TuneCore Music Distribution: The Complete Guide for Independent Artists

In today's digital music landscape, independent artists have more opportunities than ever to share their music with the world. Among the various digital music distribution services available, TuneCore stands out as one of the leading platforms helping musicians get their songs onto major streaming services and digital retailers. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about TuneCore music distribution, from its features and pricing to how it compares with competitors and whether it's the right choice for your music career.

What is TuneCore Music Distribution?

TuneCore is a digital music distribution service that helps independent artists and labels get their music on major streaming platforms and online stores without needing a traditional record deal. Launched in 2005, TuneCore has become one of the most established and trusted distribution services in the music industry.

The core premise of TuneCore is simple: artists pay a fee to upload their music, and TuneCore delivers it to digital music stores worldwide. Unlike traditional record labels, TuneCore allows artists to keep 100% of their rights and royalties, making it an attractive option for musicians who want to maintain control of their music while reaching a global audience.

How TuneCore Music Distribution Works

Understanding the TuneCore distribution process can help you decide if it's the right service for your music career. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how TuneCore music distribution works:

1. Create an Account

The first step is to sign up for a TuneCore account on their website. The registration process is straightforward and requires basic information such as your name, email address, and password.

2. Upload Your Music

After creating an account, you can upload your music files. TuneCore accepts high-quality WAV files (16-bit or higher) to ensure your music sounds its best on all platforms. Along with your audio files, you'll need to provide metadata such as:

  • Album/single title

  • Track titles

  • Release date

  • Genre

  • Album artwork (3000 x 3000 pixel JPG or PNG)

  • Songwriter and publisher information

  • UPC codes (TuneCore can provide these if you don't have them)

  • ISRC codes (TuneCore can generate these for you)

3. Choose Your Distribution Outlets

TuneCore partners with more than 150 digital stores and streaming platforms worldwide. You can select where you want your music to appear, including major platforms like:

  • Spotify

  • Apple Music

  • Amazon Music

  • YouTube Music

  • TikTok

  • Deezer

  • Pandora

  • TIDAL

  • And many more international platforms

4. Pay Distribution Fees

TuneCore charges upfront fees for distribution. The cost varies depending on whether you're releasing a single or an album and whether you're paying annually or for multiple years at once. We'll cover the detailed pricing structure later in this guide.

5. Wait for Approval and Distribution

After submission, TuneCore reviews your release to ensure it meets the technical requirements of all selected platforms. This quality control process typically takes 1-2 business days. Once approved, TuneCore delivers your music to the selected platforms, which usually take another 5-15 business days to make your music available to listeners.

6. Track Sales and Collect Royalties

TuneCore provides a dashboard where you can track your streams, downloads, and earnings across all platforms. You can withdraw your earnings once they reach the minimum threshold (typically $10), and TuneCore pays royalties monthly.

TuneCore Music Distribution Pricing

TuneCore's pricing structure is straightforward but requires careful consideration, especially for artists planning to release music regularly. Let's break down the costs associated with TuneCore music distribution:

Standard Distribution Pricing

Singles Distribution:

  • $9.99 for the first year

  • $9.99 per year for continued distribution

Album Distribution:

  • $29.99 for the first year

  • $29.99 per year for continued distribution

TuneCore Unlimited Plans

In 2022, TuneCore introduced "TuneCore Unlimited," offering different tiers with various distribution options:

  • New Artist Plan: $0 for unlimited releases, but TuneCore takes a 20% commission on royalties

  • Rising Artist Plan: $14.99 per year for unlimited single releases (albums still cost extra)

  • Breakout Artist Plan: $29.99 per year for unlimited singles and 1 album per year

  • Professional Plan: $49.99 per year for unlimited singles and albums

Additional Services Pricing

Beyond basic distribution, TuneCore offers several additional services at extra cost:

