TuneCore Pricing: A Complete Guide to Distribution Costs for Independent Artists
For independent musicians looking to share their music with the world, digital distribution is an essential step in the process. Among the various distribution platforms available today, TuneCore stands as one of the most established and trusted options in the industry. However, before committing to any distribution service, understanding their pricing structure is crucial.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about TuneCore pricing, from their subscription plans to additional services, helping you determine if it's the right investment for your music career.
What is TuneCore?
TuneCore is a digital music distribution service that helps independent artists get their music onto major streaming platforms and digital stores like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Music, and many more. Founded in 2005, TuneCore has established itself as a leader in the digital distribution space, having paid out over $2.5 billion in artist earnings.
What makes TuneCore stand out is its non-exclusive agreement approach, meaning artists maintain 100% ownership of their music and keep 100% of their sales revenue while still benefiting from global distribution.
TuneCore Pricing Models: An Overview
TuneCore offers different pricing models based on what type of release you're distributing and how many releases you plan to put out. In 2023, TuneCore made significant changes to its pricing structure, introducing annual subscription plans that allow for unlimited releases. Let's examine the current options:
Current TuneCore Subscription Plans
TuneCore now offers four main subscription tiers:
New Artist ($14.99/year): For artists just getting started
Rising Artist ($29.99/year): For growing artists with a established fanbase
Breakout Artist ($49.99/year): For artists seeing significant streaming growth
Professional ($149.99/year): For established artists with substantial catalogs
Each plan offers different levels of features, with higher tiers providing more extensive benefits. Let's break down what each plan includes.
New Artist Plan - $14.99/year
The New Artist plan is TuneCore's entry-level subscription, designed for musicians who are just beginning their journey. For $14.99 per year, this plan includes:
Unlimited release distribution to social platforms (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube)
Distribution to a limited selection of stores and streaming services
Basic analytics
Keeps 100% of your royalties
This plan is ideal for artists who are primarily focused on social media presence and are just testing the waters of music distribution. The limitation is that it doesn't provide access to the full range of streaming platforms that the higher tiers offer.
Rising Artist Plan - $29.99/year
The next step up is the Rising Artist plan at $29.99 annually, which expands your distribution reach significantly:
Unlimited releases to all major stores and streaming platforms
Unlimited social platform distribution
Enhanced analytics
Pre-save links for upcoming releases
100% of your royalties maintained
This tier represents excellent value for most independent artists, as it provides comprehensive distribution to all major platforms while still keeping costs relatively low.
Breakout Artist Plan - $49.99/year
At $49.99 per year, the Breakout Artist plan includes everything in the Rising Artist plan plus several additional features:
Unlimited releases to all stores and platforms
Advanced analytics with deeper insights
Release scheduling up to 6 months in advance
Automatic monthly royalty splits with collaborators
Custom pre-save pages
keeps 100% of your royalties
This plan is designed for artists who are seeing significant growth and need more advanced tools to manage their expanding catalog and audience.
Professional Plan - $149.99/year
For established artists with substantial catalogs and more complex distribution needs, the Professional plan at $149.99 per year offers the most comprehensive set of features:
Everything in the Breakout plan
Premium, in-depth analytics
Schedule releases up to 12 months in advance
Priority customer support
Multiple artist profiles under one account
keeps 100% of your royalties
This tier is particularly valuable for artists managing multiple projects or small labels handling several artists under one account.
Traditional TuneCore Pricing (Per-Release Model)
While TuneCore now emphasizes their unlimited release subscription plans, they still maintain their traditional per-release pricing structure for artists who prefer this model:
Single Release: $9.99 for the first year, $9.99 for each additional year
Album Release: $29.99 for the first year, $49.99 for each additional year
Under this model, you pay for each release individually, and after the first year, you must renew annually to keep your music on the platforms.
For some artists with very limited releases, this model might still make more financial sense than a subscription, but for most active musicians releasing multiple tracks or albums per year, the unlimited subscription plans offer much better value.
Additional TuneCore Services and Their Costs
Beyond basic distribution, TuneCore offers several additional services that come with their own pricing structures. Understanding these optional add-ons is important when calculating your total potential investment.
