What to do when a DistroKid account holder dies
Contact DistroKid LLC to request a transfer of accounts after an account holder dies
DistroKid Support
Timeline
No published timeline. Withdrawal requests process twice per week. Streaming services report earnings 1-2 months after the streaming period, with most earnings appearing roughly 3 months after release. Cancelled accounts can be restored at any time by signing in and selecting a new plan.
WebsiteFile estate claim→
(General customer service)
Verified Apr 2026
DistroKid has no published bereavement or deceased user policy. The Terms of Service do not address death, succession, or estate transfer. In practice, the account continues functioning as long as the subscription auto-renews via the linked payment method. If the subscription lapses (payment failure, card expiration), music is removed from all streaming services. The "Leave a Legacy" album extra ($29 per single, $49 per album) prevents removal for individual releases even if the subscription lapses. Without Leave a Legacy, the estate must maintain the subscription to keep music live. Artists retain 100% ownership of their music, meaning copyright passes to the estate through normal inheritance.
How to request a transfer
Here is the process for transferring DistroKid accounts after the account holder dies:
1
Contact DistroKid support at support@distrokid.com or through the help center chat at support.distrokid.com. DistroKid does not offer phone support. There is no formal estate process, so requests are handled case-by-case.
2
Provide death certificate and executor/administrator documentation. Specific requirements are not published but these are standard for account access requests.
3
Determine the subscription and Leave a Legacy status:
- •If subscription is active: music remains on streaming services as long as payment continues.
- •If Leave a Legacy was purchased: those specific releases stay live regardless of subscription status.
- •If neither: music will be removed from streaming services after subscription lapse.
4
If the estate has login credentials: log in directly to manage the catalog, withdraw earnings, purchase Leave a Legacy for important releases, and configure Splits to route royalties to heirs.
5
For unpaid royalties: DistroKid processes withdrawal requests twice per week. Streaming services report earnings 1-2 months after the streaming period, representing streams from a few months prior. Expect to see earnings from most services roughly 3 months after release. Earnings accrue in the DistroKid Bank and can be withdrawn via ACH ($1.12 fee, U.S. only), PayPal ($1 + 2%, capped at $2 in the U.S. or $21 internationally), wire transfer, eCheck, or paper check. The minimum withdrawal threshold is $6 USD. An FX fee of up to 3% may apply if payment currency differs from the account country.
6
Maintain the subscription if the catalog generates ongoing revenue. The Musician Plan starts at $24.99/year. Ensure the linked payment method remains active or update it.
7
If the account was cancelled, it can be restored by signing in, selecting "Restore Account," choosing a subscription plan, and entering payment information. Previously uploaded metadata and track files remain accessible via the DistroKid Vault at distrokid.com/vault.
Required Documents
- Not formally published by DistroKid
- Likely required: death certificate and proof of executor/administrator authority
Timeline
No published timeline. Withdrawal requests process twice per week. Streaming services report earnings 1-2 months after the streaming period, with most earnings appearing roughly 3 months after release. Cancelled accounts can be restored at any time by signing in and selecting a new plan.
Frequently asked questions
If the subscription auto-renews, music stays on streaming services and royalties accrue. If the subscription lapses, music is removed unless "Leave a Legacy" was purchased for individual releases ($29/single, $49/album). Artists retain 100% ownership, so copyright passes to the estate through normal inheritance.
DistroKid processes withdrawal requests twice per week. Streaming services report earnings 1-2 months after the streaming period, with most earnings appearing roughly 3 months after release. Withdrawals are sent via ACH ($1.12 fee), PayPal, wire transfer, eCheck, or paper check, with a minimum threshold of $6. The estate needs login credentials to withdraw funds.
DistroKid issues a 1099-MISC form if the account earned $10 or more in royalties during the tax year, or a 1099-NEC if non-employee compensation exceeds $600. After the artist's death, royalty income generally becomes income of the estate or the heir who inherits the catalog. The estate should update tax information (W-9) with DistroKid and consult a tax professional about reporting inherited royalty income.
Once transferred, accounts are subject to the program's standard terms. Having the deceased account holder's details documented in advance makes the transfer process significantly easier for the family.
DistroKid Support
Timeline
No published timeline. Withdrawal requests process twice per week. Streaming services report earnings 1-2 months after the streaming period, with most earnings appearing roughly 3 months after release. Cancelled accounts can be restored at any time by signing in and selecting a new plan.
WebsiteFile estate claim→
(General customer service)
Verified Apr 2026