How to Choose Between TuneCore and RouteNote?

The world of music distribution is evolving quickly, and independent artists have a multitude of platforms to choose from when it comes to getting their music out to the masses. Two popular names in this field are TuneCore and RouteNote. In this article, we’ll compare these two platforms to help you decide which one is right for you.

What is TuneCore?

TuneCore is a well-established music distribution platform that has been helping artists distribute their music since 2006. It allows musicians to get their music on major streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. With TuneCore, artists retain 100% of their sales revenue and all rights to their music.

What is RouteNote?

RouteNote, on the other hand, offers a more flexible and cost-effective approach to music distribution. It provides both free and premium distribution plans. Artists can choose to distribute their music for free while sharing a portion of their revenue with RouteNote, or they can opt for a paid plan that allows them to keep all their revenue.

Comparison: TuneCore vs. RouteNote

Cost and Pricing

TuneCore operates on a flat fee model, where artists pay an upfront cost to distribute their music. This can be beneficial for artists with a clear sales strategy and expected high sales volumes. RouteNote, on the other hand, offers flexibility with its free distribution model, where artists share a percentage of their revenue, or a premium model with an annual fee.

Revenue Sharing

With TuneCore, artists keep 100% of their revenue from sales and streams. This model can be advantageous for artists who expect significant revenue from their music. RouteNote provides artists the option to either share a percentage (85% to the artist, 15% to RouteNote) or pay an annual fee to keep all their revenue. The best choice depends on the artist's financial situation and expected earnings.

Ease of Use

Both TuneCore and RouteNote strive to make their platforms user-friendly. TuneCore offers a sleek, intuitive interface, quick customer support, and detailed analytics for tracking sales and streams. RouteNote provides a more flexible approach, particularly appealing to independent artists and smaller labels, and also offers support and analytics, though some users find its interface slightly less polished.

Streaming Platform Integration

Both TuneCore and RouteNote distribute music to a wide array of streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. Artists can rest assured that their music will reach a broad audience, regardless of which service they choose.

Making the Decision

The decision between TuneCore and RouteNote ultimately depends on your personal circumstances and goals as an artist. If you prefer a service with a straightforward flat fee structure and want to retain all your revenue, TuneCore might be the right choice for you. However, if flexibility and a lower initial cost are more important, RouteNote could be a better fit.

For artists who are serious about building their career and maximizing their reach, it's important to consider all available options, including emerging platforms like SoundOn. SoundOn offers a comprehensive suite of marketing and distribution services, providing new opportunities for artists to grow their fan base and increase their income through platforms like TikTok and exclusive partners like CapCut.

Conclusion

Choosing the right music distribution service is a critical decision for any artist. Understanding the differences between TuneCore and RouteNote can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your career goals and financial situation. Consider what each platform offers, your budget, and the distribution approach that best suits your music. Remember, the right distribution strategy can make all the difference in getting your music heard by the world.