DistroKid Costs Far More Than You Think.
DistroKid claims that for a fee of $20 per year, you can release an unlimited amount of music. However, it is important to read and understand the terms and conditions of their service to see the hidden fees and other limitations.
It is important to be aware that while DistroKid's $20 annual fee may initially seem like a good deal for unlimited music releases, there may be other costs or fees involved that could add up over time. Some musicians who release a large number of tracks may end up paying DistroKid thousands of dollars in fees, especially if they miss an annual payment and have to pay a higher fee to keep their music available. Additionally, DistroKid offers annual add-ons for an additional cost.
Meanwhile, Eclipse Distro offers UNLIMITED releases for up to 3 artists for $34.99 which includes ALL of the same features DistroKid and other distributors charge extra for.
Just $34.99 to distribute UNLIMITED albums OR singles.
Getting back to DistroKid.
DistroKid charges additional costs, such as annual add-ons and fees for missing an annual payment. This can result in musicians spending significantly more than they initially anticipated. Eclipse Distro, on the other hand, provides certain services automatically without the need for additional subscription fees or upsells.
How Much Does DistroKid Really Cost:
For a yearly fee of $20, DistroKid will distribute your music to various platforms such as Spotify and TikTok. However, it is important to consider that in today's market, there are many other ways to use, discover, and monetize your music beyond the basics of distribution. If you want to maximize the reach and potential of your music, you may want to consider Eclipse Distro who offers a wider range of services and features to help you promote and monetize your music.
DistroKid's Extra Costs:
Want to “leave a legacy,” so your music doesn’t get pulled down?
Want YouTube Content ID?
Want to choose your own release date and label name?
Want to do an iTunes pre-order?
Want automatic distribution to FUTURE platforms?
Want your songs to be discovered on Shazam?
You can't take advantage of any of these features with DistroKid's standard subscription plan of $20/yr. These are additional services and features offered as upsells at an additional cost.These upsells may be charged on a yearly basis or per-release, which means that the more music you release, the more you may end up paying in fees.
The ACTUAL first-year cost of DistroKid distribution is really closer to $78 for one single, $117 for one album, or $290 to release four singles and an album. And those are just THIS YEAR’s costs, because remember, many of their fees repeat PER RELEASE, PER YEAR. So as you build your catalog you could be paying THOUSANDS!
Here’s a breakdown of DistroKid’s true costs, assuming you want to release four singles and an album this year. And let’s begin with the fact that if you want to choose your own release date, enter your own record label name, or do an iTunes pre-order, your annual subscription fee isn’t even $20; you have to upgrade to $34.99/year.
Total 1st Year Costs (including subscription): $289.35
Releasing 20 singles & 5 albums over five years: $2330.35
That’s the most expensive $20 you’ve ever spent, huh?
The truth of the matter is that DistroKid does NOT cost $20 per year.
What Should You Really Pay For Releasing Music?
$34.99/yr or $19.99 for your first year with PROMO CODE: Eclipse19
For UNLIMITED releases with all the features you really want included. Thats how much it is to release music with Eclipse Distro
Eclipse Distro's annual subscription for music distribution includes:
Lifetime distribution
Future deliveries to new platforms
Customizable release dates and label names
YouTube Content ID and other social video monetization
Discovery on Shazam
Personalized inspection for every release
Free UPC barcode and free ISRCs
And much more
It is clear that Eclipse Distro offers distribution that includes most of the features and services that DistroKid charges EXTRA for.
Eclipse Distro's standard subscription gets you things DistroKid doesn't even offer.
This includes access to our Music Services Marketplace where you have access to top tier partnerships and services to protect, promote and market your music to an even higher level.
Beyond our annual subscription of $34.99, we only make money when you do (because we keep a 10% cut of your digital music revenue).
Our 10% cut allows us to provide a convenient and cost-effective way for you to distribute your music over the long term without incurring growing upsells and additional costs. Additionally, Eclipse Distro is incentivized to fight for the rights and revenue of your entire catalog, rather than just your newest releases, and always seek new opportunities to help you get paid and build an audience. This aligns our interests with yours and make our services a good choice for those looking for a partner to help you promote and monetize your music.
If you are using Eclipse Distro and you reach a point where you are earning a significant income from your music we encourage you to reach out to us to discuss upstreaming for major label consideration and or investing in your career to push further.
If you ever feel like you are outgrowing Eclipse Distro, that means it is time to work more closely with us or even graduate to our big sister company Eclipse Direct, where you can unlock advances, get hands-on marketing and much more.
I hope this shows all the value you’re getting at Eclipse Distro for that $34.99/yr. At DistroKid, they’re luring you in with a quick $20 promise, but it’s a trap.
You deserve a payment model that makes the most sense for the least stress.
Distribute your music today at Eclipse Distro.