TuneCore Publishing Administration
TuneCore's Publishing Administration service helps songwriters collect their publishing royalties from around the world. This service costs:
$75 one-time setup fee
15% commission on collected publishing royalties
2-year contract term
This service is valuable for songwriters who want to ensure they're collecting all possible revenue from their compositions, especially from international sources that can be difficult to track independently.
YouTube Content ID
TuneCore offers YouTube monetization through Content ID, which identifies your music when used in YouTube videos and allows you to collect ad revenue. This service costs:
$25 annually per release (single or album)
30% commission on collected YouTube revenue
For artists whose music gets used frequently in YouTube content, this service can create a significant additional revenue stream.
Promo Distribution
For artists wanting to promote their music to radio stations and playlist curators, TuneCore offers two promotional distribution services:
Radio Airplay: $10-$50 depending on the campaign size
Boost Package: $49.99 for enhanced promotion across multiple platforms
These promotional tools can help increase visibility, though results can vary widely depending on the quality and genre of your music.
Cover Song Licensing
If you want to release a cover of someone else's song, TuneCore can handle the mechanical licensing process for you:
$15 per cover song in addition to standard distribution fees
This service simplifies the often confusing process of obtaining proper licenses for cover songs, ensuring you're distributing covers legally.
TuneCore vs. Competitors: Pricing Comparison
To put TuneCore's pricing in context, let's compare it with some of its major competitors in the digital distribution space:
TuneCore vs. DistroKid
DistroKid offers a different pricing model, charging:
$19.99/year for unlimited songs and albums (single artist)
$35.99/year for 2-5 artists
$79.99/year for 5+ artists
DistroKid's single flat fee for unlimited releases has historically been more economical for prolific artists, but TuneCore's new subscription tiers are now more competitive. DistroKid maintains a slight edge for very active single artists, while TuneCore's higher tiers offer more advanced features.
TuneCore vs. CD Baby
CD Baby uses a one-time payment model:
$9.95 per single (one-time fee)
$29 per album (one-time fee)
9% commission on royalties
CD Baby's one-time payment approach means you never pay again to keep your music up, which can be appealing. However, they take a 9% cut of your earnings, whereas TuneCore lets you keep 100% of your royalties.
TuneCore vs. Ditto Music
Ditto Music offers subscription-based pricing:
$19/year for unlimited releases (single artist)
$29/year for label services (up to 5 artists)
Ditto's pricing is competitive with TuneCore's new model, though TuneCore offers more feature tiers to choose from as your career grows.
Is TuneCore Worth the Investment?
The value of TuneCore's pricing structure depends entirely on your specific situation as an artist. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating whether TuneCore represents a good investment:
Volume of Releases
If you plan to release multiple singles or albums per year, TuneCore's unlimited subscription plans offer excellent value. However, if you only release music occasionally (perhaps one single per year), the traditional per-release model might be more economical.
Career Stage
TuneCore's tiered approach allows you to start with a basic plan and upgrade as your career grows, making it suitable for artists at various stages. For complete beginners, the New Artist plan provides a low-cost entry point, while established artists will find value in the advanced analytics and features of higher tiers.
Revenue Potential
TuneCore allows you to keep 100% of your royalties, which becomes increasingly valuable as your streaming numbers grow. For artists generating significant streaming revenue, the subscription cost quickly becomes negligible compared to the benefit of keeping all royalties.
For example, an artist earning $1,000 monthly from streams would save $90-$150 per month with TuneCore compared to services that take 9-15% commission, easily justifying even the Professional plan's $149.99 annual cost.
Additional Services Needed
Consider whether you'll benefit from TuneCore's additional services like publishing administration or YouTube Content ID. These can add significant costs but also open up new revenue streams that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Tips to Maximize Value from Your TuneCore Subscription
To ensure you're getting the most from your TuneCore investment, consider these strategic approaches:
Plan Your Release Schedule Strategically
Since the new subscription plans offer unlimited releases, plan a consistent release schedule to maximize value. Rather than dropping an entire album at once, consider releasing singles leading up to the album to increase engagement and maintain visibility over time.
Leverage Pre-Save Features
The Rising Artist plan and above include pre-save links and custom pages. Use these to build anticipation and collect followers before your release date, potentially improving your day-one performance metrics.
