Horrible customer service. Questions are handled by interns who know NOTHING about the business. They merely copy and paste "answers" already found on their website. My needs and questions weren't given a single thought - more than once. I'm switching to the "older" CD Baby who knows what they are doing.
if you chose distro kid, and now you want tune-core as well, will having both mess anything up? since they are both going to try to publish to spotify, pandora, and apple music???
I have a question, I have a double album that features 1 cover song. I spoke to their label and they said it’s fine for me to include but if I register for royalties, I must put their band name as songwriter (to be expected) will I be able to do this with Distrokid? It’s a big decision and I want to get it right the first time around.
Great video !. However people still need to work on their marketing allthough they can upload endlessly music onto plattforms. This in order to get known by a particular audience or audience in general. Ohterwise they never gonna be heard. The pros of a real record company is that a record company has the big money to invest in for example marketing and merchandise. Nowadays its easy to distribute music, but other topics are left.
Initially I was very happy with DistroKid. That changed in May of this year (2023). Their CUSTOMER SUPPORT IS NONEXISTENT. When I attempt to add plain lyrics to the song I had uploaded the interface seems to be stuck in a loop that just reloads the current page. With older songs I can still access the lyrics editor page. Their "support" chat bot is useless. Eventually it tells me that my ticket has been referred to the "Support Team" and that I will be contacted shortly - nothing after repeated attempts over the weeks since my initial effort to reach out to DK. Zero. Zip. Nada. And there seems to be no other way to contact them. It seems DK is just a robot and is useless when a glich occurs.
I agree with you 100%, I am almost frustrated using a distributor that I can’t access their customers line service. Facebook/ instagram options was removed from my options of stores to release and I have been trying to reach out to them since no response always a robot reply. I am actually disappointed at this
They didn't pay me the full amount they had to pay me and their support guy refused to help me. Also when submitting a support request usually it takes them a week to get back to me. moving to tunecure ASAP
if you chose distro kid, and now you want tune-core as well, will having both mess anything up? since they are both going to try to publish to spotify, pandora, and apple music???
I know that Tunecore's Publishing is a separate price but can it be purchased as a stand alone to compliment DistroKid? Or do you have to also buy their distribution plan as well? Same question with their artist services like Radio Airplay because it's not clear.
Can I change my name to SAÚL S. without any problems of it going lowercase after ? Because a lot of people have my name but I searched and I haven’t seen anyone with that specific name
There is a time delay from the moment a stream happens to when the distributors can pay you out. This is about 70-90 days. Unfortunately, right now, there is no quicker way if you're an independent artists
Charles tell me one thing ,if I am uploading song with distro , then will there be restriction for me to upload music video on my UA-cam channel of that song? Or i can upload it on my UA-cam? Coz I do music video too .
yes i believe they will take a 30% US income tax if you're not located in the US, it's unfortunate for a lot of people but if your country has tax treaty with the US then you won't have to pay for it
Have been a musician since i was 15. I am 47 now. The past 3.5 years I paid a year subcription to Distrokid, then tried CDbaby, then still nothing and signed up with Distrokid again 4 months ago. Released 18 Songs on my account. Now still waiting on any response and still have not received a dime from any of them. I believe they are all scams. Just speaking from my experience my overall experience.
@@ChekuL8er $4 better than nothing, definitely. Sounds like a similar experience. You may relate to this, as it seems the world has always had complete opposite taste in just about everything we create and do in life. Don't get me wrong; happy to still survive each day and be alive, but for the most part i believe things do or do not happen for a reason. I believe 100% it is lication and environment. Always has been. My fault wad I always took family advice, set aside any opportunities and goals most my life to stay and do what any normal person would do, just live. Many years created so much and nobody knows cares or anything has ever changed or made a difference. It's time for a new big change my friend. I cannot say, hey, do as I do, but can share a new change and goal I am working towards. Look online, read reviews, look for places, even outside America that would fit your lifestyle you need for Music, Art, anything that makes you happy. A new life,new change with a happier environment will easily create a domino effect of the life you never realized you needed or wanted. I did it before years ago, my mistake was coming back, I became more physically disabled, and fell back into being miserable again. But you know, I say a dream in your heart us unstoppable. No matter the barriers against you. Believe from your in what you do, those talents will guide you better than most people could. Follow your gut, man. Look for others with that same dream, and others who have done it. Follow their steps how they made it. Use that theory in pretty much anything. We choose our ending too early, and our environment changes us; some good, some bad. Believe me,even after so much tragedy in life, its just been me and my dog about everyday. That is a reason. Friends and family are not always as they seem. But I promise, those that continue coming back or stick around, you will notice many good changes. Life, creativity, experience meeting others and on the road is the feeling I always missed, still do. Life feels meaningless and repetitive most days till we all find our inner happiness. Hope this helps, and best wishes aling the way. Get bored, keep in touch my friend.
