You can now sell merch through DistroKid’s new direct-to-fan platform – and keep 100% of your earnings

DistroKid has launched a new direct-to-fan platform that lets independent artists create an online store to sell their merch. The best part? You get to keep 100 percent of your earnings.

The new platform, aptly named Direct, is integrated within DistroKid, so if you already use the service to distribute your music to streaming services and social media, there’s no set up needed. The feature is currently rolling out in beta to select artists, with a wider release due to arrive in the coming weeks.

At launch, Direct lets you turn album or single artwork into custom T-shirts, tote bags, and mugs, produced on demand and shipped automatically to your fans around the world. Not only do you keep all your sales, but you can set your own prices too.

Direct is available to DistroKid artists for under $6 per month, and it’s built on technology infrastructure developed by Bandzoogle, a direct-to-fan platform that DistroKid acquired in 2023. As Direct continues to expand, more merch will become available, plus new ways for artists to interact directly with their audience.

Though it shouldn’t have to be this way, most independent artists keep their music careers afloat through merchandise sales. Some experts claim merchandise can make up around 70 percent of an artist’s revenue, and it was a key lifeline for those who couldn’t perform live during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With that said, some venues are increasing their cut of artist’s merch sales, meaning a direct-to-fan platform like this one can further aid musicians who need merch to boost their income. SoundCloud launched a similar store model last year.

“Direct is one more way DistroKid helps artists at every step — before, during, and after they release music,” says Matthew Ogle, Chief Product Officer. “We’re building simple tools that let artists share what they create, from music to merch and beyond, and connect directly with the people who care about them most.”

Find out more about Direct over at DistroKid. 

Rachel is a DIY musician who began learning guitar and keyboard from her bedroom at 14. She has written news and features for MusicTech since 2022, and also has bylines across Kerrang!, Guitar.com, and The Forty-Five. Though a lover of heavy music, her guilty pleasure is 2000s pop.