing structure, which starts at $19.99 per year for unlimited uploads, is considered a game-changer for budget-conscious artists, especially compared to platforms that require a fee per release. The higher-tier plans, like Musician Plus ($35.99/year), offer additional customization options, such as custom release dates and pre-orders, which help artists manage and promote releases strategically.

Pricing Structure

  • Reddit users frequently praise DistroKid’s annual flat-fee pricing model
  • Many appreciate that you can release unlimited music for one yearly fee
  • Users often compare it favorably to competitors like CD Baby that charge per release
  • The pricing is generally considered very reasonable for what you get, especially for prolific artists

Speed & Efficiency

  • Many Redditors report extremely fast upload and distribution times
  • Users frequently mention their music appearing on platforms within 24-48 hours
  • The submission process is praised for being straightforward and user-friendly
  • Quick customer service response times are often highlighted for urgent takedown requests
  1. Features and Tools

Analytical Tools and extra features

  • The automatic splitting of royalties between collaborators is highly regarded
  • Users appreciate the Spotify pre-save feature and social media tools
  • The ability to customize ISRC codes is seen as a valuable feature
  • Many praise the statistics dashboard and earnings tracking capabilities

The bad about DistroKid (according to Reddit users)

There are a few mixed opinions on the platform, especially regarding customer service, extra fees for add-ons, and lack of certain features that other distributors provide. DistroKid’s simplicity has some limitations. For instance, users frequently mention that essential services, like YouTube Content ID for video monetization, are add-ons, and these can lead to extra, sometimes unexpected, costs. Reddit users have also expressed mixed views on the platform’s customer service, reporting that responses can be delayed and sometimes unhelpful. In comparison, some users recommend platforms like TuneCore and CD Baby, noting they offer additional features like physical distribution and royalty collection for non-streaming income sources like radio or television plays.

Customer Service

  • The most frequent complaint is the lack of direct phone support
  • Email support is often described as slow or automated and
  • Some users report difficulty getting complex issues resolved
  • There are also several stories of account issues taking weeks to even months to resolve – if they get resolved at all

Payment and Accounting Concerns

  • Occasional delayed payments
  • Difficulty in obtaining true transparency in payment processing
  • Concerns about payment thresholds and withdrawal requirements
  • Occasional accounting discrepancies and ‘glitches’

Technical Issues

  • Problems with the upload interface, especially with bulk uploads
  • Occasional issues with metadata (artist, song or album name, release date, producer, composer, writer credits) not transferring correctly
  • Reports of album artwork sometimes being rejected without clear explanation (for example is not knowing whether it is because it is (supposedly) not proprietary, scandalous, age restricted etc.)
  • Problems with release date scheduling

Pricing

Even though there are a lot of positive comments about DistroKid’s affordable pricing, there are also some negative comments:

  • Subscription model requires you to pay indefinitely to keep your songs on Spotify
  • The upsells add to the monthly cost of music distribution and it is hard if not impossible to downgrade
  • The upsells – although useful – do not have the same ‘value for money’ as the basic music distribution service

In conclusion: Reddit’s overal consensus on DistroKid

Despite these drawbacks, many Reddit users still endorse DistroKid for its ease of use, affordability, and no-commission structure, especially for independent artists aiming to maintain control over their music and maximize earnings​.

  • Good value for money for local bands and artists who need the basic service of getting their songs on Spotify, especially compared to competitors
  • Generally reliable but with occasional customer service issues
  • Interesting extra marketing, customization and analytical upsells although they do add to your monthly recurring costs
  • Best suited for decidedly tech-savvy artists who don’t require too much hand-holding
  • Sometimes problematic for complex issues requiring more support
  • Worth the investment for serious independent artists and hustlers