@@ChekuL8er" Words to Live By"-Dream big. Plan ahead. Get up early. Stay focused. Watch less TV. Invest in yourself. Read more books. Avoid time wasters. Take calculated risks. Write down your goals. Live on less than you make. Make your health a priority. Do work that matters to you. Learn from people you admire. Foster meaningful relationships. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Take action, even when it's scary. Have a powerful and inspiring "Why."
Do you need to fill out a tax form on their website in order to receive royalties? Or is it just straightforward with your payments? Need to know I'd appreciate it if anyone knows. And do you need to copyright your songs or does it do it automatically? 👏 stay blessed
You will need to fill out a tax form yes. After doing that once, it's very straightforward. There is no automatic copyright of the songs so you'll need to decide if you'd like to do that, I have a video on that here if you need answers: ua-cam.com/video/5vsAXsPdhXs/v-deo.html
But what about the “taxes & all that?” They write now? People are saying they take 30% if you start doing well 😂🙈 & your not in the USA ? What’s that about ?
It's true, if you aren't in the US then you will be subject to paying UX taxes. However, if your country has a tax treaty with the US then you'll be fine. For example, Canada does.
The only complaint that I have as a musician is that I'm an animator too and I really like to add artistic flair to any videos and part of distro kids contract is you cannot upload music videos on your own channel you would have to submit them through distro kid and they would approve them and then upload them on their distribution platform. This might be a problem if you have other professions if you're just a musician it's really good for you and it has been for me I've gotten more exposure for my music than ever before as somebody who just releases between 15 and 30 tracks every year doing this is a side hustle and because I love it I have a really really good review of distro kid because it's got me recognized and my platforms are drawing a little more traffic thanks to it. It's a legitimate means as just a little label or somebody trying to get by doing it as a hobby to really get your foot in the door on publishing and they do deliver every year that check and it's nice. I noticed a spike in my UA-cam and on my Twitch when I started using distro kid
This is very helpful! Thank you for the information. I just have a question and I hope someone can answer. This is about upgrading your plan. I am currently using the basic plan and I think it is about to expire in April or late March. Now, I am planning to upgrade to Musician Plus. My main question is if I upgrade NOW and I get the prorated refund of like $2 (since its already bout to expire), will I still be charged another $35.99 after the current plan expires on April or will the upgrade payment be good for a year as well?
We released a single a few weeks ago using Distro. Song mix sounded pretty good, not perfect. But had the option of paying, as far as I remember, 12 euro for this auto mastering, which we did. This mastering process totally destroyed the mix. The top end is like glass. The lower mids are just a boom. So advise you to keep away from this mastering process. Despite several e mails etc, to Distro to remove this processing, nothing..... Still up on Spotify and now it's just embarrassing. Can't promote on streaming services. Distro customer service is just non existent.
Distrokid is dangerous someone change my email to a different email started deleting my music I emailed Distrokid and got nothing but bots with the wrong answer it’s really cool but dangerous when you need customer service good luck I lost that account with my bank info so tunecore would probably be the safest investment
Have you tried DistroKid? What do you think about it? Let us know in a comment 🎵
I WANT TO..but i hear good and bad things about them.. Jared Dines and Stevie T for example used it or are using it..i am curious!
Horrible customer service. Questions are handled by interns who know NOTHING about the business. They merely copy and paste "answers" already found on their website. My needs and questions weren't given a single thought - more than once. I'm switching to the "older" CD Baby who knows what they are doing.
if you chose distro kid, and now you want tune-core as well, will having both mess anything up? since they are both going to try to publish to spotify, pandora, and apple music???
Great video! Thanks for the great information!
I had to subscribe to you Charles! You have a lot of great content.
Great voice
/song man....just listened to Skeletons inyour Closet...
Thanks for this video
I have a question, I have a double album that features 1 cover song. I spoke to their label and they said it’s fine for me to include but if I register for royalties, I must put their band name as songwriter (to be expected) will I be able to do this with Distrokid? It’s a big decision and I want to get it right the first time around.
Great video !. However people still need to work on their marketing allthough they can upload endlessly music onto plattforms. This in order to get known by a particular audience or audience in general. Ohterwise they never gonna be heard. The pros of a real record company is that a record company has the big money to invest in for example marketing and merchandise. Nowadays its easy to distribute music, but other topics are left.
Thanks, the information you provided is very helpful.
My pleasure!
your voice is so relaxing
Well, thanks! Such a nice compliment!
@@CharlesCleyn ☺️ also very informative video! you got a new sub from me!
Great to have you join the community!
