As an independent musician, it’s important to have access to music distribution services that can get your music to a wider audience. DistroKid and CD Baby are two popular options that offer similar services, but with some differences that may make one more suitable for your needs. In this article, we’ll compare the music distribution services of DistroKid and CD Baby.
- Pricing
DistroKid offers a simple pricing structure that charges a yearly fee for unlimited uploads. The basic plan costs $19.99 per year and includes all the essential distribution features, such as access to all major streaming platforms, customizable release dates, and automatic royalty splits. However, if you want additional features such as Shazam and TikTok monetization, YouTube content ID, or cover song licensing, you’ll need to upgrade to the Musician or Label plans, which cost $35 and $79 per year, respectively.
CD Baby offers more flexible pricing options, including both one-time fees and yearly subscription plans. The standard pricing option is a one-time fee of $9.95 per single or $29 per album, which includes distribution to all major streaming platforms and online music stores, as well as physical distribution for an additional cost. Alternatively, CD Baby also offers a yearly subscription plan that costs $89 per year and includes unlimited album and single distribution, as well as other features such as YouTube monetization and sync licensing.
- Royalties
Both DistroKid and CD Baby offer transparent and fair royalty payouts, with no hidden fees or additional charges. DistroKid pays out 100% of royalties earned from streaming services directly to the artist, with no commission taken. CD Baby takes a 9% commission on digital sales and a 15% commission on physical sales.
- Customer Support
Both DistroKid and CD Baby offer customer support through email and online chat, but CD Baby also offers phone support. CD Baby is known for its excellent customer service and personal touch, with a team of experienced music industry professionals available to help with any questions or concerns.
- Extras
DistroKid offers some additional features that CD Baby does not, including the ability to add collaborators to your releases, customizable pre-release pages, and a feature called “Leave a Legacy” that allows you to keep your music on streaming platforms after you pass away. CD Baby, on the other hand, offers physical distribution options, including CD and vinyl manufacturing, as well as sync licensing opportunities through their Sync Licensing program.
In conclusion, both DistroKid and CD Baby offer solid music distribution services for independent artists, with similar pricing and royalty structures. However, CD Baby may be a better option if you’re looking for more personalized customer support or physical distribution options, while DistroKid may be a better option if you want more advanced features such as collaborator management or customizable pre-release pages. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities as an independent musician.
