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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesNeither RouteNote nor DistroKid is automatically the better deal. RouteNote Free has no upfront fee but pays the artist 85% of net revenue; RouteNote Premium charges per release and renews annually in exchange for 100% of streaming and download revenue. DistroKid uses annual subscription plans and says it does not take a percentage of store-reported earnings, but optional extras can add costs and releases may be removed if the subscription lapses. The right choice depends on your release schedule, expected income, required tools, and how long you want your catalog to stay online.
How the two services charge
RouteNote charges either through a share of revenue or through release-level fees. DistroKid charges an annual subscription, with some features and release services priced separately. To compare them fairly, estimate costs across the releases’ full time online—not just the first upload.
| Option | Published charge or revenue share | What to account for |
|---|---|---|
| RouteNote Free | $0 upfront; artist receives 85% of net revenue, according to RouteNote’s support article dated March 6, 2026. | The 15% share continues to affect revenue while using the Free model. RouteNote’s cost information |
| RouteNote Premium | $10 per single, $20 per EP of 2–6 tracks, $30 per album of 7–18 tracks, or $45 per extended album of 19+ tracks; $9.99 annual renewal per release. Figures are from RouteNote’s March 6, 2026 support article. | RouteNote says Premium pays 100% of streaming and download revenue. The listed renewal means release costs continue annually. Confirm current prices before choosing. RouteNote’s cost information and Free vs. Premium details |
| DistroKid subscription | Annual subscription; the retrieved DistroKid cost article does not state exact subscription prices and directs readers to its live pricing page. | Compare the current plan price and included features with any extras you need. DistroKid cost information |
| DistroKid album extras | Store Maximizer: $7.95 per album per year; cover song licensing: $12 per cover song per year; Leave a Legacy: $29 per single or $49 per album of two or more tracks as a nonrecurring charge. Prices are listed in DistroKid Help Center materials; verify current terms. | These charges are separate from the subscription. Leave a Legacy applies per release and does not replace an active subscription. DistroKid Album Extras |
DistroKid says it does not keep a percentage of store-reported earnings; banking fees and taxes may still apply. That is not the same pricing structure as RouteNote Free’s 15% share. DistroKid’s earnings explanation
Which model can cost less over time?
There is no universal break-even point: it changes with the number of releases, their income, and how many years they remain distributed. RouteNote Free avoids an upfront charge but gives up 15% of net revenue. Premium substitutes release fees and annual renewals for that revenue share on streaming and downloads. DistroKid’s annual subscription can suit frequent release schedules, but the total also depends on the selected tier and extras.
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Estimate your RouteNote Free cost
For a rough comparison, estimate the net revenue subject to RouteNote’s share over the period you expect to use Free, then calculate 15% of that amount. This is an estimate, not a guarantee of earnings or a statement about every revenue stream.
Estimate RouteNote Premium cost
Add the initial fee for each release to its annual renewal charges for the years you expect to keep it on Premium. Compare that total with the revenue share you would otherwise give up on Free. RouteNote states that Premium’s 100% share applies to streaming and download revenue, not necessarily every ancillary source.
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Estimate DistroKid cost
Check the live subscription price and plan features, then add any recurring or one-time extras relevant to your releases. Because DistroKid’s cost article does not provide exact subscription prices, use its current pricing information rather than relying on an old figure or an outside estimate.
Plan features and catalog size
RouteNote says Free and Premium have the same store selection and core feature access, while Premium includes fuller analytics. DistroKid’s features vary by plan, so check its current plan table for the tools and artist capacity you need. RouteNote plan comparison · DistroKid plan features
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- If you release occasionally, compare RouteNote’s per-release charges with the annual cost of the DistroKid tier that fits your needs.
- If you release often or manage multiple artists, confirm the current DistroKid tier’s artist limits and included tools; compare them with RouteNote’s release-level options.
- If custom release dates or daily analytics matter, verify that the exact plan includes them rather than assuming they are standard.
- Check whether the specific stores you need are supported. Store coverage and plan details can change.
YouTube and other user-generated-content monetization
RouteNote says selecting YouTube as a store submits eligible music to Content ID. Its Content ID submission is available without a separate charge, but eligibility and moderation rules apply; that does not guarantee every track or video will be claimed or monetized. Review the requirements and intended use before opting in. RouteNote’s YouTube monetization information
For either distributor, compare the exact product and terms you intend to use: eligibility, channel handling, platform coverage, fees, and any revenue share. Do not treat ordinary streaming distribution and Content ID as interchangeable services.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happens if you stop paying?
DistroKid says releases may be removed from streaming services after a subscription lapses. Its Leave a Legacy extra can keep a covered release available after cancellation, but it is charged per release and does not replace an active subscription. Check the current terms for the releases you want covered. DistroKid subscription and catalog policy
RouteNote advertises that it does not charge to keep music online. Before relying on that for a long-term catalog plan, confirm the applicable account and release terms. Do not assume that any distributor guarantees perpetual availability under every circumstance.
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How to choose
- Consider RouteNote Free if avoiding an upfront release fee matters most and you are comfortable sharing 15% of net revenue.
- Consider RouteNote Premium if the release-level fees and renewals make sense against your expected streaming and download revenue, and retaining 100% of those revenues is a priority.
- Consider DistroKid if its current annual plan, included tools, and release workflow fit your output—and you have included optional extras and catalog-retention costs in the total.
- Before committing, verify current prices, plan limits, store coverage, YouTube eligibility, and cancellation terms on the relevant service pages. RouteNote’s cited prices are from March 6, 2026; DistroKid’s subscription cost article points to live pricing rather than stating a figure.
Can you set your own music prices in stores?
Distribution does not necessarily mean you control every storefront price. DistroKid’s help page explains how to set prices in stores where that option is available; check the specific store and release settings rather than assuming every platform offers the same control. DistroKid’s guide to setting store prices
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
