How to cancel DistroKid in singapore: your complete legal guide and step-by-step process
What DistroKid is and how it works
DistroKid is a subscription-based music distribution platform that allows independent artists like you to upload tracks directly to major streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and others. You pay an annual subscription fee in Singapore dollars (SGD) and gain unlimited uploads, real-time streaming analytics and the ability to collect royalties from multiple platforms through a single dashboard.
The service operates on tiered annual plans: the Musician plan (single artist), Musician Plus (two artists), and Ultimate plans supporting 5 to 20 artists under one account. Optional add-ons such as Content ID registration for synchronisation rights and Store Maximizers for playlist pitching are available separately. At Yafee, we understand that your subscription needs evolve as your music career develops, and cancelling DistroKid should be transparent, straightforward and legally compliant.
Why independent artists choose DistroKid
Musicians and producers rely on DistroKid to eliminate intermediaries between their work and global listeners. You upload once, your music distributes internationally, and you retain full control over pricing, release dates and artist credits. The platform's interface and mobile app make it accessible whether you operate from a home studio or while travelling.
How billing operates in singapore
DistroKid offers three purchase channels: direct from their website, via the Apple App Store or through Google Play. Each channel carries different billing cycles and refund policies, which is a critical distinction for cancellation. Prices display in SGD when you access DistroKid from Singapore, and annual plans auto-renew automatically unless you explicitly cancel before the renewal date.
DistroKid pricing and plan structure
Understanding your current plan and its cost helps you decide whether cancellation, downgrading or pausing makes sense for your situation.
Annual subscription plans in singapore dollars
| Plan name |
Annual cost (SGD) |
Artist slots |
Key features |
| Musician |
S$34.98 |
1 artist |
Unlimited uploads, basic analytics, mobile app |
| Musician Plus |
S$59.98 |
2 artists |
Custom release dates, label names, daily stats |
| Ultimate - 5 artists |
S$129.98 |
5 artists |
Advanced analytics, batch uploads, priority support |
| Ultimate - 10 artists |
S$229.98 |
10 artists |
All Ultimate-5 features, enhanced tools |
| Ultimate - 20 artists |
S$399.98 |
20 artists |
Maximum capacity, all premium tools included |
Optional add-ons and extras
DistroKid offers Content ID registration to monetise synchronisation rights and Store Maximizers for targeted playlist pitching. These add-ons are billed separately from your base plan and may continue charging you even after you cancel your main subscription unless you explicitly remove them. Yafee recommends managing and removing these add-ons before confirming cancellation to avoid unexpected charges.
Your consumer rights and what they mean for you
In Singapore, your right to cancel a subscription service is protected under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (CPFTA), which prohibits unfair contract terms and requires clear disclosure of renewal dates and cancellation procedures.
Your legal position under singapore consumer law
The CPFTA establishes that you have the right to cancel a subscription service at any time, subject to the terms of your contract with DistroKid. DistroKid must provide you with clear information about cancellation methods, renewal dates and any charges that apply. Consequently, if DistroKid fails to offer a straightforward cancellation mechanism or charges you without your explicit consent, you may lodge a complaint with the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS), the statutory authority responsible for consumer protection enforcement.
Furthermore, if you purchased your subscription through the Apple App Store or Google Play, you also benefit from the refund policies administered by those platforms, which may offer a 14-day cooling-off period for subscription cancellations in certain circumstances. Yafee advises checking your purchase channel first, as it determines your refund eligibility and cancellation procedure.
Automatic renewal and the duty to inform
DistroKid is required under the CPFTA to remind you of your renewal date in clear language before charging you for a renewal. If you do not receive a renewal reminder at least 14 days before your subscription renews, or if cancellation instructions are deliberately hidden, you may have grounds to dispute the charge. Document all communications from DistroKid regarding renewal and cancellation as evidence of the company's compliance or breach of these duties.
Why you might want to cancel DistroKid
Your reasons for cancelling are valid, and Yafee respects your decision to explore alternatives or pause distribution efforts.
