DistroKid is a leading digital music distribution platform that has become a popular choice for independent artists, hustlers as well as small record labels looking to publish their music across all current streaming services and other digital outlets. Founded in 2012 and launched in 2013, DistroKid has quickly grown to be one of the largest and most widely used music distributors, serving hundreds of thousands of artists worldwide. DistroKid is a Spotify ‘preferred provider

Why Distrokid?

The core appeal of DistroKid is its simple, affordable pricing model. Rather than charging a percentage of royalties or a fee per release as many other music distributors tend to do, DistroKid offers a flat annual subscription starting at $19.99 per year. This allows artists to upload and distribute an unlimited number of songs, albums, and other releases during that 12-month period. This model is particularly attractive for prolific musicians who plan to release music regularly.

This has made DistroKid one of the most popular music distribution services, especially for independent artists looking for an affordable, hassle-free way to get their digital music in front of a global audience. Its combination of pricing, features, and distribution reach makes it a compelling option for many.

Advantages of DistroKid (pros)

Beyond the pricing, DistroKid is valued by users for its speed, efficiency, and user-friendly platform. Many artists report that their music appears on major streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music within 24-48 hours of upload. The submission process is streamlined, and DistroKid provides useful features like automatic royalty splitting between collaborators, customizable ISRC codes, and detailed analytics dashboards.

Disadvantages of Distrokid (cons)

However, DistroKid is not without its criticisms. Some users have reported issues with customer service, delayed payments, and occasional technical problems with uploads or metadata. There are also debates around DistroKid’s subscription model, particularly around concerns about music being removed if an account lapses.

Wiki and own page and twitter

How does DistroKid make money?

How to contact DistroKid

If you cannot find your answer through Google or in Distrokid’s Help Center, you may want to contact them.

There are a few ways to contact DistroKid

  • Submit a request on their site.
  • Chat through the icon on the bottom-right side of their screen.
  • DistroKid is also on Twitter / X
  • If you want to file an official compaint at a third-party, the BetterBusinessBureau is the right place for (American) consumers
  • You can call them (in the US) on +1 (415) 763-8213

Honest opinions: how is Distrokid reviewed?

There are a number of places to find objective reviews on Distrokid, for example:

  • BetterBusinessBureau (currently scores a 1.36/5, based on 11 reviews)
  • PissedConsumers (currently a 2.2/5 rating from 580 customers, with 13% recommending this services to a friend, 21% positive, 68% negative and 11% undecided)

If I would try to summarize all the reviews across the different platforms, I would say the positive comments are about how DistroKid enables artists to distribute their music quickly and affordably, making it an ideal choice for those seeking fast access to online streaming platforms. It also offers budget-friendly plans and ensures music reaches major services without delay.

However, the negative comments that are reported most, are significant issues with customer support. Many reviewers have experienced difficulties reaching assistance when needed, resulting in lost revenue and missed opportunities. Some find that DistroKid’s lack of responsive support is a major drawback, especially when urgent help is required.

the feedback indicates that ~45% of users believe DistroKid’s customer service needs improvement, and 35% say they would consider using DistroKid again for similar services if their current issues are resolved.

The DistroKid App

For those who are glued to their phones, DistroKid also offers both an iOS DistroKid app, as well as an Android version.

Which plans does Distrokid offer?

Distrokid offers these 3 plans for artists. Here you can compare Distrokid’s plans with its closest competitors.

DistroKid best practices

  • Keep backup copies of all releases and metadata
  • Monitor distributions and payments regularly
  • Use higher quality tiers for serious projects
  • Maintain alternate contact information for streaming platforms
  • Start with the basic plan to test the service
  • Read all guidelines carefully before uploading
  • Keep detailed records of all submissions
  • Have a backup plan for distribution if needed

Read our continuously updated summary ofw what Reddit thinks about DistroKid.