Initially I was very happy with DistroKid. That changed in May of this year (2023). Their CUSTOMER SUPPORT IS NONEXISTENT. When I attempt to add plain lyrics to the song I had uploaded the interface seems to be stuck in a loop that just reloads the current page. With older songs I can still access the lyrics editor page. Their "support" chat bot is useless. Eventually it tells me that my ticket has been referred to the "Support Team" and that I will be contacted shortly - nothing after repeated attempts over the weeks since my initial effort to reach out to DK. Zero. Zip. Nada. And there seems to be no other way to contact them. It seems DK is just a robot and is useless when a glich occurs.
I agree with you 100%, I am almost frustrated using a distributor that I can’t access their customers line service. Facebook/ instagram options was removed from my options of stores to release and I have been trying to reach out to them since no response always a robot reply. I am actually disappointed at this
How about the look of the Spotify account? Can I control what kind of cover art I want with DistroKid?
They didn't pay me the full amount they had to pay me and their support guy refused to help me. Also when submitting a support request usually it takes them a week to get back to me. moving to tunecure ASAP
if you chose distro kid, and now you want tune-core as well, will having both mess anything up? since they are both going to try to publish to spotify, pandora, and apple music???
Yes they are really good 😭 but I'd rather post more music a year
I am confused some say it's goood and some people say it's a bad
there's always pros and cons to things but you have to see what's right for you
I know that Tunecore's Publishing is a separate price but can it be purchased as a stand alone to compliment DistroKid? Or do you have to also buy their distribution plan as well? Same question with their artist services like Radio Airplay because it's not clear.
Oh gosh distro kid is incredible. That 20 dollars is my personal problem. It's fair but I but can't pay them
maybe some day, get your music out there!
If you have any questions you can always contact me. We have demo accounts so you can have a better look.
Can I change my name to SAÚL S. without any problems of it going lowercase after ? Because a lot of people have my name but I searched and I haven’t seen anyone with that specific name
What do it mean that stores are on a 2 to 3 month and it been passed and I still didn't get my money can somebody answer this please and thank you.
There is a time delay from the moment a stream happens to when the distributors can pay you out. This is about 70-90 days. Unfortunately, right now, there is no quicker way if you're an independent artists
Do you have to pay to release songs and albums on top of the yearly plan?
No you don't but there are some extra options you cam pay for if you like but you don't have to.
Do you get to keep your copyright?
Charles tell me one thing ,if I am uploading song with distro , then will there be restriction for me to upload music video on my UA-cam channel of that song? Or i can upload it on my UA-cam? Coz I do music video too .
Do they take the money out of your account instantly or can choose to pay it? Probably a dumb question
Thank you so so much this helped
Hii. I just wanted to ask, many people are saying distrokid takes 30% if you're from another country. Is that true?
yes i believe they will take a 30% US income tax if you're not located in the US, it's unfortunate for a lot of people but if your country has tax treaty with the US then you won't have to pay for it
@@CharlesCleyn ok thanks for the information...
@@CharlesCleyn What about the UK?
Can you use both
Have been a musician since i was 15. I am 47 now. The past 3.5 years I paid a year subcription to Distrokid, then tried CDbaby, then still nothing and signed up with Distrokid again 4 months ago. Released 18 Songs on my account. Now still waiting on any response and still have not received a dime from any of them. I believe they are all scams. Just speaking from my experience my overall experience.
Thats not how it works. On average depending on the streaming service, each stream pays out $0.005. Thats my experience
Not everyone has the same experience. Was just sharing my experience over the past 3.5 years. Thanks for sharing.
@@EdgewolfArt my experience is just over the same amount of time and to date ive earned just under $4
@@ChekuL8er $4 better than nothing, definitely. Sounds like a similar experience. You may relate to this, as it seems the world has always had complete opposite taste in just about everything we create and do in life. Don't get me wrong; happy to still survive each day and be alive, but for the most part i believe things do or do not happen for a reason. I believe 100% it is lication and environment. Always has been. My fault wad I always took family advice, set aside any opportunities and goals most my life to stay and do what any normal person would do, just live. Many years created so much and nobody knows cares or anything has ever changed or made a difference. It's time for a new big change my friend. I cannot say, hey, do as I do, but can share a new change and goal I am working towards. Look online, read reviews, look for places, even outside America that would fit your lifestyle you need for Music, Art, anything that makes you happy. A new life,new change with a happier environment will easily create a domino effect of the life you never realized you needed or wanted. I did it before years ago, my mistake was coming back, I became more physically disabled, and fell back into being miserable again. But you know, I say a dream in your heart us unstoppable. No matter the barriers against you. Believe from your in what you do, those talents will guide you better than most people could. Follow your gut, man. Look for others with that same dream, and others who have done it. Follow their steps how they made it. Use that theory in pretty much anything. We choose our ending too early, and our environment changes us; some good, some bad. Believe me,even after so much tragedy in life, its just been me and my dog about everyday. That is a reason. Friends and family are not always as they seem. But I promise, those that continue coming back or stick around, you will notice many good changes. Life, creativity, experience meeting others and on the road is the feeling I always missed, still do. Life feels meaningless and repetitive most days till we all find our inner happiness. Hope this helps, and best wishes aling the way. Get bored, keep in touch my friend.
