Which is better: TuneCore or DistroKid?

Independent musicians today have more opportunities than ever to share their music with the world. Digital distribution platforms like TuneCore and DistroKid make it easy for artists to release their tracks on popular streaming services like Spotify. Both platforms have their unique benefits and draw some significant comparisons that might sway your decision on which to choose for your music career.

Overview of TuneCore and DistroKid

TuneCore is one of the older and more established digital distribution companies. Founded in 2005, TuneCore focuses on allowing artists to keep 100% of their sales revenue. They charge an annual fee per single or album to distribute to streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

DistroKid is a newer company that started disrupting the market in 2013. Instead of charging per release, DistroKid uses a subscription model where artists pay an annual fee for unlimited releases. This makes it an attractive option for artists who produce and release music frequently.

Cost Considerations

The cost structures of TuneCore and DistroKid differ significantly, affecting long-term planning and budgeting for artists:

• TuneCore: Charges $29.99 per year for the first album, $49.99 for subsequent years, and $9.99 per year for each single. This can add up quickly if you have many releases.
• DistroKid: Offers a flat fee of $19.99 per year for unlimited releases. This is beneficial for prolific artists who release multiple singles or albums annually.

Royalties and Payment

One favorable aspect of both platforms is that artists keep 100% of their royalties. This is a significant advantage as it ensures artists are maximizing their earnings. However, understanding how and when you get paid differs between the two:

• TuneCore: Pays artists weekly, allowing for consistent and reliable income.
• DistroKid: Also offers weekly payouts, but with the added option for artists to withdraw funds at any time once they become available.

Distribution Reach

Both TuneCore and DistroKid distribute to a wide range of digital streaming platforms, including Spotify. However, there are some differences in their reach:

• TuneCore: Covers about 150 digital music stores and streaming services worldwide. They have a robust network that includes prominent platforms.
• DistroKid: Also distributes to all major platforms, with over 150+ stores and services. They are known for adding new services quickly, ensuring you always have broad distribution coverage.

Additional Services

Aside from the core distribution services, both TuneCore and DistroKid offer a variety of additional tools and services that can help artists manage and promote their music:

• TuneCore: Offers publishing administration services to help collect royalties from song compositions, sync licensing, and global publishing collection. They also provide YouTube Sound Recording Revenue Collection services.
• DistroKid: Offers a range of unique services including the automatic split of earnings among collaborators, the ability to upload unlimited lyrics and synced lyrics, and a service called "HyperFollow" to grow your fanbase by sharing new releases. They also offer optional extras like "Leave a Legacy," which ensures your music stays online forever even if you cancel your subscription.

Pros and Cons

Here is a quick comparison of the pros and cons of each platform:

TuneCore:

• Pros: Established reputation, extensive publishing administration services, weekly payouts, robust customer support.
• Cons: Higher costs for multiple releases, annual fees can add up.

DistroKid:

• Pros: Affordable with unlimited releases, innovative features, flexible payout options.
• Cons: Limited customer support, fewer additional services like publishing administration compared to TuneCore.

Conclusion

Deciding between TuneCore and DistroKid largely depends on your specific needs as an artist. If you release a large volume of music frequently, DistroKid's unlimited distribution model might save you money and offer more flexibility with innovative features. On the other hand, if you are looking for extensive publishing services and prefer a more established company, TuneCore might be the better choice.

Whichever you choose, making sure your music is being distributed to platforms like Spotify is crucial for building your fanbase and growing your music career. Consider the platforms that best match your distribution needs, budget, and the additional services that will support your artistic journey.

Additionally, we recommend considering SoundOn, which offers comprehensive marketing and distribution services, helping you build your career and reach new fans through seamless integration with platforms like TikTok and exclusive partners like CapCut.