How Do I Upload Music With DistroKid?
DistroKid makes it incredibly easy to get your music on all major streaming platforms. In essence, you’ll sign up, provide your track information and audio files, pay a fee, and DistroKid will distribute your music.
Introduction to DistroKid
DistroKid is a popular music distribution service that allows artists to upload their music to various digital music platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, and many more. Unlike traditional record labels, DistroKid provides a straightforward and affordable way for independent musicians to reach a global audience without giving up their rights or royalties. This accessibility has made it a favorite among indie artists, bedroom producers, and established musicians alike. How do I upload music with DistroKid? is a common question for aspiring musicians looking to streamline their distribution process.
Benefits of Using DistroKid
- Unlimited Uploads: Unlike some competitors, DistroKid offers unlimited song and album uploads for a flat annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for prolific artists.
- Keep 100% of Royalties: You retain 100% of the royalties earned from your music sales and streams. DistroKid does not take a percentage.
- Fast Distribution: DistroKid is known for its relatively quick distribution times. Your music can often appear on streaming platforms within a few days.
- Split Payments: The platform offers convenient tools for splitting royalties with collaborators, making it easier to manage payments to band members, producers, or other stakeholders.
- YouTube Monetization: DistroKid can help you monetize your music on YouTube, ensuring you earn revenue from your content.
- Pre-Save Links: Generate pre-save links to help build anticipation for your releases and boost streams upon launch.
- Variety of Stores: DistroKid distributes to a wide range of digital music stores, including major players and niche platforms.
The Step-by-Step Process: Uploading Music With DistroKid
The process of uploading music with DistroKid is relatively simple and intuitive. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Create an Account: Visit the DistroKid website and sign up for an account. Choose a plan that suits your needs based on the number of artists you want to upload music for and the features you require.
- Access the Upload Section: Once logged in, navigate to the “Upload” section of the dashboard.
- Select Number of Songs: Indicate whether you are uploading a single or an album.
- Choose Your Release Date: Decide on a release date for your music. DistroKid recommends selecting a date at least a few weeks in advance to allow time for processing and distribution.
- Select Stores: Choose the digital music stores you want your music to be available on. You can select all stores or choose specific platforms.
- Enter Artist Name: Enter your artist name exactly as you want it to appear on streaming platforms.
- Release Title: Provide the title of your single or album.
- Record Label (Optional): If you have a record label, enter its name. Otherwise, you can leave this field blank.
- Is this a Pre-Release? Select whether this is a pre-release single from an album.
- Previously Released? Indicate if the song has been previously released and, if so, enter the original release date.
- Artwork: Upload your album or single artwork. Ensure it meets DistroKid’s specifications (e.g., square dimensions, high resolution).
- Audio File: Upload your audio file in WAV format. High-quality audio is crucial for optimal sound on streaming platforms.
- Song Title: Enter the song title accurately.
- Featuring Artist (Optional): If the song features another artist, enter their name.
- Version: Specify the version of the track (e.g., Radio Edit, Acoustic).
- Songwriters: Provide the names of the songwriters. This is important for royalty tracking.
- Primary Genre & Secondary Genre: Select the appropriate genres for your music.
- Lyrics (Optional): Upload your lyrics file if you want lyrics to be displayed on streaming platforms.
- Explicit Lyrics?: Indicate whether the song contains explicit lyrics.
- Instrumental?: Select if the song is instrumental.
- Language: Choose the language of the song.
- Price Tier (Optional): Set a price tier for your music on platforms that allow it.
- YouTube Content ID: Decide whether you want DistroKid to use YouTube Content ID to identify and monetize your music on YouTube. This is an optional service that can help you earn royalties from user-generated content that uses your music.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information you’ve entered before submitting your release.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the required distribution fee.
- Wait for Approval: DistroKid will review your submission, and if everything is in order, your music will be distributed to the selected platforms.
- Track Your Progress: You can monitor the status of your release in your DistroKid dashboard.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect Metadata: Inaccurate information about artist names, song titles, and songwriters can cause delays or royalty issues.
- Low-Quality Audio Files: Using low-quality audio files will result in poor sound quality on streaming platforms.
- Copyright Issues: Ensure you have the rights to all the music and samples used in your songs.
- Artwork Problems: Submitting artwork that doesn’t meet DistroKid’s specifications can lead to rejection.
- Rushing the Process: Take your time and carefully review all information before submitting your release.
Pricing Options
DistroKid offers several pricing plans, each with different features and limitations. It’s crucial to choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget. Here’s a brief overview:
| Plan | Price (Annual) | Artists | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musician | $22.99 | 1 | Unlimited songs, 1 artist |
| Musician Plus | $39.99 | 1 | Musician features + customized label name, daily stats, custom release dates |
| Ultimate | $89.99 | 5-100 | All previous features + Team Access, priority support |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for my music to appear on streaming services?
Typically, it takes 1-7 days for your music to appear on most streaming services after DistroKid approves it. However, some platforms may take longer. It is strongly recommended to upload your music weeks in advance of your desired release date.
Can I use DistroKid to distribute cover songs?
Yes, DistroKid offers a cover song licensing service that handles the legalities of distributing cover songs. You must purchase the license through DistroKid to legally distribute covers.
What file format should I use for my audio files?
DistroKid recommends uploading your audio files in WAV format. This ensures the highest possible audio quality on streaming platforms.
What are the artwork requirements for DistroKid?
Your artwork must be a square image with dimensions of at least 3000 x 3000 pixels. It should also be in JPG or PNG format. It must not be blurry, pixelated, or contain misleading information.
How do I split royalties with collaborators using DistroKid?
DistroKid’s Splits feature allows you to automatically split royalties with collaborators. You can specify the percentage each collaborator should receive. This helps ensure fair and transparent payment distribution.
What is YouTube Content ID, and should I use it?
YouTube Content ID is a system that identifies and monetizes your music on YouTube. If you enable Content ID through DistroKid, you’ll earn royalties from user-generated content that uses your music. It’s highly recommended for artists who want to protect their copyrights and earn revenue from YouTube.
Can I remove my music from streaming services using DistroKid?
Yes, you can remove your music from streaming services through your DistroKid account. There may be a small fee associated with this process.
What happens if I cancel my DistroKid subscription?
If you cancel your DistroKid subscription, your music will typically be removed from streaming services. To keep your music online, you need to maintain an active subscription.
How does DistroKid handle taxes?
DistroKid will ask you to complete a W-8 or W-9 form to comply with U.S. tax regulations. It’s important to provide accurate information to avoid any tax-related issues.
How often does DistroKid pay out royalties?
DistroKid pays out royalties as soon as they receive them from the streaming services. Payouts are typically monthly. You can withdraw your earnings via PayPal, direct deposit, or check.
What is the “Vault” on DistroKid?
The Vault is a feature that allows you to store backups of your music files. This can be useful for safekeeping and future releases.
Can I use DistroKid if I live outside the United States?
Yes, DistroKid is available to artists worldwide. You can sign up for an account and distribute your music regardless of your location.