  • Publishing Administration: 15% commission on publishing royalties collected

  • YouTube Content ID: 20% commission on royalties collected

  • Social Media Monetization: 20% commission on royalties collected

  • TuneCore Fan Reviews: Starts at $19.99 per campaign

  • Professional Mastering: Starts at $10 per track

TuneCore Music Distribution Features and Services

TuneCore offers more than just basic music distribution. Here's a deeper look at the features and services available through TuneCore music distribution:

Worldwide Distribution

TuneCore delivers your music to over 150 digital platforms globally, allowing you to reach fans in more than 100 countries. This extensive network includes all major streaming services and digital stores, plus regional platforms that cater to specific markets like China, India, and the Middle East.

Pre-save Campaigns

TuneCore's Social Pre-Save tool allows you to create landing pages where fans can pre-save your upcoming releases on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms. This helps build momentum and can boost your chances of landing on algorithmic playlists.

Publishing Administration

TuneCore Publishing Administration helps songwriters collect publishing royalties worldwide. When your songs are streamed, downloaded, or used in various media, you're entitled to publishing royalties that often go uncollected without proper administration. TuneCore can register your songs with collection societies worldwide and collect these royalties on your behalf for a 15% commission.

YouTube Monetization

With TuneCore's YouTube Content ID service, you can monetize your music when it appears in YouTube videos. The system identifies your music in videos across YouTube and places ads on those videos, generating revenue for you as the rights holder.

Social Media Monetization

TuneCore helps you earn money when your music is used in content on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. This is especially valuable as social media becomes increasingly important for music discovery.

TuneCore Fan Reviews

This promotional service lets you get your music in front of potential fans who'll listen and provide feedback. It's a way to gather insights and potentially build a new audience.

Analytics and Reporting

TuneCore provides detailed analytics on your music's performance across platforms. You can see:

  • Stream and download counts by platform

  • Geographic data showing where your listeners are located

  • Revenue breakdown by song and platform

  • Trends over time to track growth

Professional Services

TuneCore offers additional professional services including:

  • Professional mastering

  • Cover art design

  • Artist website creation

  • Promotion and marketing assistance

Educational Resources

The TuneCore blog and resource center provide valuable information for independent artists on music marketing, industry trends, and career development. These resources can help you navigate the complex music industry landscape more effectively.

Pros and Cons of TuneCore Music Distribution

Like any service, TuneCore music distribution has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision about whether it's the right distribution partner for your music.

Pros of TuneCore

  • 100% Royalty Retention: TuneCore lets artists keep all of their streaming and download royalties, taking no commission from these earnings (except on the free New Artist plan).

  • Wide Distribution Network: With access to over 150 platforms worldwide, TuneCore offers one of the most comprehensive distribution networks available.

  • Established Reputation: Having been in business since 2005, TuneCore has a proven track record and relationships with all major platforms.

  • Additional Revenue Streams: Services like publishing administration and social media monetization help artists capture revenue they might otherwise miss.

  • Detailed Analytics: TuneCore's reporting dashboard provides comprehensive data to help artists understand their performance.

  • Fast Payments: TuneCore pays out monthly, which is more frequent than some competitors.

  • Unlimited Plans: The newer unlimited distribution plans offer better value for prolific artists.

Cons of TuneCore

  • Annual Renewal Fees: Having to pay annually to keep your music available can add up over time, especially for artists with large catalogs.

  • Higher Upfront Costs: TuneCore's per-release pricing is higher than some competitors, particularly for one-time releases.

  • No Free Distribution Tier: While there is a New Artist plan with no upfront cost, it takes a 20% commission, unlike some competitors that offer true free distribution options.

  • Less Personal Support: As a large company, TuneCore doesn't provide the personalized support that some smaller distributors offer.

  • No Label Services: Unlike some competitors, TuneCore doesn't offer marketing or playlist pitching services as part of its standard packages.

