How Much is DistroKid vs TuneCore?
When it comes to music distribution, selecting the right platform can influence your career significantly. Two popular choices among independent artists today are DistroKid and TuneCore. But how do their price points compare? This article breaks down the details to help you make an informed decision.
DistroKid Pricing
DistroKid is well-known for its straightforward, user-friendly model. DistroKid offers an annual subscription service that allows artists to upload unlimited songs and albums. This is especially beneficial for prolific artists who release new music frequently.
- Musician Plan: $19.99 per year. This plan covers one artist and includes unlimited song uploads.
- Musician Plus Plan: $35.99 per year. This plan includes two artists and provides additional features such as customizable release dates and daily sales stats.
- Label Plan: Starting at $79.99 per year, this plan is designed for professionals managing multiple artists (up to 5 artists) and includes all available features.
With DistroKid, it's worth noting that there are no additional fees per release, making it a cost-effective solution for artists who release music regularly.
TuneCore Pricing
TuneCore operates differently from DistroKid, offering a pay-per-release model. This means that artists pay for each album or single they upload, which can add up if you’re releasing music frequently. Below is a breakdown of TuneCore's pricing structure:
- Single Releases: $9.99 per year per single.
- Album Releases: $29.99 for the first year and then $49.99 for each subsequent year per album.
TuneCore also provides additional services such as music publishing administration and YouTube monetization, which come at extra costs. Thus, while TuneCore's model might be suitable for artists who release music less frequently, those who do can find the annual cumulative costs quite substantial.
Service Comparison
Beyond pricing, both DistroKid and TuneCore offer a variety of services to help artists distribute their music and gain audience traction. Here are some key similarities and differences:
Distribution Reach
Both platforms distribute music to major DSPs including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and over 150 more platforms worldwide. However, DistroKid has a slight edge in terms of speed, often getting tracks live within a few days of upload.
Additional Features
DistroKid offers various additional features such as:
- Spotify verified checkmark.
- Global release dates.
- Shazam and iPhone Siri inclusion.
- Comprehensive sales data and trend reports.
- Music publishing services to collect worldwide royalties.
- YouTube Sound Recording Revenue collection.
Ease of Use
Both platforms are generally user-friendly, though DistroKid’s simpler, all-in-one subscription model tends to be more attractive to newcomers and independent artists aiming for simplicity. TuneCore's dashboard, though slightly more complex due to its extensive service offerings, caters well to artists looking for a more in-depth analysis of their sales and royalties.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
The choice between DistroKid and TuneCore ultimately comes down to your specific needs as an artist. If you prefer a cost-effective, straightforward annual fee with unlimited uploads, DistroKid is your go-to. However, if you value detailed sales analytics and additional monetization options, then TuneCore might be the better choice for you.
Whichever you choose, the ultimate goal is to get your music heard by as many people as possible. While these platforms do an excellent job in distribution, consider platforms like SoundOn that can also help you grow your audience through strategic promotion and partnerships. SoundOn's global distribution service enables you to reach new fans effectively and efficiently.
