The simple answer is:

For ordinary streaming and download earnings, DistroKid says it takes 0%.

Artists receive 100% of what stores allocate to them, minus banking fees and applicable taxes.

But that doesn’t mean DistroKid makes no money from artists.

DistroKid uses a subscription model

Instead of taking a standard percentage of Spotify and Apple Music income, DistroKid charges an annual membership.

In the US, Musician currently costs $24.99 per year.

Musician Plus costs $44.99.

Ultimate starts from $89.99.

There are exceptions to the 0% commission model

DistroKid’s Social Media Pack is one.

DistroKid currently retains 20% of the revenue generated through this optional service.

It also charges an annual release-level fee for access to the feature.

Withdrawal fees can also apply

Tipalti charges depend on your payment method.

Those aren’t a DistroKid royalty commission, but they still affect what reaches the artist’s bank account.

Which model is better?

Imagine two musicians.

Artist A earns $100,000 per year.

Artist B earns $10.

Artist A would probably rather pay a fixed subscription and keep virtually all ordinary royalties.

Artist B may prefer paying no upfront fee and sharing a percentage only if something is earned.

That’s why RouteNote Free and DistroKid represent almost opposite economic models.

RouteNote Free takes 15% of net revenue but has no upfront or annual distribution fee.

DistroKid charges annually but passes through 100% of ordinary DSP earnings.

Neither model is automatically better.

The answer depends on how much you earn.