Manage Distrokid

How to cancel DistroKid in new zealand and protect your rights

What DistroKid is and why you might cancel

DistroKid is a digital music distribution service that lets independent artists and small labels upload releases directly to streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music worldwide. If you're a musician in New Zealand using DistroKid, you pay an annual subscription to keep your music live across these services.

How DistroKid works

You upload your music once, and DistroKid delivers it to hundreds of stores and streaming platforms. The service handles metadata, cover art uploads, and basic analytics so you can track plays and earnings. Most artists renew annually, but your circumstances change-sometimes you stop releasing music, switch distributors, or simply decide the cost no longer justifies the benefit.

Why cancellation matters to you

Canceling DistroKid stops your subscription fees but also removes your music from streaming platforms once your current term ends. Understanding this trade-off is critical before you cancel. Stopee exists to help you navigate exactly this kind of decision with clarity and confidence.

DistroKid pricing in new zealand

DistroKid charges annual subscriptions in NZD, though the company doesn't publish a dedicated New Zealand pricing page. Exact costs depend on exchange rates and your billing method.

Current plan options and costs

Why prices vary

DistroKid converts USD pricing to NZD using live exchange rates, so your bill may fluctuate slightly each year. Check your last invoice to see what you actually paid. This variability is one reason some New Zealand artists switch to fixed-price local distributors.

Your consumer rights in new zealand under the consumer guarantees act

New Zealand consumer law gives you specific protections that DistroKid cannot override, even though the company is US-based.

What the consumer guarantees act covers

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, services must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and delivered within a reasonable timeframe. If DistroKid fails to deliver your music to streaming platforms, delays releases, or loses your uploaded files without cause, you have grounds to claim a refund or compensation. This law applies to all transactions in New Zealand, regardless of where the company operates.

Cooling-off and refund rights

New Zealand does not have an automatic 14-day cooling-off right for digital services purchased online, unlike the European Union. However, you can cancel within 14 days if DistroKid's service fails to meet acceptable quality standards or if you can prove misrepresentation. If the company refuses a reasonable refund claim, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission or pursue a dispute through your bank.

How to cancel DistroKid step by step

Cancellation is straightforward on the web platform, though the method differs slightly if you subscribed through Google Play or Apple.

Cancel via DistroKid's website (recommended method)

1. Sign in to DistroKid on the web at distrokid.com using your username and password.
2. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
3. Select "Account" from the dropdown menu.
   • If you don't see your profile icon, look for a settings or gear icon instead.
4. Scroll to the bottom of your Account page and locate the "Manage" button next to your subscription details.
5. Click "Manage" and then select "Cancel membership."
   • DistroKid will ask you to confirm the cancellation.
   • You may see a retention offer-read it carefully, but proceed if you're certain.
6. Confirm the cancellation by clicking "Yes, cancel my membership."
   • Warning: Cancellation stops auto-renewal but keeps your music live until the end of your current billing period.
7. Save or screenshot your cancellation confirmation email for your records.

Pro tip: Cancel at least 7 days before your renewal date to avoid being charged for another year. Stopee recommends setting a phone reminder 2 weeks before your renewal to avoid accidental re-billing.

If you subscribed through google play

1. Open Google Play on your Android device or visit play.google.com on your computer.
2. Sign in with the Google account linked to your DistroKid subscription.
3. Go to "Account" and select "Subscriptions."
4. Find DistroKid in your active subscriptions list and tap it.
5. Select "Cancel subscription" and confirm.
   • Google Play will process the cancellation immediately and stop charging you at the next renewal date.
6. Request a refund through Google Play if you cancelled within 48 hours of purchase and have not yet accessed the service.

Warning: Google Play refunds are only available within 48 hours of purchase, not 14 days. If you're outside this window, contact DistroKid support directly.

If you subscribed through the apple app store

1. On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open the Settings app (or System Preferences on older Macs).
2. Tap or click your name at the top of the screen.
3. Select "Subscriptions" (or "Media & Purchases" on some devices).
4. Find DistroKid in your active subscriptions and tap it.
5. Select "Cancel Subscription" and confirm your choice.
   • Your music remains live until the end of your billing period.
6. If you need a refund, request one through your Apple ID account and explain your reason briefly.

Pro tip: Apple processes refund requests more generously than Google Play if you cancelled within 14 days and cite service issues. Be honest about why you're requesting the refund.

What happens after you cancel

Cancellation is not the same as deletion, and understanding the timeline protects your rights and your music.

Your access during the final billing period

When you cancel, DistroKid stops charging you after your current subscription ends, but you keep full access to your account, uploads, and analytics until that date. You can still manage releases, adjust metadata, and monitor earnings. Use this time to download your analytics, back up any data, or plan your next distribution move.

What happens to your released music

If you do not renew, your releases will be removed from all streaming platforms and stores within 30 days after your subscription expires. Your music does not disappear instantly, but it will eventually be delisted. This is why you need advance planning if you want to switch distributors-ensure your new distributor is ready to take over delivery before your current term ends.

Your account and files after expiry

DistroKid typically keeps your account and uploaded files archived for a limited time after cancellation, but access to editing tools and analytics becomes unavailable. If you need to retrieve files, export data, or re-activate your account, contact DistroKid support within 30 days of expiry. After that window, recovery may not be possible.

Will you get a refund from DistroKid

Refunds are not automatic, and DistroKid's policy is strict but not inflexible. Your eligibility depends on timing, circumstances, and whether you can justify your claim under New Zealand consumer law.

DistroKid's standard refund policy

DistroKid explicitly states that refunds are limited and handled on a case-by-case basis. The company does not offer blanket refunds for annual subscriptions, but it does sometimes grant refunds for upgrades, service failures, or requests within a narrow window.

