We understand that this change may raise questions, so we’ve compiled this FAQ to address the most common ones. If your question isn’t answered here, feel free to reach out!
General Questions #
Why are we switching from DistroKid to Symphonic Distribution?
DistroKid comes with its advantages and flaws. Typically it is a very good self-distribution platform streamlined for single artists, but with no or little support available to us, as a label, with our current needs. We kind of grew out of their platform.
DistroKid charges a fee per artist, both to us, but also to every collaborator who needs to receive a royalty split. As our company becomes older, also a larger share of our catalog is getting older with a more stable royalty but lower streaming level, this cost is typically not justifiable anymore.
We’ve tested Symphonic for over a year now and found that it offers better support, wider store access, and additional services like sync licensing, editorial pitching to other services than Spotify, Spotify Discovery Mode for eligible releases, YouTube monetization, and more.
The move is designed to provide more opportunities for you while reducing costs in the long run.
Can you compare the current costs at DistroKid to the new costs on Symphonic?
Of course! Let’s state some general assumptions first to some scenarios.
Costs calculation DistroKid: $20 +$23x nbr of collaborators
Costs calculation Symphonic: Royalty income * 0,09
Let’s say there is only one collaborator on a release and the split is 50% / 50%.
Cost DistroKid = $43/year in total.
What do you need to stream on Symphonic in order to be more expensive than DistroKid?
Assuming a royalty rate of 0,0019 $/ per stream.
then your music needs to stream ~250,000+ in total per year or 20,000 streams per month.
(($43 / 0,0019)/0,09) for DistroKid to be cheaper than Symphonic.
If there are 2 collaborators involved, then this number goes up to 385,000 streams per year.
Consider also, that if one collaborator has let’s say a 10% share in a release, then for that share to reach break-even be DistroKid, the release needs to stream 1 345 500 streams per year before Symphonic starts becoming more expensive than DistroKid.
In other words, switching to Symphonic will benefit smaller artists and collaborators.
Will my music be removed from streaming platforms during the transition?
No. Your releases will be transferred seamlessly, meaning your streaming counts, playlist placements, and algorithmic performance will remain intact.
Do I need to do anything for the transition to take place?
No action is required. We are handling everything, and you will receive an invite from Symphonic to accept the new royalty-split agreement once your music is live in stores.
Can I transfer my entire catalog, even releases I uploaded independently on DistroKid?
Yes! If you have additional releases that were uploaded to DistroKid outside of your work with us, you have the opportunity to transfer them to Symphonic as well. If you’d like to move your full catalog, please reach out to us and we can facilitate the process.
What if I want to stay on DistroKid?
If it is absolutely necessary for you to stay on DistroKid, you must let us know immediately and latest by March 1st.
How does the new cost structure compare to DistroKid?
- DistroKid is charging a flat yearly fee per artist both for us and the artist in order
- With Symphonic, the pricing is based on royalties:
- 9% on releases distributed before January 1, 2024.
- 15% on new releases.
- This means no upfront costs, making it more accessible for all artists.
Will my collaborators still need to pay for their own distribution accounts?
No! Unlike DistroKid, which required each collaborator to have a $23/year account to receive royalties, Symphonic allows us to set up free collaborator accounts, so earnings can be split seamlessly.
Distribution & Features #
What additional features does Symphonic offer that DistroKid doesn’t?
Some of the key advantages include:
- Editorial Pitching Beyond Spotify to more Editorials.
- Access to Spotify’s Discovery Mode
- Better YouTube UGC Royalty Collection
- Sync Licensing (for 100% cleared tracks)
- Marketing Opportunities
Will my music still be available in all the same stores?
Yes! Symphonic distributes to all major platforms, plus some additional stores that weren’t available via DistroKid.
Will this change affect my playlist placements or algorithmic reach?
No. Since we are transferring releases properly, there will be no impact on your playlist placements, algorithmic playlists, or streaming performance.
Process & Next Steps #
When will I receive my invite to Symphonic?
Once your release is live on streaming platforms, you’ll receive an invite to Symphonic. Please accept it promptly to ensure smooth royalty distribution.
How will I receive my royalties with Symphonic?
Royalties will be distributed through Symphonic, and you’ll be able to manage them easily through their dashboard and will be paid out by Tipalti, the same payment provider as DistroKid.
What if I have concerns or need further assistance?
We’re happy to help! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to magnus@rexiusrecords.com, and we’ll guide you through the process.