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DistroKid

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DistroKid
The DistroKid logo
FormerlyFandalism
Type of site
Predecessor(s)Fandalism
OwnerSpotify,[1] Insight Partners,[2] Silversmith Capital Partners
Founder(s)Philip J. Kaplan
IndustryMusic
URLdistrokid.com
LaunchedJanuary 2012; 13 years ago (2012-01)
Current statusActive

DistroKid, formerly titled Fandalism,[3] is an American independent digital music distribution service, founded in 2012 by American entrepreneur Philip J. Kaplan. DistroKid principally offers musicians and other rights-holders the opportunity to distribute and sell or stream their music through online retailers such as Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube Music, among others. Originally known as Fandalism, it was originally a social media website for musicians before going into its current name while also becoming a music distributor over a year later in mid-2013.

History

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Originally a side-feature of Kaplan's social media music platform, Fandalism was first developed and launched in early 2012 and was later renamed to DistroKid a year later in mid-2013, while the original Fandalism service was split out into its own company in 2015.[3][4][5]

In July 2015, a DistroKid release by musical act Jack & Jack went to number one worldwide on the iTunes charts.[6][7] This was particularly notable because DistroKid does not take a commission or royalties, making this the first time a number-one charting artist was able to keep 100% of their earnings.[3]

In May 2016, DistroKid launched a feature called "Teams" that makes it possible for royalties to be automatically sent to collaborators and shareholders.[8][9] In 2018, DistroKid reached an agreement with Spotify to support cross-platform uploads for Spotify artists who upload directly or have direct licensing deals with the company.[10][11][12] In 2021, the company launched an initiative allowing record labels to mine its data in search of new artists. It receives a finder's fee from record labels each time a label signs a new artist by way of the platform. The first label to take part in the initiative was Republic Records.[13]

On July 1, 2020, Brazilian YouTuber and musician Dan Vasc called out DistroKid for allegedly stealing the 100% royalty he was promised by DistroKid, as he had only received a reduced percent of the royalty based on the US tax withholding (where DistroKid is based). Vasc uploaded two videos on YouTube highlighting the situation, along with an update.[14]

In the summer of 2022, DistroKid launched DistroVid to let both members and non-members upload music videos with a subscription.[15]

On June 7, 2023, DistroKid was sued by the indie label Doeman Music Group Media for allegedly mishandling a copyright takedown. In January 2021, DistroKid notified Damien Wilson that his 2020 EP was removed from all streaming platforms because of a takedown notice from Raquella George, who contributed to the song "Scary Movie". The lawsuit alleges that DistroKid did not allow Wilson to dispute the takedown.[16][17]

In September 2023, it was announced DistroKid has acquired the music distribution and website hosting platform, Bandzoogle.[18]

References

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  1. ^ Perez, Sarah (October 17, 2018). "Spotify takes a stake in DistroKid, will support cross-platform music uploads in Spotify for Artists". TechCrunch. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  2. ^ "DistroKid Receives Investment from Leading Software Investor Insight Partners Valuing the Company at $1.3 Billion". Insight Partners. August 16, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Herstand, Ari (July 24, 2015). "The Artist Who Has The #1 Album On iTunes Is Getting 100% Of The Royalties". Digital Music News.
  4. ^ "DistroKid Launches Much Cheaper TuneCore Alternative". Hypebot. Bandsintown. 29 May 2013.
  5. ^ Biggs, John (October 10, 2013). "Philip Kaplan Officially Launches DistroKid, A Cheap, Efficient Way To Distribute Lots Of Music". TechCrunch.
  6. ^ Robehmed, Natalie (July 24, 2015). "How These Independent Artists Reached No. 1 On The iTunes Chart". Forbes.
  7. ^ Biggs, John (August 6, 2015). "The DistroKid Music Distribution Service Has Launched An Indie Artist To The Top Of The Charts". TechCrunch.
  8. ^ Biggs, John (May 19, 2016). "DistroKid's music payment system now lets you send cash to everyone on a track". TechCrunch.
  9. ^ Herstand, Ari (May 19, 2016). "DistroKid Will Now Pay Everyone Who Worked On Your Song". Digital Music News.
  10. ^ Perez, Sarah (October 17, 2018). "Spotify takes a stake in DistroKid, will support cross-platform music uploads in Spotify for Artists". TechCrunch. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  11. ^ Sisario, Ben (September 6, 2018). "A New Spotify Initiative Makes the Big Record Labels Nervous". New York Times. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  12. ^ Deahl, Dani (September 20, 2018). "Spotify will now let artists directly upload their music to the platform". The Verge. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  13. ^ Stassen, Murray (January 28, 2021). "DistroKid launches 'matchmaking service' to help labels find unsigned artists; Republic Records named first partner". Music Business Worldwide. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  14. ^ "Updates on DistroKid's tax withholding controversy". Medium. July 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  15. ^ Stassen, Murray (June 28, 2022). "DistroKid Officially Rolls Out DistroVid Music Video Distribution Service". Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  16. ^ "DistroKid Faces Potential Class-Action Lawsuit Over How It Handles Takedown Request". MusicBusiness Worldwide. 8 June 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  17. ^ "DistroKid Faces Potential Class-Action Lawsuit Over Alleged DMCA Takedown Mishandling". Digital Music News. 9 June 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  18. ^ "DistroKid acquires website builder Bandzoogle in effort to "empower artists"". MusicTech. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
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