How TuneCore Compares to Other Music Distribution Services

To determine if TuneCore music distribution is right for you, it's helpful to see how it stacks up against other popular distribution services. Here's a comparison with some key competitors:

TuneCore vs. DistroKid

DistroKid offers unlimited music distribution for a flat annual fee of $19.99, making it more cost-effective for prolific artists. Unlike TuneCore's per-release pricing model, DistroKid doesn't charge additional fees for each release. However, DistroKid charges extra for some features that TuneCore includes as standard, such as shazam integration.

The main differences:

  • DistroKid offers unlimited releases for one annual fee

  • TuneCore has a more established reputation

  • TuneCore's publishing administration service is more comprehensive

  • DistroKid offers faster distribution (often within 24-48 hours)

TuneCore vs. CD Baby

CD Baby charges a one-time fee per release ($9.95 for singles, $29 for albums) with no annual renewal fees. However, CD Baby takes a 9% commission on royalties, whereas TuneCore (on its standard plans) takes none.

Key differences:

  • CD Baby has one-time fees (no annual renewals)

  • TuneCore offers 100% of royalties vs. CD Baby's 91%

  • CD Baby includes physical distribution options

  • TuneCore tends to pay out royalties faster

TuneCore vs. United Masters

United Masters offers two plans: a free plan that takes 10% of royalties and a $5/month "Select" plan that lets artists keep 100% of their royalties. United Masters also emphasizes marketing opportunities and brand partnerships.

Major differences:

  • United Masters offers a true free distribution option

  • TuneCore has a more comprehensive distribution network

  • United Masters provides more marketing and playlist opportunities

  • TuneCore offers more detailed analytics

For a more detailed breakdown of distribution options, check out this complete guide to independent music distribution that covers even more platforms and their specific offerings.

Is TuneCore Music Distribution Right for You?

Deciding whether TuneCore music distribution is the best choice for your music requires considering several factors. Here's who might benefit most from TuneCore's services:

TuneCore Is Ideal For:

  • Established Independent Artists: Musicians who already have a following and consistent streaming numbers will benefit from TuneCore's 100% royalty model.

  • Songwriters: If you write your own music, TuneCore's publishing administration services can help you collect royalties that might otherwise be missed.

  • Artists Releasing Music Regularly: The unlimited plans make sense for prolific artists who release music frequently.

  • International Artists: TuneCore's extensive global reach makes it excellent for artists looking to build an international audience.

  • Business-Minded Musicians: Artists who view their music as a business and appreciate detailed analytics and reporting will find TuneCore's dashboard valuable.

You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If:

  • You're on a Tight Budget: If upfront costs are a concern, platforms with free tiers like DistroKid or United Masters might be better options.

  • You Release Music Infrequently: If you only release music occasionally, the annual fees might not be cost-effective.

  • You Need Marketing Support: TuneCore's focus is primarily on distribution rather than marketing. If you need help with promotion, consider distributors that offer marketing services.

  • You Sell Physical Products: If physical distribution is important to you, CD Baby offers more comprehensive physical distribution options.

Tips for Making the Most of TuneCore Music Distribution

If you decide that TuneCore music distribution is right for you, these tips will help you maximize your success on the platform:

1. Plan Your Release Schedule Strategically

To get the most value from TuneCore, especially if you're on one of the unlimited plans, create a consistent release schedule. Regular releases keep your audience engaged and can help with algorithmic playlist placements.

2. Utilize Pre-Save Campaigns

Take advantage of TuneCore's pre-save tools to build momentum before your release. For best results, start these campaigns 2-4 weeks before your release date.

3. Opt For Publishing Administration

If you write your own music, TuneCore's publishing administration service can be well worth the 15% commission, as many of these royalties would otherwise go uncollected.

4. Leverage TuneCore's Social Platforms

Make sure to opt into TuneCore's social media monetization to earn revenue when your music is used on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

5. Study Your Analytics

TuneCore provides detailed data about where your listeners are located and which platforms perform best. Use this information to guide your marketing efforts and tour planning.