Utilize Analytics Tools
Higher tier plans offer increasingly detailed analytics. Use this data to understand where your listeners are located, which platforms perform best for you, and how your promotional efforts impact streaming numbers. This information should inform your marketing strategy and tour planning.
Consider Your Website Integration
TuneCore works well alongside a professional musician website. Having your own web presence where you can direct fans while distributing through TuneCore creates a more complete promotional ecosystem.
Hidden Costs to Be Aware Of
When budgeting for TuneCore, be mindful of these potential additional expenses:
Annual Renewals
If you're using the traditional per-release model, remember that you'll need to pay annual renewal fees to keep your music available on platforms. These renewals can add up over time, especially for albums ($49.99 per year after the first year).
Currency Conversion Fees
TuneCore prices in USD. If you're paying from another currency, your bank or credit card may charge conversion fees that increase the effective cost.
Add-On Services
The base subscription doesn't include all services. Publishing administration, YouTube Content ID, and cover song licensing all incur additional fees that can significantly increase your total investment.
Upgrade Costs
As your career grows, you may need to upgrade to higher subscription tiers. Budget for these potential increases as part of your long-term music business plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About TuneCore Pricing
Does TuneCore take a percentage of royalties?
No, TuneCore allows you to keep 100% of your streaming and download royalties. They make their money from subscription fees and add-on services rather than taking a cut of your earnings. This differs from some competitors like CD Baby and Ditto Music, which take 9-15% commission on royalties.
Can I switch between TuneCore pricing plans?
Yes, you can upgrade your subscription at any time to access more features. When upgrading, you'll typically pay the prorated difference between your current plan and the new one. Downgrading is also possible but usually takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle.
How does TuneCore pay artists?
TuneCore pays royalties monthly. You can receive payments via direct deposit, PayPal, or check, though minimum payout thresholds may apply depending on your payment method. Payments typically arrive 1-2 months after the streaming activity occurs due to the reporting delays from platforms.
Is there a way to try TuneCore before committing?
TuneCore occasionally offers free trials or promotional pricing for new users. Additionally, their New Artist plan at $14.99/year represents a low-cost way to test their service, albeit with limited platform distribution.
Can I leave TuneCore if I'm not satisfied?
Yes, you can request to have your music taken down from stores and platforms at any time. However, TuneCore does not offer refunds on distribution fees already paid. The takedown process typically takes a few weeks to complete across all platforms.
TuneCore Pricing Pro Tips
To make the most of your TuneCore subscription, consider these insider strategies:
Time your subscription purchase: TuneCore occasionally runs promotions, particularly around major holidays or music events. Waiting for these sales can save 20-30% on annual plans.
Bundle releases strategically: If using the per-release model, remember that distributing an EP or album costs only slightly more than a single but can contain multiple tracks.
Utilize free distribution to social platforms: Even the New Artist plan includes unlimited distribution to TikTok, Instagram, and other social platforms, which can be valuable for building an audience before investing in wider distribution.
Take advantage of educational resources: TuneCore offers free webinars, guides, and blog posts that can help you maximize your marketing efforts without additional cost.
Final Verdict: Is TuneCore Pricing Right for You?
TuneCore's revised pricing model with unlimited release subscriptions has positioned it as a more competitive option for independent artists. The value proposition is particularly strong for active musicians who release music regularly and want to maintain 100% ownership and royalties.
For artists releasing at least 3-4 singles per year, the Rising Artist plan ($29.99/year) represents excellent value compared to per-release pricing models. As your career advances, the additional features in higher tiers can provide valuable insights and tools that justify the increased investment.
However, for very occasional releases (perhaps just one single per year), or for artists who are completely uncertain about their long-term music plans, a pay-per-release service might still be more economical.
Ultimately, TuneCore's transparent pricing structure, comprehensive distribution network, and commitment to letting artists keep 100% of their royalties make it a solid choice for serious independent musicians looking to build sustainable careers.
Consider your release schedule, career goals, and budget carefully when choosing between TuneCore's various pricing options, and remember that you can always start with a lower tier and upgrade as your music career grows.