When you might qualify for a refund

• You upgraded your plan within 14 days of first signing up and within your first year-you may receive a full refund of your previous plan cost.
• You cancelled within 14 days and DistroKid failed to deliver your music or provide the advertised service-you have grounds under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
• You were auto-renewed without your consent or after you requested cancellation-this is a billing error and warrants a full refund.
• You are outside the 14-day window but have documented evidence of service failure-contact DistroKid support and escalate if refused.

How refunds are processed

DistroKid issues refunds to the original payment method only. If you paid by credit card, the refund appears on that card's statement within 5-10 business days. If the card is closed or no longer valid, your bank determines whether the refund is returned to you or reversed. Stopee advises keeping the card open for at least one billing cycle after cancellation to avoid refund delays.

If DistroKid refuses your refund request

Document everything: your cancellation date, the reason for your refund request, and all correspondence with DistroKid support. If the company refuses and you believe the service failed to meet acceptable quality standards, file a complaint with the Commerce Commission. You can also dispute the charge through your bank or credit card company if you believe it was unauthorized or fraudulent. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers escalate refund disputes by providing clear evidence of service failure or billing errors.

Common mistakes when cancelling DistroKid

Many New Zealand musicians cancel DistroKid without realizing the consequences or overlooking protection steps. Here are the pitfalls you can avoid.

Forgetting that your music will be removed

The biggest mistake is cancelling without realizing that your releases will be delisted from all streaming platforms 30 days after your subscription expires. If you need your music to stay live, arrange a replacement distributor before you cancel. Some artists delay cancellation by a few months just to buy time for migration.

Cancelling close to renewal without securing a refund first

If you cancel one week before renewal, you've essentially paid for a full year you won't use. Ask DistroKid for a refund before you cancel, not after. If they refuse, contact them in writing and reference the Consumer Guarantees Act-this creates a paper trail if you later escalate to the Commerce Commission.

Not saving your confirmation email

Warning: Always screenshot or save your cancellation confirmation email. If DistroKid continues to charge you after cancellation, this email is your proof that you cancelled in good faith. Without it, disputing a charge is much harder.

Assuming the 14-day EU cooling-off period applies in new zealand

Many consumers wrongly believe they have 14 days to cancel and get a full refund in New Zealand, just like in Europe. This is not automatic here. You have rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act, but they're different-and you must act quickly to invoke them.

Ignoring auto-renewal date and getting charged again

Cancellation stops auto-renewal at the end of your current term, but if you cancel too late or the system glitches, you may be charged again. Mark your renewal date on your calendar and cancel at least 10 days in advance. Check your bank or card statement the week after renewal to confirm you were not charged.

Checklist before you cancel

Use this checklist to ensure you've covered all bases before hitting the cancel button.

• Confirm your renewal date and plan to cancel at least 7 days before.
• Download and save all your analytics, earnings reports, and account data.
• Export a list of your released tracks, release dates, and ISRCs (International Standard Recording Codes).
• If you want your music to stay live, arrange a replacement distributor and ensure they can import your releases.
• Take a screenshot of your current subscription plan, cost, and billing cycle.
• Draft a brief refund request if you believe you're eligible, citing specific reasons.
• Send your cancellation request via the web platform and save the confirmation email.
• Set a phone reminder for 3 days after your renewal date to verify you were not charged.
• Contact Stopee or check your bank statement one week after cancellation to confirm zero charges.

Pricing comparison and alternative distributors

If cost is your reason for cancelling, compare DistroKid's pricing to other New Zealand-friendly distributors before you decide.

Making the switch

If you're switching distributors, do not cancel DistroKid immediately. Instead, give your new distributor access to deliver new releases while DistroKid handles your back-catalog. Once your new distributor has released at least one track to all platforms successfully, then cancel DistroKid to avoid gaps in your distribution.

Where to contact DistroKid for support

If your cancellation hits a snag or you need to escalate a refund dispute, knowing where to reach DistroKid ensures your issue gets resolved.

DistroKid's support channels

• Help Center: distrokid.com/help (searchable knowledge base)
• Email support: support@distrokid.com (typically responds within 24-48 hours)
• In-app chat: Available within the DistroKid account dashboard for account-related queries
• Twitter/X: @DistroKid (for public escalation if support is slow)

Mailing address for formal cancellation or disputes

DistroKid does not maintain a New Zealand postal address for formal correspondence. All mail must be sent to their US headquarters:

DistroKid, Inc.
2506 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60614
USA

For formal cancellation requests or disputes, send a letter via registered mail or email support@distrokid.com with subject line "Formal Cancellation Request" or "Refund Dispute." Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.

Escalation in new zealand

If DistroKid refuses to refund you and you believe the service failed to meet acceptable quality standards, contact the Commerce Commission at www.comcom.govt.nz. You can also file a complaint with your bank's dispute resolution service if you believe the charge was unauthorized. Stopee recommends exhausting DistroKid's support channels first, then escalating to your bank, and finally the Commerce Commission if necessary.

Final steps and your next move

Cancelling DistroKid is quick on the surface, but the real work lies in planning the transition-whether that's migrating to a new distributor, securing a refund, or simply letting your music be delisted responsibly.

You now have the steps, the timeline, and your consumer rights clearly laid out. Take action today: sign in to your DistroKid account, note your renewal date, and complete the cancellation process if you're ready. Back up your data first, and follow the checklist above. If you encounter resistance or DistroKid refuses a legitimate refund, escalate through your bank or the Commerce Commission. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers in New Zealand cancel subscriptions fairly and recover refunds they were owed-you deserve the same clarity and support.