TuneCore Overview: The Truth About Music Distribution in 2024

Independent artists in the ever-changing music industry face a major challenge: making their sounds heard. TuneCore is an invaluable platform that helps to propel musicians’ careers, providing digital distribution services for artists to release music and give them access to listeners all over the world. Music creators can benefit from using this service as it allows them to spread their music online with ease!
Key Takeaways
- TuneCore is a reliable platform for independent musicians, providing safe music distribution, publishing administration and promotional tools.
- TuneCore enables artists to keep 100% of their generated revenue with an annual fee per release.
- Numerous success stories and testimonials attest to the effectiveness of TuneCore’s artist services in helping launch the careers of many successful artists.
The Ins and Outs of TuneCore

TuneCore is a dependable music distribution partner for independent musicians that distributes music as well as providing publishing administration and promotional tools. This global platform ensures the security of its customers while also offering high quality customer service to all independent artists who are looking to share their music with the world.
Music Distribution
When it comes to music distribution, TuneCore is a great choice for a rising artist in the music business looking to get their work out into the world. It stands apart from other services through its expansive selection of stores and streaming platforms that span multiple countries on top of providing excellent digital coverage. Services offered include Apple Music, Spotify, and around 150 more outlets all over the globe. Ideal choices for getting your songs heard in different parts of the world.
It’s important to be mindful when you choose to start releasing new material, recommended time being one or two months before launch date so you can guarantee maximum availability across every platform specified by yourself! Through doing this preparation ahead. You will have better chances at thriving in today’s competitive music industry scene.
Publishing Administration
TuneCore’s music publishing administration service offers a variety of opportunities for rising artists to reach new audiences with their music. By utilizing Sentric’s Rights App Technology, TuneCore is able to track the usage and performance of songs while collecting royalties that are attributed accurately back to all relevant parties in an unlimited way. Those interested can gain access independently from its other services such as distributing tracks globally – adding another layer of convenience when releasing music or using payment splitting methods which require everyone involved to sign up on this platform first. Plus have peace-of-mind knowing full documentation maintained by them backs each step along the way!
Promotional Tools

Tunecore offers a suite of services for music promotion, from Social and Band Page tools to Fan Reviews packages. For artists looking to get more exposure in the industry, there’s also Aspire – an exclusive program that provides marketing support through project managers and expert professionals. Whether you need analytics or post scheduling assistance with your publishing efforts or real critiques on your pieces, Tunecore has something for everyone in terms of amplifying their musical works.
The TuneCore Experience
Using TuneCore is quite an enjoyable experience. From submitting your music to getting detailed analytics and reports, everything goes smoothly with the user-friendly layout of this platform.
Let’s take a closer look at what it feels like using TuneCore: Uploading music is quick and simple. Likewise, having access to profound statistics and analysis rounds out the whole user journey nicely.
Uploading Music
Uploading music with TuneCore is straightforward. Log in, enter the details of your song or album and then follow the instructions displayed onscreen – thanks to their partnerships with digital stores you’ll be able to sell your tunes independently online.
Bear in mind that sound quality plays an important role here: TuneCore recommends uploading WAV files at 16-bit/44.1 kHz for optimal uploads and exceptional audio distribution across platforms when it comes time to release them online.
Your accompanying artwork should also meet certain specifications too. Minimum resolution 1600 x 1600 pixels (preferably 3000x3000) alongside 72dpi min / 300dpi max for best visual results associated with your music streaming digitally.
Analytics & Reporting
TuneCore provides valuable reports that equip artists with the data they need to make informed decisions about their music career. Their analytics grant access to streaming figures, social media performance and other vital metrics from Spotify for Artists, Apple Music For Artists and YouTube Analytics For Artists – all aimed at helping boost plays and revenues on platforms such as apple music or spotify apple music. TuneCore’s extensive reporting features offer up-to-date sales information which can aid musicians in getting ahead of trends within the industry.
Customer Support
TuneCore stands out from other platforms due to its remarkable customer support. With their highly-praised responsiveness and assistance, the TuneCore team is always ready to help with any problems that may arise.
Artist Support works alongside artists in order to ensure a satisfactory experience when dealing with them. You can contact their service by submitting an inquiry through Help Center or start chatting on the website as well as calling at a set number. The average response time is estimated around 1-2 working days’ timeframe.
Pricing Breakdown

TuneCore has a pricing plan that benefits artists specifically by offering an annual fee per release instead of taking any revenue share from them. As such, they will be able to retain their full income generated without extra charges determined based on sales quantity.
Annual Fees vs. Commission-Based Models
At TuneCore, a higher annual fee may be required compared to commission-based models. This guarantees artists will get 100% of their royalties. This means that despite the cost upfront for an annual fee, they could reap more rewards in the end.
Additional Costs
Distribution is covered by TuneCore’s annual fees. There might be additional costs for promotional services such as publishing administration and YouTube monetization. With regards to the former, artists are charged a one-time setup fee of $75. On the other hand, Youtube Music calls for an expenditure of either $9.99 or 29.99 per single or album respectively from all music producers involved.
TuneCore vs. Competitors

