TuneCore Review, Royalties, and How to Distribute Your Song on It
Introduction
If you are an independent artist looking to get your music on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Amazon Music, then TuneCore is one of the best music distribution services to consider. For years, TuneCore has helped musicians worldwide distribute their songs, collect royalties, and maintain full ownership of their music rights.
In this article, we will provide a detailed TuneCore review, explain how its royalty system works, and guide you step-by-step on how to distribute your song on TuneCore. Whether you are an upcoming artist or an established musician, this guide will help you decide if TuneCore is the right distribution platform for you.
Best Song Distribution Platforms for Independent Artists
What is TuneCore?
TuneCore is a digital music distribution company that allows artists to upload their songs and distribute them to over 150 digital stores and streaming platforms worldwide. Unlike traditional record labels, TuneCore does not take ownership of your music or a percentage of your royalties. Instead, it charges a fee for distribution and gives you 100% of your earnings.
Some key facts about TuneCore:
• Founded in 2005.
• Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York.
• Distributes to major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, TikTok, YouTube Music, and more.
• Offers publishing administration to collect royalties globally.
⸻
TuneCore Review: Pros and Cons
✅ Pros of TuneCore
1. 100% Royalties – Artists keep all the money they earn.
2. Wide Distribution – Over 150+ streaming platforms and stores.
3. Global Reach – Perfect for international exposure.
4. Flexible Pricing – Free plan for beginners (Social Platforms only).
5. Publishing Administration – Helps artists collect publishing royalties worldwide.
❌ Cons of TuneCore
1. Annual Fees – Distribution to stores requires yearly payments.
2. Extra Charges – Some features like publishing administration require additional costs.
3. Competition – Other distributors like DistroKid and CD Baby offer cheaper alternatives for some artists.
⸻
TuneCore Royalties Explained
One of the biggest concerns for artists is how much money they will make from streaming and sales. TuneCore has a straightforward royalty system:
• Artists keep 100% of their royalties from sales and streams.
• Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music pay TuneCore.
• TuneCore then deposits the money directly into your account.
How TuneCore Royalties Work:
1. Your song streams on Spotify (or sells on iTunes).
2. Spotify pays TuneCore based on the number of streams.
3. TuneCore credits your account with 100% of that money.
4. You can withdraw your earnings via Payoneer, bank transfer, or PayPal.
💡 Example:
• If Spotify pays $0.003 per stream and your song gets 100,000 streams, you earn about $300. TuneCore will give you the full $300.
⸻
TuneCore Pricing & Distribution Plans
TuneCore has recently updated its pricing to be more competitive.
1. Free Plan (New Artists)
• Distributes to social media platforms only (TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram).
• Good for beginners.
• No upfront cost.
2. Rising Artist Plan ($14.99/year)
• Unlimited releases to all stores.
• Access to official Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists.
3. Breakout Artist Plan ($29.99/year)
• Includes everything in Rising Artist.
• Priority support.
• Exclusive features for growing artists.
4. Professional Plan ($49.99/year)
• Best for established artists.
• Unlimited releases, advanced reports, and multiple artist profiles.
TuneCore Review, Royalties, and How to Distribute Your Song on It
How to Distribute Your Song on TuneCore (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Create a TuneCore Account
• Go to TuneCore website.
• Sign up with your email address.
• Choose a pricing plan (Free, Rising, Breakout, or Professional).
Step 2: Upload Your Song
• Click “Add New Release.”
• Choose whether you are uploading a single, EP, or album.
• Upload your audio file (WAV or FLAC recommended).
Step 3: Add Metadata
• Enter your song title, artist name, genre, and release date.
• Upload your cover art (minimum 3000 x 3000 pixels, JPG or PNG).
• Add songwriter and producer credits.
Step 4: Select Stores & Platforms
• Choose which stores you want your song distributed to (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, TikTok, etc.).
• TuneCore automatically sends your song to those platforms.
Step 5: Pay and Submit
• Review your release details.
• Pay the distribution fee (if not on the free plan).
• Submit your release.
Step 6: Collect Royalties
• Once your song goes live, TuneCore will track streams and downloads.
• Your earnings will appear in your TuneCore dashboard.
• Withdraw anytime via Payoneer, PayPal, or direct deposit.
If you want publishing + 100% royalties, TuneCore is one of the best choices.
⸻
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does TuneCore take a percentage of my royalties?
No. You keep 100% of your earnings.
2. How long does it take for a song to go live on Spotify via TuneCore?
Usually 1–3 business days.
3. Can I use TuneCore if I’m in Nigeria, Ghana, or other African countries?
Yes. TuneCore is available worldwide. Payments can be withdrawn via Payoneer, PayPal, or bank transfer.
4. Do I need a record label to use TuneCore?
No. TuneCore is designed for independent artists who want full control over their music.
⸻
Final Verdict: Is TuneCore Worth It?
If you are an independent artist who wants global distribution, 100% royalties, and full ownership of your music, TuneCore is an excellent choice. While it may not be the cheapest option, the fact that you keep all your earnings makes it worth the investment.
For beginners, the free plan is a great way to test the platform by distributing songs to social media. As you grow, upgrading to the Rising Artist or Professional plan will help you reach more fans and maximize your royalties.
👉 Final Tip: Always release consistently, promote your songs on social media, and track your royalties to grow your music career with TuneCore.
