DistroKid
| File:This is a logo for DistroKid.png | |
Type of site | Digital distribution |
|---|---|
| Owner | Philip J. Kaplan |
| Industry | Music |
| URL | distrokid.com |
| Launched | May 2013 |
| Current status | Active |
DistroKid is an independent digital music distribution service, founded in 2013[1] by American entrepreneur Philip J. "Pud" Kaplan. DistroKid principally offers musicians and other rights-holders the opportunity to distribute and sell or stream their music through online retailers such as iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Google Play Music, Tidal, Deezer, iHeartRadio and others.
In July 2015, a DistroKid release by musical act Jack & Jack went to #1 worldwide in the iTunes charts.[2][3] This was particularly notable because DistroKid does not take a commission of royalties, making this the first time a #1 charting artist was able to keep 100% of their earnings.[4]
In May 2016, DistroKid launched a feature called "Teams" that makes it possible for royalties to be automatically sent to collaborators and shareholders.[5][6] Since then Distrokid has made several other developments including partnering with Spotify to support cross-platform uploads for Spotify artists who upload directly or have direct licensing deals with the company[7][8][9] and an investment from Silversmith Capital Partners.[10]
History
DistroKid was developed in 2012 by Philip J. Kaplan and launched in mid 2013.[11] It began as a side-feature of Kaplan's music social network, Fandalism,[4] and was split out into its own company in 2015.[1]
Website technology
DistroKid uses many external APIs to reduce the development work load and automate most processes.[12]
References
- ^ a b "Philip Kaplan Officially Launches DistroKid, A Cheap, Efficient Way To Distribute Lots Of Music". TechCrunch.
- ^ "How These Independent Artists Reached No. 1 On The iTunes Chart". Forbes.
- ^ "The DistroKid Music Distribution Service Has Launched An Indie Artist To The Top Of The Charts". TechCrunch.
- ^ a b "The Artist Who Has The #1 Album On iTunes Is Getting 100% Of The Royalties". Digital Music News.
- ^ "DistroKid's music payment system now lets you send cash to everyone on a track". TechCrunch.
- ^ "DistroKid Will Now Pay Everyone Who Worked On Your Song". TechCrunch.
- ^ "Spotify takes a stake in DistroKid, will support cross-platform music uploads in Spotify for Artists". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2018-11-13.
- ^ "A New Spotify Initiative Makes the Big Record Labels Nervous". Retrieved 2018-11-13.
- ^ "Spotify will now let artists directly upload their music to the platform". The Verge. Retrieved 2018-11-13.
- ^ "Silversmith Capital Partners' investment in DistroKid – Global Legal Chronicle". www.globallegalchronicle.com. Retrieved 2018-11-13.
- ^ "DistroKid Launches Much Cheaper TuneCore Alternative". HypeBot.
- ^ "CEO War: INgrooves Blasts DistroKid. DistroKid Fires Back". Digital Music News.