Are you a musician trying to choose between united masters vs distrokid for distributing your music? If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Picking the right music distribution platform can feel like a big decision, especially when you want to make sure your music gets the attention it deserves.
Both UnitedMasters and DistroKid are popular platforms, but they cater to slightly different needs. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about both platforms, so you can make the best choice for your music career. Let’s dive in!
What Are UnitedMasters and DistroKid?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a quick look at what these platforms do. Both UnitedMasters and DistroKid are music distribution platforms that help independent artists get their songs onto streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and more. But beyond that, they offer additional tools to help you grow your music career.
UnitedMasters is known for its artist-first approach, focusing on branding, partnerships, and connecting artists with major brands. On the other hand, DistroKid is all about speed and simplicity, making it incredibly easy to upload and distribute your music.
How Do the Costs Compare?
Let’s be real: cost is a huge factor for most independent artists. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- UnitedMasters: UnitedMasters offers two main plans: a free version and a paid one called UnitedMasters Select, which costs $59.99 per year. The free version takes a 10% cut of your royalties, while the paid version lets you keep 100% of your earnings. However, both plans give you access to their branding tools and partnerships.
- DistroKid: DistroKid charges a flat annual fee starting at $22.99 per year for unlimited uploads. The best part? You keep 100% of your royalties, no matter how much you earn. They also offer higher-tier plans with extra features like customizable labels.
Ease of Use: UnitedMasters vs. DistroKid
If you’re just getting started with music distribution, ease of use can make a big difference. DistroKid is widely praised for its super simple interface. You can upload your track in minutes, and it gets distributed to all major streaming platforms quickly. It’s perfect if you’re all about efficiency.
UnitedMasters, while also user-friendly, offers a bit more depth. It has features like analytics and branding tools that may take a little longer to navigate. But if you’re focused on growing your brand as an artist, those extra features can be worth the effort.
Royalties: Who Keeps What?
When it comes to royalties, DistroKid has a clear edge. With their flat-rate pricing, you get to keep 100% of your earnings. This is a big deal if you’re already making significant revenue from your music.
UnitedMasters, on the other hand, takes a 10% cut if you’re on their free plan. If you upgrade to UnitedMasters Select, you get to keep all your royalties, but you’ll need to weigh the $59.99 annual fee against what you’re earning.
Branding and Marketing Support
One of the standout features of UnitedMasters is its emphasis on branding and marketing. The platform partners with big brands like the NBA and ESPN, giving artists unique opportunities to get their music featured in high-profile spaces. They also offer tools to help you build your brand, like logo design and custom visuals.
DistroKid, in contrast, focuses more on getting your music out there quickly. While they do offer some promotional tools, like HyperFollow (a smart link to promote your music), they don’t have the same level of branding opportunities as UnitedMasters.
Speed of Distribution
If speed is your top priority, DistroKid wins hands down. Many artists love how quickly DistroKid gets their music onto streaming platforms. In some cases, your track could go live in as little as 24 hours.
UnitedMasters also distributes quickly, but it’s not as fast as DistroKid. If you’re planning a release with a specific timeline in mind, DistroKid might be the better choice.
Analytics and Insights
Both platforms offer analytics, but they present them differently. DistroKid keeps it straightforward, showing you how your music is performing on various platforms.
UnitedMasters takes a deeper dive into the numbers. Their analytics are designed to help you understand your audience better, which can be a big help if you’re trying to grow your fanbase strategically.
Customer Support
Good customer support can make a huge difference when you’re dealing with technical issues or have questions about your account. DistroKid is known for its fast and responsive customer support. They have a comprehensive FAQ section and a support team that usually replies within 24 hours.
UnitedMasters, while also offering support, doesn’t have the same reputation for speed. If quick responses are important to you, keep this in mind.
The Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose united masters vs distrokid?
If you’re still on the fence, here’s a quick way to decide:
- Choose UnitedMasters if you’re focused on branding, want access to partnerships, or are looking for more in-depth analytics to grow your fanbase. It’s also a great choice if you’re okay with a smaller cut of your royalties (on the free plan) in exchange for the extra tools and opportunities.
- Choose DistroKid if you want a fast, affordable, and hassle-free way to distribute your music. It’s ideal for artists who are more focused on volume and simplicity, especially if you’re planning to release a lot of music.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use both UnitedMasters and DistroKid?
Yes! Some artists choose to use both platforms to take advantage of their unique features. For example, you could use DistroKid for fast releases and UnitedMasters for branding opportunities.
2. Does DistroKid really pay 100% of royalties?
Yes, DistroKid doesn’t take a cut of your royalties. You just pay the annual subscription fee.
3. Is UnitedMasters free plan worth it?
The free plan is great for new artists who want to explore the platform without committing to a paid plan. However, the 10% royalty cut might be a drawback for some.
Wrapping It All Up
Choosing between united masters vs distrokid depends on your priorities as an artist. Both platforms have a lot to offer, but they’re designed for slightly different needs. Hopefully, this guide has made it a little easier to decide which one is right for you. Remember, the most important thing is to pick the platform that helps you reach your goals and share your music with the world. Happy distributing!
For further reading, explore these related articles:
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- The Best Rappers of All Time: Celebrating Legends Who Changed Hip-Hop Forever
For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit DMT Records Pvt. Ltd..