Let’s assess how TuneCore stands up to its competitors, such as CD Baby, DistroKid and United Masters. We can evaluate the platform. With these other services for a better understanding of what it offers compared to them.
DistroKid
When it comes to budget-friendly distribution of music, DistroKid is a great option for the basic necessities. If comprehensive services and artist development are what you need, then TuneCore has your back. Not only can they get your songs onto streaming platforms, but their investment in helping musicians achieve success stands out from the crowd as well. At TuneCore, you will find more than just regular distribution. They truly serve as partners on this musical journey with artists!
CD Baby
CD Baby offers a commission-based system, although this may initially look appealing. It’s important to bear in mind that TuneCore provides better earning potential with its yearly fees. Artists can benefit greatly from opting for the full royalty retention service offered by TuneCore as they get to keep all of their royalties.
United Masters
United Masters has a complimentary level of service with limited access, yet for artists who are seeking more expansive reach and options, TuneCore’s paid plans may be worth the higher initial cost. The comprehensive features provided by this solution offer an array of choices that could make it worthwhile to invest in their services.
Success Stories & Testimonials
Many musicians have seen the benefit of using TuneCore in their careers, from fresh faces on the scene to music makers topping charts. This platform has served as an important factor for countless artists’ achievements and is easily illustrated through various success stories.
Artist Spotlights
Many artists, ranging from Ed Sheeran to Chance the Rapper and Lizzo, have found TuneCore’s services crucial in attaining success. A noteworthy example of this is Gravy whose song ‘Mr Clean’ earned them a deal with Republic Records – Russ also being one artist who has been able to capitalize on TuneCore’s contributions for their own careers.
Testimonials
A number of TuneCore users have commended the platform with positive reviews and remarks on sites such as Aristake, Reddit, Whipped Cream Sounds and TuneCore’s blog. In 2018, a major increase in distribution income from $308 million was recorded - an impressive 28% jump since 2017. Undoubtedly many artists are benefitting from using this service to get their music out there successfully.
Tips for Maximizing Your TuneCore Experience
To make the most of TuneCore’s offerings, here are some strategies to optimize its use. By making sure all facts remain intact, while switching up expressions and words order within one paragraph as well as keeping the same tone throughout. It will allow for a good deal of flexibility.
Best Practices for Uploading Music
In order to ensure that your music is properly formatted, adhere to TuneCore’s guidelines. They recommend uploading songs in 16-bit/44.1 kHz format for the best audio result. According to rule 5, some forms of “cover art creator” are not allowed and according to rules 2, there may be a chance still use it without any assumptions – so keep it brief!—When looking at cover artwork or creating one, you should be aware of this guideline from TuneCore concerning its use with regard to music files.
Utilizing Analytics & Reporting
Gain valuable insights to fine-tune your music strategy by using TuneCore’s analytics and reporting tools. Discover which genres and songs perform best, identify popular playlists, learn trending keywords associated with your tracks, and monitor their positions in streaming services—all so you can increase plays and revenue significantly.
Navigating Promotional Tools
TuneCore has a range of promotional tools to help take your music to the next level. You can compose and distribute songs, blog pieces, and social media content. As well as plan, upload, and time-manage posts on different platforms, ultimately raising awareness for your creations online.
Summary
The music industry can seem like an overwhelming maze, but TuneCore exists to help independent artists advance their music careers. With its comprehensive distribution and promotional services along with publishing administration features, the platform works as a stepping stone for musicians looking to reach new heights in the world of music.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does TuneCore pay per 1,000 streams?
Tunecore pays out royalties to artists based on their music streams. Artists receive $0.01 for every 1,000 plays of a song - this amounts to $10 per thousand listens and can add up quickly if multiple songs get popular!
What is the downside to TuneCore?
To other music distribution services, TuneCore had been more costly as it charged a fee for each release. In 2021, they changed their pricing plan and now provide an annual subscription with unlimited releases at the lowest price on the market among all of these distribution services.
How much does TuneCore cost?
TuneCore’s annual unlimited releases can be accessed for $19.99, along with a flat fee of $75 per songwriter to cover set-up and paperwork fees plus 15% commission taken from the collected royalties on their behalf.
How legit is TuneCore?
TuneCore is seen as a reliable option for independent artists to get their music out there, offering access to different streaming services with features and resources that make the cost well worth it. Their higher price compared to other companies has not stopped them from becoming a popular choice amongst musicians.
What types of services does TuneCore offer to independent artists?
TuneCore is designed to help independent artists get their music out there, providing them with distribution services as well as publishing administration and promotional resources. The ultimate aim is that the artist’s songs can be heard by a wider audience.

