How Much is TuneCore, DistroKid?

As an aspiring artist or a seasoned musician, understanding the cost of distributing your music on various platforms is crucial. Two popular music distribution services are TuneCore and DistroKid. In this article, we will delve into the costs associated with each platform, and help you understand how they compare. This will enable you to make an informed decision on which service might be the best fit for your music distribution needs.

TuneCore’s Pricing and Services

TuneCore operates on a model that charges per release. Here are the pricing details for 2024:

• Single: $9.99 per year
• EP: $14.99 per year
• Album: $29.99 for the first year and $49.99 per year after that

TuneCore’s pricing reflects their comprehensive distribution service which includes placements in over 150 digital stores and streaming services, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. Their model ensures that artists retain 100% of their sales revenue, which is a significant factor to consider.

DistroKid’s Pricing and Services

DistroKid, on the other hand, offers a subscription-based pricing model which enables unlimited uploads. Here is their pricing for 2024:

• Musician Plan: $19.99 per year
• Musician Plus Plan: $35.99 per year
• Label Plan: $79.99 per year (for up to 5 artists)

Unlike TuneCore, DistroKid allows artists to distribute as much music as they like for a single annual fee. This can be particularly cost-effective for artists who plan to release multiple singles or albums in a year. Like TuneCore, DistroKid also allows artists to retain 100% of their sales revenue.

Comparing the Costs: TuneCore vs DistroKid

Now that we’ve laid out the pricing for both TuneCore and DistroKid, let’s compare the costs directly. For an artist releasing a single track, TuneCore charges $9.99 per year, while DistroKid’s most basic plan allows unlimited uploads for $19.99 per year. If you plan to release multiple songs or albums throughout the year, DistroKid’s subscription model can offer more value.

However, it is important to note that for a single album release, TuneCore’s first year price of $29.99 is more expensive than DistroKid’s $19.99 plan. Yet over time, TuneCore’s costs increase due to the annual renewal fee of $49.99 per album, while DistroKid remains at a flat rate unless you choose a higher plan for additional features.

Other Considerations

While cost is a significant factor, it’s also essential to consider other elements such as the platforms’ reach, customer support, additional features, and ease of use. TuneCore boasts a more extensive distribution network and additional services such as music publishing and sync licensing, which can be valuable if you are looking to expand your revenue streams.

DistroKid, conversely, is known for its speed and simplicity. It offers useful features for independent artists, such as automatic revenue splits for collaborators, customizable release dates, and the ability to instantly verify your Spotify profile. The platform also includes a frequently updated statistics dashboard to monitor your streams and sales.

Alternative Options for Music Distribution

Besides TuneCore and DistroKid, there are several other music distribution platforms available. Some notable mentions include CD Baby, Amuse, Indiefy, and LANDR. Each platform offers different pricing structures and unique benefits, which cater to various artist needs.

As an artist, it’s critical to evaluate the strengths and capabilities of each platform to find the one that aligns most with your goals and budget. SoundOn is another excellent option worth considering, providing a comprehensive distribution service that integrates seamlessly with TikTok, CapCut, and other digital streaming platforms.

Conclusion

In summary, both TuneCore and DistroKid offer robust services for distributing your music globally. TuneCore’s per-release model might be more suited for artists with fewer releases, while DistroKid’s subscription model could be ideal for those with frequent releases.

Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific needs, the volume of music you plan to release, and which additional features you find most valuable. Whichever platform you choose, ensuring that your music reaches your audience in the best way possible is the key to building your career.