UnitedMasters vs DistroKid: Which Music Distribution Service Reigns Supreme
As the music industry continues to shift towards digital distribution, more and more artists are turning to services like UnitedMasters and DistroKid to get their music out to the masses. Both services offer an easy-to-use platform for artists to distribute their music on all major streaming services, but which one is the best?
UnitedMasters has been gaining a lot of traction in recent years, with big name artists like NLE Choppa, Lil Tecca, and Lil Nas X all signing on to use the service. The platform boasts a number of unique features, such as its direct-to-fan marketing tools and its ability to provide artists with data on their listeners. Additionally, UnitedMasters takes a 10% cut of revenue generated from music sales, which is significantly less than the traditional industry standard of 15-20%.
On the other hand, DistroKid has been a popular choice for independent artists for several years now. The service has a simple pricing structure, with artists paying an annual fee of $19.99 to distribute as much music as they want. DistroKid also offers a number of useful features for artists, such as customizable pre-save campaigns and the ability to automatically split royalties with collaborators.
However, there are some key differences between the two services. For one, UnitedMasters is a more curated platform, meaning that they review and approve each artist before allowing them onto the platform. This can be seen as a benefit for artists, as it gives them access to resources and opportunities they may not have otherwise had. On the other hand, DistroKid is an open platform, meaning that anyone can use it to distribute their music.
It's also worth noting that both services have different partnerships and opportunities for artists. For example, UnitedMasters has partnerships with major brands like the NBA and ESPN, which can lead to placement opportunities for artists. DistroKid, on the other hand, has partnerships with services like YouTube Content ID, which can help artists monetize their music on YouTube.
In the end, the choice between UnitedMasters and DistroKid will depend on a number of factors, such as an artist's individual needs and goals. While UnitedMasters may be the more attractive option for artists looking for a more curated platform and access to unique resources, DistroKid's simplicity and affordability may be more appealing to others. Ultimately, both services have their pros and cons, and it's up to artists to decide which one is the best fit for them.
