What Is DistroKid and How Does It Work
Jan 08 2026
In the modern music industry, you no longer need a major record label to get your music heard by millions. In 2026, the power is entirely in the hands of the creator. But once you’ve finished recording your latest hit in your home studio, how do you actually get it onto Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok?
This is where DistroKid comes in. Since its launch, DistroKid has revolutionized the way independent artists distribute their music. It is fast, affordable, and incredibly easy to use.
Whether you are a bedroom producer or a touring band, this guide will explain exactly what DistroKid is, how it works, and why it might be the most important tool in your musical arsenal.
What is DistroKid?
DistroKid is a digital music distribution service. Think of it as a bridge between your computer and the world’s biggest streaming platforms.
Before services like DistroKid existed, independent artists had to pay high "per-album" fees or give up a large percentage of their royalties to get into stores. DistroKid changed the game by offering unlimited uploads for one flat annual fee.
The "100% Royalties" Promise
One of the biggest reasons DistroKid is so popular in 2026 is its payout model. Unlike many competitors who take a 10% to 15% cut of your earnings, DistroKid lets you keep 100% of your royalties (minus banking fees and taxes). When people stream your music, the money goes straight to you.
How Does DistroKid Work? (Step-by-Step)
DistroKid is designed to be "lightning-fast." Here is the simple process of getting your music from your hard drive to a global audience.
Step 1: Sign Up and Choose a Plan
You create an account and choose a subscription tier. Most solo artists start with the Musician plan, while those who want to schedule their release dates (crucial for marketing) choose the Musician Plus plan.
Step 2: Upload Your Music
You click the "Upload" button and fill out a simple form. You will need:
Your Audio File: High-quality WAV or FLAC files are best.
Album Artwork: A square image (usually 3000 x 3000 pixels).
Metadata: Your artist name, song title, and whether the song has explicit lyrics.
Step 3: DistroKid Processes and Delivers
Once you hit submit, DistroKid’s system checks your files. Within hours, they send your music to over 150 stores and streaming services, including:
Spotify
Apple Music & iTunes
Amazon Music
YouTube Music
TikTok & Instagram (for use in Reels/Stories)
Tidal, Deezer, and more.
Step 4: You Get Paid
As people stream or buy your music, the stores send the money to DistroKid. You can see your "Bank" inside the DistroKid dashboard and withdraw your earnings whenever you like via PayPal or direct deposit.
DistroKid Pricing and Plans (2026)
One of DistroKid's strongest selling points is its straightforward pricing. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay.
Plan | Price (Annual) | Best For... | Key Features |
Musician | ~$24.99 | Beginners / Hobbyists | Unlimited uploads for 1 artist. |
Musician Plus | ~$44.99 | Professional Indies | 2 artists; Custom release dates; Daily stats. |
Ultimate | ~$89.99+ | Small Labels | 5 to 100 artists; Advanced analytics. |
Note: DistroKid also offers "Album Extras" like YouTube Content ID (to get paid when others use your music in their videos) and "Leave a Legacy" (to keep your music in stores even if your subscription lapses).
Key Features That Make DistroKid Unique
Automatic Royalty Splits
If you collaborated with another artist or a producer, paying everyone manually is a nightmare. DistroKid has a feature called "Splits." You simply enter your collaborator's email and their percentage (e.g., 50/50), and DistroKid handles the payments automatically.
HyperFollow Pages
The moment you upload your music, DistroKid generates a HyperFollow page. This is a "pre-save" link you can share on social media. When fans click it, they are automatically notified the moment your song goes live, helping you boost your first-day stream counts.
Fastest Distribution in the West
DistroKid is widely considered the fastest distributor. While some services take weeks to process a song, DistroKid can often get your music onto Spotify within 24 to 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I stop paying my annual fee?
If you cancel your subscription and don't pay for the "Leave a Legacy" extra, your music will eventually be removed from streaming services. This is the "trade-off" for the low annual price.
Does DistroKid own my music?
No. You retain 100% ownership of your copyrights. DistroKid is simply a service provider that handles the technical side of distribution.
Can I upload cover songs?
Yes! DistroKid makes it easy to upload cover songs by handling the compulsory mechanical licenses for you for a small annual fee. They ensure the original songwriters get paid their share.
How often does DistroKid pay out?
Most stores report sales and streams on a two-to-three-month delay. Once the money hits your DistroKid "Bank," you can withdraw it at any time.
Final Thoughts: Is DistroKid Right for You?
DistroKid has earned its spot as the industry leader by being simple, fast, and affordable. It is perfect for the independent artist who wants to release a lot of music without worrying about per-song costs.
While their customer support is mostly automated and some features cost extra, the core value keeping 100% of your royalties and getting into stores instantly is hard to beat. If you are serious about your music career in 2026, DistroKid is likely the first account you should open.