Common reasons artists cancel
You may no longer be releasing music regularly and prefer to avoid recurring charges. You might have found a competing distributor offering better rates, faster payouts or more intuitive features. Perhaps your music career has shifted direction, or you are consolidating tools and wish to simplify expenses. Some artists pause distribution temporarily during contract negotiations with labels or while managing catalogue disputes. Others discover hidden fees or poor customer support and decide to switch platforms.
Reasons to consider keeping DistroKid
If you release music occasionally and value unlimited uploads without per-track fees, DistroKid remains cost-effective. If you have accumulated streaming history and catalogue data on the platform, switching may involve administrative effort to re-upload and rebuild analytics. If you use Content ID or Store Maximizers extensively, transferring these tools to another distributor may not be seamless. Weigh these factors against your cancellation motivation before proceeding.
How to cancel DistroKid: step-by-step process
Cancellation procedure differs depending on whether you subscribed directly through DistroKid's website, the Apple App Store or Google Play; follow the method that matches your purchase channel.
Step 1: log into your DistroKid account
- Visit distrokid.com or open the DistroKid mobile app on your device.
- Enter your email address and password in the login fields.
- If you have enabled two-factor authentication, complete the verification step.
- Confirm that you are logged into the correct account if you manage multiple DistroKid profiles.
Step 2: navigate to account settings and billing
- Locate the menu icon or settings option, typically displayed as three horizontal lines or a gear icon.
- Select "Account" or "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
- Scroll to the "Subscription" or "Billing" section.
- You will see your current plan name, renewal date and the amount you will be charged at renewal.
Step 3: locate the cancellation option
- Within the Billing or Subscription section, look for a "Cancel subscription," "Pause subscription" or "Manage plan" button.
- Click this button to proceed to the cancellation confirmation screen.
- DistroKid may offer you a discounted renewal rate or pause option; review these options if you wish to preserve your account.
Step 4: confirm cancellation and document the confirmation
- Read the cancellation confirmation message carefully to ensure your subscription will end.
- Click "Confirm cancellation" or the equivalent button to finalise the request.
- DistroKid will display a confirmation message on screen; take a screenshot or note the cancellation date provided.
- Check your email inbox (including spam or promotions folders) for a cancellation confirmation email within 24 hours.
- Save this email and all confirmation documents for your records in case a dispute arises later.
Step 5: verify removal of add-ons (critical)
- Return to your account settings and scroll to the "Add-ons" or "Extras" section.
- Confirm that Content ID, Store Maximizers and any other paid extras have been removed or will not renew.
- If any add-ons remain active, click "Remove" or "Cancel" next to each one individually.
- Request confirmation emails for each add-on cancellation and archive them with your subscription cancellation proof.
Cancellation via apple app store or google play
If you subscribed to DistroKid through the Apple App Store or Google Play, you must cancel through that platform rather than the DistroKid website, as Apple and Google process the billing and refunds independently.
Cancelling through the apple app store
- On your iPhone, iPad or Mac, open the Settings app.
- Tap or click your name at the top of the screen, then select "Media and Purchases."
- Tap or click "Subscriptions" and locate DistroKid in the list.
- Tap DistroKid and select "Cancel Subscription."
- Confirm the cancellation by tapping "Confirm" when prompted.
- Apple will display the final billing date; screenshot this confirmation and check your email for a cancellation receipt.
Cancelling through google play
- On your Android device, open the Google Play app.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Payments and subscriptions."
- Tap "Subscriptions" and find DistroKid in the active subscriptions list.
- Tap DistroKid and select "Cancel subscription."
- Follow the prompts to confirm cancellation; Google will show the final billing date and refund eligibility.
- Save the confirmation email that Google sends to your registered email address.
Refund policy and what to expect after cancellation
Your refund entitlement depends on your purchase channel, the timing of your cancellation request and DistroKid's refund policy.
