What Are TuneCore & DistroKid Plans?

When it comes to music distribution, there's a myriad of options available, but two names that often come up are TuneCore and DistroKid. Both platforms offer distinct plans aimed at helping artists get their music out to various digital streaming platforms. In this article, we will delve into the specific plans offered by both TuneCore and DistroKid and see how they cater to different needs of artists in the modern music industry.

TuneCore Plans

TuneCore has been a prominent player in the music distribution industry for years. They offer a variety of plans tailored to both emerging artists and established musicians. Their pricing model is quite straightforward, primarily based on the number of releases you intend to distribute. Here are some of the key plans provided by TuneCore:

Distribution Plans

• Single Distribution: Artists can distribute a single for a flat fee. This includes distribution to major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
• Album Distribution: For those with a collection of songs, TuneCore offers album distribution at a higher flat fee compared to single distribution.

In addition to distribution plans, TuneCore also offers supplementary services such as publishing administration and sync licensing, aimed at maximizing an artist's revenue streams.

Annual Subscription

TuneCore operates on an annual subscription model. Each release (single or album) requires a yearly maintenance fee. This means artists need to renew their subscription every year to keep their music available on streaming platforms. The advantage of this model is that artists retain 100% of their revenue, paying only the yearly subscription fees.

DistroKid Plans

DistroKid, known for its simplicity and affordability, takes a different approach compared to TuneCore. Instead of charging per release, DistroKid offers various annual subscription plans with unlimited distribution options. Here’s a breakdown of the plans they offer:

Musicians Plan

• Musician: This plan is ideal for solo artists and costs a low annual fee. It allows unlimited song and album uploads under one artist name.
• Musician Plus: At a slightly higher annual fee, this plan offers additional features like customizable release dates, pre-order options, and access to daily sales stats.

Label Plan

This plan targets small to medium-sized labels. It supports multiple artist profiles under one account, making it suitable for managers or labels handling various artists.

• Label: There are several tiers for the Label plans, based on the number of artist profiles needed.

One of the major draws of DistroKid is its unlimited distribution approach, where artists can upload as many tracks as they like without worrying about additional costs per release. This is particularly advantageous for prolific musicians who release multiple projects a year.

Choosing the Right Plan

When deciding between TuneCore and DistroKid, artists need to consider their specific needs and release strategies. Here are a few factors to consider:

Cost and Payment Structure

While TuneCore charges per release with an annual maintenance fee, DistroKid offers unlimited releases for a flat annual fee. If you plan to release multiple singles or albums in a year, DistroKid’s model could prove to be more cost-effective.

Additional Services

Both platforms offer additional services such as publishing and promotional tools. If you're looking for comprehensive services beyond mere distribution, it’s worthwhile comparing what each platform provides.

Revenue Share

One of the key differences is how revenue is handled. TuneCore prides itself on letting artists retain 100% of their revenue. DistroKid also offers this but with the additional benefit of unlimited uploads at a fixed annual fee.

Conclusion

Both TuneCore and DistroKid have their strengths and cater to different types of artists. TuneCore might be preferable for those who release music less frequently but want to take advantage of additional services. DistroKid is ideal for artists who have a high output and want the simplicity of a flat fee for unlimited uploads.

If you're an artist looking to streamline your music distribution process and capitalize on your releases, consider registering with SoundOn. Our platform offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to help artists grow their fan base through TikTok, SoundOn, and other major streaming platforms. Check out the opportunities available at SoundOn today and take control of your music career.