How I Make AI Music with Suno and Earn Royalties Using DistroKid

 

A few months ago, I discovered Suno, an AI music creator that can turn your ideas into complete songs in minutes.

If you've ever wanted to release your own music and earn royalties from streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music and many others, it's easier than you might think. By creating your music with Suno and distributing it through DistroKid, your songs can be made available on major streaming services, where you can earn money from eligible streams and purchases according to each platform's royalty system.

Whether you want to make trance, dance, rock, pop, country, orchestral or almost any other style of music, Suno makes the process surprisingly simple. You don't need to play an instrument or know music theory—you just need an idea.

This guide explains how I create AI music and prepare it for release.

What Is Suno?

Suno is an AI music platform that creates complete songs from text prompts.

You simply describe the type of song you want, choose a genre, and Suno generates the vocals, instruments and production for you.

For example, you could ask for:

• A euphoric trance anthem about chasing your dreams.
• A relaxing acoustic song about summer evenings.
• A cinematic orchestral soundtrack.
• An emotional piano ballad.
• A high-energy Eurodance track.

The possibilities are almost endless.

My Favourite Feature

One of my favourite features is the pencil icon.

If you're struggling to think of lyrics, simply press the pencil icon and Suno can generate lyrics for you based on your idea.

You can also describe the type of music you're looking for, such as:

• Trance
• Dance
• EDM
• House
• Techno
• Pop
• Rock
• Country
• Drum & Bass
• Classical

The more detail you provide, the better the result is likely to be.

For example, instead of writing:

"Make a trance song."

You could write something like:

"Create an uplifting hands-up trance anthem with emotional female vocals, powerful supersaw synths, energetic drums, catchy melodies and a euphoric festival atmosphere."

Suno can also use AI to help shape the overall musical direction, helping generate a great beat and overall sound to match your prompt. Sometimes all it takes is a few small prompt changes to completely transform the feel of a song.

Do You Need to Write Your Own Lyrics?

No.

You can write every lyric yourself if you want complete creative control.

Or, if you're stuck for ideas, use the pencil icon to let Suno generate lyrics based on your description.

Many creators combine both methods by generating lyrics first and then editing them to make the song feel more personal.

How Much Does Suno Cost?

Suno has a free plan, which is great for experimenting and learning how the platform works.

However, if your goal is to upload your music commercially and earn royalties, you'll need to create the songs while subscribed to a paid plan. Songs made on the free plan are for personal, non-commercial use, while songs created during a Pro or Premier subscription include commercial use rights for those new songs.

At the time of writing, the lowest paid plan is Pro, starting at what I pay, £8.99 per month, although pricing may change over time.

Why I Think the Paid Plan Is Worth It

Some people see it as another monthly subscription.

I see it as an investment.

Every song you create is another opportunity for someone to discover your music.

Most songs won't become huge hits.

Some might receive only a handful of streams.

But all it takes is one song connecting with listeners to make a real difference.

You'll never know which song that will be unless you release it.

My Song Example

This is my favourite song that I have created with Suno and distributed with Distrokid: 

What Is DistroKid?

Once you've created a song you're proud of, you'll need a music distributor.

That's where DistroKid comes in.

DistroKid distributes your music to services including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, TikTok and many more.

Instead of uploading your song separately to every streaming service, you upload it once through DistroKid, and it delivers your release to the platforms you've selected. As people stream or purchase your music, you can earn royalties according to each platform's payment rules.

Read the Store Requirements Carefully

Before you upload your music, take the time to read the information and prompts provided by DistroKid during the upload process.

Different streaming platforms can have different rules regarding AI-generated music. Some stores may require additional information, while others may have specific policies about AI-created content.

These policies can change over time, so it's always worth reading everything carefully before submitting your release. Spending a few extra minutes checking the requirements can help avoid delays or rejected releases.

How Much Does DistroKid Cost?

DistroKid offers several plans.

For most new artists, the Musician plan is the lowest-priced option and is usually all you need when you're starting out. I pay £22.49 a year with this plan. Prices can change, so it's always worth checking DistroKid's latest pricing before subscribing.

How to Upload Your Song to DistroKid

Uploading a release is surprisingly straightforward.

1. Create your account.
2. Click Upload.
3. Choose whether you're releasing a single, EP or album.
4. Enter your artist name.
5. Add your song title.
6. Upload your WAV file.
7. Upload your cover artwork.
8. Read the prompts and answer any questions carefully, especially those relating to AI-generated content or store requirements.
9. Select the streaming services.
10. Choose your release date.
11. Submit your release.

After approval, your music will appear on the streaming platforms you've selected, where listeners around the world can discover it.

Keep Creating

One thing I've learned is that the first song doesn't have to be perfect.

Neither does the tenth.

Every new release teaches you something.

You improve your prompts.

You improve your lyrics.

You discover new genres.

You learn what listeners enjoy.

The important thing is to keep creating.

Final Thoughts

AI isn't replacing creativity—it's giving more people the chance to express it.

Whether you're making uplifting trance, emotional ballads, cinematic soundtracks or catchy pop songs, Suno gives you the tools to turn an idea into something you can actually share with the world.

I genuinely think investing in both Suno and DistroKid is worthwhile if you're serious about releasing music. Together they provide a simple path from an idea in your head to a song that listeners around the world can enjoy—and, if your music connects with an audience, potentially earn royalties from.

And remember...

Your next song could be the one that changes everything.