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DistroKid vs UnitedMasters
UnitedMasters' free tier keeps a cut; its paid tier matches DistroKid's 100%.
UnitedMasters is known for its free distribution tier and brand/sync deal opportunities. Here's how its pricing actually compares to DistroKid.
| DistroKid | UnitedMasters | |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | No (paid only) | Yes (DEBUT plan) |
| Royalty share kept by artist | 100% | 90% on the free DEBUT plan, 100% on the paid SELECT plan ($59.99/year) |
| Pricing model | $19.99/year flat, unlimited releases | Free (with 10% cut) or $59.99/year for 100% royalties |
| Extra opportunities | Distribution-focused | Known for brand partnership and sync licensing opportunities |
UnitedMasters' free tier is a real zero-cost option, but it costs you 10% of your royalties instead. Once you compare its paid SELECT tier ($59.99/year) to DistroKid ($19.99/year), DistroKid is the cheaper way to keep 100% of your royalties.
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DistroKid
$18.59 first year
Upload unlimited songs for one flat yearly fee and keep 100% of your royalties. Use our link for 7% off your first year.
Start with DistroKidRouteNote
$0 upfront
Don't want to pay anything upfront? RouteNote lets you distribute for free — they just keep a share of your royalties instead.
Try RouteNote freeFrequently asked questions
Is UnitedMasters' free tier worth it?
It's genuinely free with no upfront cost, but UnitedMasters keeps 10% of your royalties on that tier — worth it mainly if you release very little or want to try distribution risk-free first.
How do I keep 100% royalties on UnitedMasters?
You'd need their paid SELECT plan, which costs more per year than DistroKid's flat fee.
Is UnitedMasters good for brand deals?
Yes, it's particularly known for connecting artists with brand partnerships and sync licensing opportunities, beyond plain distribution.