Jeff Price (Founder of TuneCore) resigned and left a review praising its competitor DistroKid's unmatched service as a distribution platform. So we determine if his review is an outburst after getting kicked out or if he believes TuneCore has its best years behind. 

Here is our review of the TuneCore digital music distribution.

 

Our Honest TuneCore Review

 

Things we like

1. Digital distribution is easy
2. The annual fee structure is crystal clear
3. 150+ major stores included for distribution
4. Best reputation in the industry for over a decade

Things we don’t like

1. The entry fee is high for some musicians
2. The platform isn't user-friendly, with a long uploading duration
3. TuneCore’s customer service team is not quick.

TuneCore music distribution partner is an excellent option for independent musicians who want to keep all their rights and music royalties, release music to over 200 digital music stores and streaming services, and don’t mind paying a small fee per release. However, it’s essential to be aware of the limitations of the TuneCore distribution service.

How does TuneCore work?

TuneCore is a music distribution service that helps musicians get their music into the hands of fans. The company offers an affordable and easy way for artists to distribute their music worldwide without signing up with a major label. In addition to distribution, TuneCore also provides artists with tools and resources to help them build their careers in music.

How to get started with TuneCore

• The first thing you need to do is create an account and upload your music. 
• Next, you'll need to set up your artist profile and select the format(s) you want to distribute your music. 
• Once you've done that, TuneCore will provide you with a list of digital music stores compatible with your selected format(s). 
• Finally, you'll need to choose a price for your music and complete the checkout process. 
• Once everything is finalized, your music will be available for purchase in all selected digital music stores. Congratulations - you're now a self-published musician!

Pros - TuneCore 

• You keep all your rights and royalties: When you distribute your music through TuneCore, you keep all your rights and royalties. You’ll receive 100% of the proceeds from your sales, and we’ll never take a cut. Plus, you can keep your music on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
• Distribution to over 200 digital music stores and streaming services: TuneCore distributes your music to over 200 digital music stores and streaming services, giving you more exposure and the potential to make more money.
• Free tier for music distribution on social media: TuneCore does not charge for music distribution on social media. It only takes 20% of the earnings from there.
• No yearly fees: TuneCore doesn’t charge any annual fee, so you can keep your music online as long as you want. There are no minimums or set-up fees, so it’s an excellent option for artists.
• Affordable pricing: TuneCore is also very affordable, with pricing options starting at just $9.99 per release. This makes it an affordable option for artists of all levels.
• Fast, easy setup: TuneCore is fast and easy to set up. You can have your music online in just a few minutes. Simply create an account, upload your music, and choose the stores and streaming services you want to distribute to. It’s that easy!

Cons - TuneCore 

• Limited distribution to certain stores: TuneCore Music Distribution service has a limited distribution to specific stores, which could impact an artist's exposure and sales.

No physical distribution

You will be charged for producing more music: TuneCore charges per album.

• Fees for add-ons like radio promotion or music video production: Fees for add-ons like radio promotion or music video production can range from $49 to $499, depending on the service. While these services can help promote your music, they’re not necessary to distribute it through TuneCore.
• No free trial: TuneCore does not offer a free trial, so you’ll need to decide if it’s the right fit for you before signing up.
• Not available in all countries: TuneCore is not available in all countries, so check their list of supported countries before signing up.

TuneCore Fan Reviews

Since its inception in 2005, TuneCore has helped independent artists distribute their music to a global audience. And while the company has received its share of criticism, most TuneCore fan reviews are positive.

In a review of TuneCore, one artist said, "TuneCore is the best way to get your music on all the major digital music stores. It's easy to use, and it's very affordable."

Another artist said, "TuneCore is a great way to get your music out there without signing a record deal. And you keep 100% of the royalties."

If you're an indie artist looking for a way to distribute your music, then TuneCore is worth considering. However, keep in mind that there is a yearly fee of $49.99, and you'll need to purchase ISBNs for each album that you distribute. Overall, though, TuneCore is an excellent option for many artists.