@@ChekuL8er" Words to Live By"-Dream big. Plan ahead. Get up early. Stay focused. Watch less TV. Invest in yourself. Read more books. Avoid time wasters. Take calculated risks. Write down your goals. Live on less than you make. Make your health a priority. Do work that matters to you. Learn from people you admire. Foster meaningful relationships. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Take action, even when it's scary. Have a powerful and inspiring "Why."
Does distrokid keep the music up or do you have to pay to keep it up the following year for the previous years
You have to pay every year. Once you stop paying then the music will be taken down
@@CharlesCleyn pretty much yeah
@@CharlesCleyn yes very good comment i must say, so true my brother, keep it up
Do you need to fill out a tax form on their website in order to receive royalties? Or is it just straightforward with your payments? Need to know I'd appreciate it if anyone knows. And do you need to copyright your songs or does it do it automatically? 👏 stay blessed
You will need to fill out a tax form yes. After doing that once, it's very straightforward. There is no automatic copyright of the songs so you'll need to decide if you'd like to do that, I have a video on that here if you need answers: ua-cam.com/video/5vsAXsPdhXs/v-deo.html
@@CharlesCleyn thanks brother I appreciate it a lot💪Stay Blessed 👏
Also distro is pretty sus like same-day release is 7 dollars a month rather than just paying it for a one time off
But what about the “taxes & all that?” They write now? People are saying they take 30% if you start doing well 😂🙈 & your not in the USA ? What’s that about ?
It's true, if you aren't in the US then you will be subject to paying UX taxes. However, if your country has a tax treaty with the US then you'll be fine. For example, Canada does.
Charles Cleyn I wonder if the U.K. does as my friend uses it & did not have to fill out a tax form 🧐 thank you by the way
The only complaint that I have as a musician is that I'm an animator too and I really like to add artistic flair to any videos and part of distro kids contract is you cannot upload music videos on your own channel you would have to submit them through distro kid and they would approve them and then upload them on their distribution platform. This might be a problem if you have other professions if you're just a musician it's really good for you and it has been for me I've gotten more exposure for my music than ever before as somebody who just releases between 15 and 30 tracks every year doing this is a side hustle and because I love it
I have a really really good review of distro kid because it's got me recognized and my platforms are drawing a little more traffic thanks to it. It's a legitimate means as just a little label or somebody trying to get by doing it as a hobby to really get your foot in the door on publishing and they do deliver every year that check and it's nice. I noticed a spike in my UA-cam and on my Twitch when I started using distro kid
Could you give more information on the music video submission process?
This is very helpful! Thank you for the information. I just have a question and I hope someone can answer. This is about upgrading your plan.
I am currently using the basic plan and I think it is about to expire in April or late March. Now, I am planning to upgrade to Musician Plus.
My main question is if I upgrade NOW and I get the prorated refund of like $2 (since its already bout to expire), will I still be charged another $35.99 after the current plan expires on April or will the upgrade payment be good for a year as well?
We released a single a few weeks ago using Distro. Song mix sounded pretty good, not perfect. But had the option of paying, as far as I remember, 12 euro for this auto mastering, which we did.
This mastering process totally destroyed the mix. The top end is like glass. The lower mids are just a boom. So advise you to keep away from this mastering process.
Despite several e mails etc, to Distro to remove this processing, nothing.....
Still up on Spotify and now it's just embarrassing. Can't promote on streaming services. Distro customer service is just non existent.
20 dollars one you can't out a date to your release
Ya, that's the unfortunate part
It takes 3 years to get earnings earned 3 years ago. Wack
P P P PLEEEASE use a POP FILTER! Geeeee
haha its not that bad come on
It is sponsored I think, he has an affiliate link.
it's a non-sponsored video. As I mentioned, anyone who signs up for distrokid gets their own affiliate link.
Distrokid is dangerous someone change my email to a different email started deleting my music I emailed Distrokid and got nothing but bots with the wrong answer it’s really cool but dangerous when you need customer service good luck I lost that account with my bank info so tunecore would probably be the safest investment
Tunecore = SCAM/Looters . just had a very bad experience, Stay away from them