# DistroKid launches music publishing service powered by Kobalt

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/distrokid-launches-music-publishing-service-powered-by-kobalt/
- Published: 2026-11-11T20:12:43+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T20:18:58+00:00
- Original publisher: Music Business Worldwide
- Original article: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/distrokid-launches-music-publishing-service-powered-by-kobalt/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music, TV

## Key points

- DistroKid has launched a publishing royalty service with Kobalt.
- Songwriters pay US$75 and receive 80% of collected royalties.
- Eligibility requires a release and over US$50 in annual streaming revenue.

## Summary

DistroKid has launched DistroKid Publishing, a service that lets eligible independent songwriters collect publishing royalties through their accounts. Powered by Kobalt, it aims to make royalties easier to claim, a process DistroKid says has historically been difficult for independent artists.

The service charges a one-off US$75 setup fee and pays songwriters 80% of royalties collected. Applicants need at least one DistroKid release and more than US$50 in streaming revenue in the past year; original songs and co-writes qualify, while covers, remixes, mash-ups and fully AI-generated tracks do not. There is no long-term commitment, and the first payment is expected six to nine months after earnings exceed US$10, followed by quarterly payments.

## Coverage

- [Music Business Worldwide: DistroKid launches music publishing service powered by Kobalt](https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/distrokid-launches-music-publishing-service-powered-by-kobalt/)
- [Billboard: DistroKid and Kobalt Partner on New Publishing Service for DIY Talent](https://www.billboard.com/pro/distrokid-kobalt-new-publishing-service-diy-talent/)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.