Direct website subscriptions
DistroKid's standard policy is to charge your credit or debit card immediately when you purchase an annual plan. Once you cancel, you will not be charged at your next renewal date, but DistroKid does not typically issue refunds for the remainder of your current subscription year. Consequently, if you cancel mid-year, you lose access to your remaining subscription credits. Contact DistroKid's Help Center via their website to request a refund only if you believe you have grounds under consumer protection law, for instance if the service failed to deliver core features or if DistroKid breached the CPFTA by failing to disclose renewal terms clearly.
Apple app store subscriptions
Apple offers a 14-day refund window for app subscriptions if you cancel within 14 days of your purchase date. If you cancel after 14 days, no refund applies, but your subscription will not renew. To request a refund within the 14-day window, you must cancel the subscription and then contact Apple Support directly through your account. Yafee recommends keeping your cancellation confirmation and original purchase receipt to support any refund dispute with Apple.
Google play subscriptions
Google Play does not offer an automatic refund period for subscriptions; however, you may request a refund within a reasonable time of purchase if the service does not function as advertised. Cancellation prevents future charges but does not refund your current billing period. Submit refund requests through the Google Play app by selecting your subscription, tapping "Report a problem," and explaining why you believe a refund is warranted.
Timeline and what happens after cancellation
Understanding what to expect after cancellation helps you plan your next steps and avoid confusion.
Immediate access and functionality
Once you confirm cancellation, your DistroKid account remains accessible until the end of your current billing period. You can still upload music, view analytics and manage your existing releases during this time. Consequently, you do not lose your catalogue or streaming data immediately; your releases remain distributed across streaming platforms even after your subscription ends.
End of billing period
On your final renewal date (the date when you would normally be charged), DistroKid will not process a renewal charge. Your account will switch to a free tier with limited functionality, or it will deactivate entirely, depending on DistroKid's policy. You will no longer be able to upload new releases, manage add-ons or access premium analytics features.
Your music library after cancellation
Music you have already uploaded and distributed remains live on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and other platforms indefinitely, even after your DistroKid subscription ends. However, you lose the ability to take down or edit your releases through DistroKid's interface. If you need to remove a release in future, you must contact DistroKid's support team to request removal, or you may need to file removal requests directly with each streaming platform using your artist credentials.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling DistroKid
Cancellation is straightforward, and Yafee is here to help you navigate potential pitfalls that many artists overlook.
Forgetting to cancel add-ons separately
Many artists cancel their main subscription but leave add-ons such as Content ID and Store Maximizers active. These continue to charge you monthly or annually even though your primary subscription is cancelled. Always verify that every add-on is removed by checking your account settings and confirming removal emails.
Cancelling through the wrong channel
If you subscribed via the Apple App Store or Google Play, cancelling only through the DistroKid website will not stop Apple or Google from charging you at renewal. You must cancel through the platform where you made the purchase. Check your purchase history or credit card statement to identify your original purchase channel.
Failing to document cancellation confirmation
Always screenshot your cancellation confirmation and save the cancellation email that DistroKid or your payment platform sends you. If a dispute arises and you are charged after cancelling, this documentation proves you initiated cancellation on a specific date. Without evidence, the streaming platform's billing department may have difficulty reversing an unauthorised charge.
Cancelling without reviewing your release schedule
If you have scheduled releases for dates after your cancellation takes effect, those releases may not distribute because you will no longer have an active subscription. Review your release calendar and ensure all pending releases are uploaded before your billing period ends.
After cancellation: managing your music and exploring alternatives
Cancelling DistroKid does not end your music distribution journey; it simply marks a transition to your next chapter.
Exporting your data and analytics
Before your account becomes inactive, download all streaming analytics, royalty reports and earnings statements from your DistroKid dashboard. DistroKid may not retain your historical data indefinitely after cancellation, so preserve records for your tax filing and accounting purposes. Export these documents as PDF files and store them securely.
