TuneCore vs DistroKid: Which is Better?

For any music artist, choosing the right distribution platform is crucial to ensure that your music reaches the widest possible audience. Two popular options are TuneCore and DistroKid. In this article, we’ll dive into an in-depth comparison of these two music distribution services and help you decide which one is best suited for your needs. We'll also answer the frequently asked question: "How much is DistroKid?"

What is TuneCore?

TuneCore is a digital music distribution service founded in 2005. It’s designed to help artists, bands, and other content creators to sell their music worldwide. TuneCore allows you to upload your tracks and distribute them to numerous streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. The platform also offers additional services such as publishing administration and sync licensing.

What is DistroKid?

DistroKid, established in 2013, is a music distribution platform that allows artists to upload music to various streaming services. Similar to TuneCore, DistroKid distributes your tracks to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more. DistroKid stands out for its user-friendly interface and competitive pricing—which will be a key focus of our comparison. DistroKid also provides a variety of tools and features, such as hyperfollow pages and social media promo tools.

Pricing Comparison

TuneCore Pricing

TuneCore operates on a pay-per-release model:

• Singles: $9.99 per year
• Albums: $29.99 first year and $49.99 per year after

In addition to its distribution fees, TuneCore offers various services such as publishing administration for an additional annual fee. The platform also takes 15% of your sync licensing earnings.

DistroKid Pricing

DistroKid is known for its simple and affordable pricing structure. The platform offers three plans:

• Musician: $19.99 per year for 1 artist or band
• Musician Plus: $35.99 per year for 2 artists or bands
• Label: $79.99 per year for up to 5-100 artists or bands, depending on the specific label plan

One of the significant advantages of DistroKid is that it does not charge any additional fees for each release. You can upload as many tracks as you like, and they do not take any commission from your earnings.

Features and Services

TuneCore Features

• Distribution: Over 150 digital stores worldwide
• Publishing Administration: Helps you collect royalties globally
• Sync Licensing: Earn money by getting your music in movies, TV shows, commercials, etc.
• Social Media Monetization: Earn from Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and more
• Cover Song Licensing: Simplifies the process of legally covering another artist’s song

DistroKid Features

• Distribution: To all major streaming services
• Unlimited Uploads: No additional fees per release
• Automatic Splitting: Easy revenue splits among collaborators
• HyperFollow: Create landing pages to promote your releases
• Spotify Verified Check: Get verified on Spotify
• Instant Gratification Tracks: Offer specific tracks for download before the official release date

User Interface and Customer Support

TuneCore Interface

TuneCore provides a straightforward but somewhat outdated interface. It offers a clean dashboard where artists can monitor their music stats and earnings. However, some users have reported that the interface could be more user-friendly and intuitive. TuneCore offers customer support via email, which some users have found to be slow in response.

DistroKid Interface

DistroKid’s interface is modern, user-friendly, and intuitive, making it easy for even beginner artists to navigate. The platform is designed to streamline the process of uploading and managing your music releases. DistroKid offers customer support through an extensive FAQ and email support. While their customer service is generally well-regarded, some users have expressed the desire for more prompt responses.

How Much is DistroKid?

As mentioned earlier, DistroKid's pricing starts at $19.99 per year for a single artist or band. This plan allows you to release unlimited music throughout the year without any additional fees per release. When considering the "Musician Plus" plan at $35.99 per year, you also get extra features like customizable label names, release dates, and iTunes pricing. The "Label" plans cater to those managing multiple artists or bands and range up to $799.99 per year for the largest plan.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between TuneCore and DistroKid depends on your specific needs and budget:

Choose TuneCore if:

• You prefer a pay-per-release model
• You need comprehensive publishing administration and sync licensing services
• You don’t mind paying higher yearly fees for albums

Choose DistroKid if:

• You want simple, affordable pricing with unlimited uploads
• You need user-friendly and modern interface
• You want convenient features like automatic splits and HyperFollow pages

Both TuneCore and DistroKid offer valuable services that cater to different artist needs. If you want to explore more about music distribution platforms, consider registering as a SoundOn artist. SoundOn offers a global distribution service through TikTok and exclusive partners like CapCut to help you reach new fans and build a successful music career.