What is TuneCore?

TuneCore is one of the oldest and most trusted names in digital music distribution. Since 2006, it has helped millions of independent artists get their music onto platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and Amazon. While competition has grown, TuneCore remains a powerhouse, especially for artists who want detailed reporting and a wide range of artist services.

Pricing Plans in 2026

TuneCore has evolved from a pay-per-release model to a tiered subscription model to compete with services like DistroKid.

1. The New Artist Plan (Free)

• Cost: $0 per year.
• Features: Unlimited songs to Social Platforms (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, Reels).
• The Catch: You keep 80% of your royalties. You cannot distribute to curated streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music.

2. The Rising Artist Plan ($19.99/year)

• Cost: $19.99 per year.
• Features: Unlimited distribution to 150+ streaming stores, custom release dates, and keep 100% of your royalties from streaming stores.

3. The Breakout Artist Plan ($34.99/year)

• Cost: $34.99/year.
• Features: Everything in Rising Artist, plus Store Automator (auto-add to new stores), cover art creator, and daily trend reports.

4. The Professional Plan ($49.99/year)

• Cost: $49.99/year.
• Features: Designed for labels and producers. Allows for multiple artist names and provides the most advanced analytics.

Key Advantages of TuneCore

• Strong Industry Partnerships: TuneCore has deep ties with major tech companies, often getting features and integrations first.
• TuneCore Publishing: For an extra one-time fee, they can help you collect writer royalties (mechanical and performance) globally.
• Detailed Analytics: Their dashboard offers some of the most granular sales data in the industry, helping you understand exactly who is buying and streaming your music.
• Global Reach: Excellent distribution to international markets, including NetEase and Tencent in China.

TuneCore vs. DistroKid

While both offer unlimited uploads, the choice often comes down to philosophy. DistroKid is built for speed and simplicity. TuneCore is built for artists who want a more comprehensive "business suite" and don't mind a slightly more complex interface in exchange for better data.

How to Get Started

1. Create an Account: Sign up at TuneCore.com.
2. Start a Release: Choose whether you're releasing a single or an album.
3. Upload Artwork & Audio: Ensure your artwork is at least 3000x3000px and your audio is a high-quality WAV or FLAC.
4. Select Stores: Pick where you want your music to go.
5. Submit for Review: TuneCore's review process typically takes 3-7 business days.