Communicating with your audience
Ensure your artist profiles on streaming platforms (Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists, YouTube Music) are independently verified and linked to an email address you control. This allows you to manage your artist profile and claim royalties directly if your DistroKid distribution account becomes inactive. Update your social media and website with current streaming links so fans can find your music regardless of your distribution partner.
Selecting a replacement distributor
If you plan to continue releasing music, explore alternative distributors such as CD Baby, TuneCore, Amuse or Ditto Music, each offering different pricing models, feature sets and payout schedules. Some distributors charge per-release, others charge annually, and a few offer commission-based models. Yafee advises reading reviews from artists in your genre and comparing the tools, customer support and payout timelines of each option before committing to a new platform.
This table summarises the key differences in how to cancel, refund eligibility and your access to your music after cancellation across all three purchase channels.
| Purchase channel |
Cancellation method |
Refund eligibility |
Music remains live? |
| DistroKid website |
Account settings; Billing section |
None unless service failed |
Yes, indefinitely |
| Apple App Store |
Settings; Media and Purchases; Subscriptions |
14 days from purchase only |
Yes, indefinitely |
| Google Play |
Google Play app; Subscriptions; Report problem |
Within reason of purchase date |
Yes, indefinitely |
If DistroKid refuses to cancel your subscription, charges you after cancellation or fails to honour a refund, you have formal recourse through Singapore's consumer protection authority.
DistroKid customer support contact details
Visit the DistroKid Help Center at their official website and submit a support ticket describing your cancellation request or billing dispute. Include your account email, the date you requested cancellation and any confirmation numbers or email references. DistroKid's support team typically responds within 2 to 5 business days. If the Help Center does not resolve your issue, escalate to the formal complaints process.
Escalation to singapore consumer authority
If DistroKid fails to process your cancellation, refund or billing dispute within 14 days of your request, you may lodge a formal complaint with the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS). The CCCS administers the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act and has authority to investigate breaches, issue corrective orders and impose penalties on businesses that violate consumer rights. File your complaint online via the CCCS website (www.cccs.gov.sg) or contact them by post at the address below.
Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore
8 Maxwell Road
#05-04, MND Complex
Singapore 069120
Phone: +65 6100 1800
Email: [email protected]
Chargeback and payment dispute with your bank
If DistroKid continues charging your credit card or debit card after you have cancelled and submitted a complaint to the CCCS without resolution, contact your bank directly and request a chargeback. Provide your bank with all documentation of cancellation requests, confirmation emails and CCCS complaint reference numbers. Your bank will initiate a dispute resolution process and may reverse unauthorised charges within 60 to 90 days.
Checklist: ensure your cancellation is complete
Use this checklist to confirm you have completed every step and protected yourself from unexpected charges.
| Task |
Status |
Date completed |
| Identified your purchase channel (website, Apple App Store or Google Play) |
☐ Complete |
|
| Logged into your account and navigated to Billing or Subscription settings |
☐ Complete |
|
| Clicked "Cancel subscription" and confirmed the cancellation request |
☐ Complete |
|
| Screenshotted the cancellation confirmation and saved the confirmation email |
☐ Complete |
|
| Verified that all add-ons (Content ID, Store Maximizers) have been removed |
☐ Complete |
|
| Monitored your bank statement or payment platform to confirm no charges appear at renewal |
☐ Complete |
|
Final steps and summary
Cancelling DistroKid in Singapore is straightforward when you follow these steps and understand your rights under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. The process takes 5 to 10 minutes, and you gain immediate confirmation of your cancellation. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions, dispute unauthorised charges and escalate complaints to regulatory authorities with confidence and clarity. Your music remains live on all streaming platforms after cancellation, allowing you to transition to a new distributor or pause releases without losing your existing catalogue or fan connections. If you encounter any obstacles or are charged unexpectedly after cancellation, contact the CCCS or request a chargeback through your bank; you have legal protections on your side. Document every step, keep all confirmation emails and maintain clear records of your cancellation request. With these safeguards in place, you can cancel DistroKid with certainty and move forward with your music career strategy.