6. Consider Multi-Year Discounts

If you're confident you'll want your music available long-term, TuneCore offers discounts for multi-year distribution purchases, which can save money over time.

7. Create a Professional Online Presence

Distribution is just one piece of the puzzle. Make sure you have a professional online presence to direct fans to. Consider setting up a dedicated music website using one of the best platforms for building your online music presence to complement your distribution strategy.

Success Stories: Artists Who Built Their Careers with TuneCore

Many successful independent artists have used TuneCore music distribution as a cornerstone of their career strategy. Here are a few notable success stories:

Chance the Rapper

Perhaps the most famous TuneCore success story, Chance the Rapper used TuneCore to distribute his mixtape "Coloring Book," which went on to win three Grammy Awards. Chance became a symbol of independent success, proving you don't need a record label to achieve mainstream recognition.

Nine Inch Nails

When Trent Reznor decided to go independent after leaving his major label, he turned to TuneCore to distribute Nine Inch Nails' music, demonstrating that established artists can successfully transition to independence using digital distribution.

Boyce Avenue

This band of brothers built a massive YouTube following with their covers and original songs, using TuneCore to distribute their music. They've amassed billions of streams while remaining independent.

Stormzy

The British grime artist used TuneCore to distribute his early releases before becoming one of the UK's biggest music stars, showing how the platform can serve as a launching pad for global success.

TuneCore Music Distribution: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about TuneCore music distribution:

How long does it take for music to appear on streaming platforms through TuneCore?

After TuneCore approves your submission (usually 1-2 business days), it typically takes about 5-10 business days for your music to appear on most major platforms. Some platforms like Spotify may take less time, while others might take longer.

Does TuneCore own my music?

No, TuneCore does not take any ownership of your music. You retain 100% of your rights when using TuneCore for distribution.

Can I remove my music from TuneCore if I change my mind?

Yes, you can takedown your music from stores at any time through your TuneCore dashboard. However, it may take a few days for the removal to process across all platforms, and you won't receive a refund for distribution fees already paid.

How often does TuneCore pay royalties?

TuneCore pays royalties monthly, typically around the middle of the month for the previous month's earnings. You'll need to reach the minimum payment threshold (usually $10) to receive a payout.

Can TuneCore get me on playlists?

TuneCore itself doesn't pitch directly to playlist curators as part of its standard service. However, they do offer educational resources about playlist strategies, and your music will be eligible for algorithmic playlists based on performance.

Does TuneCore handle physical distribution?

No, TuneCore focuses exclusively on digital distribution. If you need physical distribution for CDs or vinyl, you'll need to use another service.

Can I use TuneCore if I'm not based in the US?

Yes, TuneCore accepts artists from most countries worldwide. They have localized services for several regions, including Japan, Australia, Germany, France, and the UK.

What happens if I don't renew my distribution after the first year?

If you don't pay the annual renewal fee, TuneCore will remove your music from all platforms. Your music will no longer be available for streaming or purchase until you renew.

Conclusion: Is TuneCore Music Distribution Worth It?

TuneCore music distribution offers a comprehensive solution for independent artists looking to get their music on all major platforms while maintaining control of their rights and royalties. With its established reputation, extensive distribution network, and additional services like publishing administration, it provides value beyond basic distribution.

The decision to use TuneCore ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and career stage. For artists who release music regularly and value keeping 100% of their streaming royalties, TuneCore's unlimited plans offer good value. For those just starting out or with limited budgets, exploring alternatives with lower upfront costs might be worthwhile.

Remember that distribution is just one component of a successful music career. No matter which service you choose, you'll still need to invest time and effort into marketing, building your brand, and connecting with fans to make the most of your music distribution strategy.

By understanding TuneCore's offerings and how they align with your goals as an artist, you can make an informed decision about whether it's the right distribution partner to help you share your music with the world.

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