TuneCore Rewards Program

TuneCore's rewards program is an excellent way for artists to earn rewards and discounts on their music distribution. You can earn rewards by referring friends to TuneCore, uploading new music, and rating and reviewing songs. You can also redeem your rewards for discounts on future music distributions and merchandise from the TuneCore store.

TuneCore and Google Play

Since its inception in 2005, TuneCore has been distribution partners with Google Play for music distribution. This partnership allows many artists to sell their music on Google Play, and it gives them access to the millions of users who use Google Play to listen to music. 

Dos and Don’ts of Using TuneCore

There are a few things to keep in mind when using TuneCore to make sure that you get the most out of the service:

Do:

1. Choose the right subscription plan for your needs. For example, if you only need to distribute one album, the Basic Plan is all you need. However, if you plan to release multiple albums or need more features, then the Pro Plan might be a better option for you.
2. Upload high-quality music. The audio quality of your music will affect how it sounds on streaming platforms and digital stores. So make sure to upload the highest quality audio files possible.
3. Add cover art and metadata. Cover art and metadata help your music stand out. So be sure to add engaging cover art and accurate metadata to your releases.
4. Use TuneCore Social to promote your music. TuneCore Social is a free service that allows you to share your music with your fans on social media. In addition, use it to promote your upcoming shows, new music, and other news and updates about your career.
5. Sign up for a TuneCore Publishing account if you want to collect royalties from your compositions worldwide. TuneCore Publishing offers a royalty calculator and support for registering copyrights and collecting royalties.

Don’t:

1. Don't upload music that you do not own the rights to. This includes covers and remixes of other artists' songs.
2. Don't forget to sign up for a TuneCore Publishing account if you want to collect royalties from your compositions worldwide.
3. Don't forget to add your social media links to your TuneCore profile so fans can connect with you online.

TuneCore is a digital music distribution service that allows artists to sell their music on major streaming platforms and digital stores. The service is simple to use, and it offers a variety of features that can be beneficial for artists of all levels. TuneCore is a reliable distributor, and it has a wide range of options for artists to choose from.

Tunecore Music Distribution - FAQs 

Which digital music distributor is the best?

The digital music landscape is constantly shifting, with new entrants and services popping up. So which is the best digital music distributor?

There are a few things to consider when answering this question. Firstly, do you prefer a store with a massive catalog or one with a more curated selection? Secondly, what kind of user experience do you prefer? And finally, how important are features like high-quality audio and music discovery to you?

With those factors in mind, here are our picks for the ten best digital music distributors:

DistroKid

DistroKid is an excellent option for solo artists who want to keep 100% of their royalties. There's no monthly fee, and you can upload an unlimited number of tracks. You also get a personal URL to promote your music and can sell your tracks on powerful platforms like iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

CD Baby

CD Baby is one of the largest and most well-established digital music distributors. They have a massive catalog of over 9 million tracks and can get your music onto all major platforms. There's a $49 yearly fee, but you keep 100% of your royalties.

TuneCore

TuneCore is another popular digital music distributor, with over 150,000 artists using their service. They have a flat-rate pricing model, so you know exactly how much you'll pay upfront. You also get to keep 100% of your royalties and can sell your music on all major platforms.

Landr

Landr is a digital music distributor that offers automatic mastering of your tracks. This can be a great time-saver if you're not an audio engineer yourself. Landr also has a flat-rate pricing model, and you can sell your music on all major platforms. One downside is that you only get to keep 85% of your royalties.

Ditto Music

Ditto Music is a great option for independent artists, with plans starting at just $19 per year. You get to keep 100% of your royalties, and can sell your music on all major platforms. Ditto Music also has a wide range of promotional tools to help you grow your fanbase.

ReverbNation

ReverbNation is a digital music distributor with a focus on helping independent artists grow their careers. They offer a range of marketing and promotional tools, as well as music distribution. ReverbNation has a tiered pricing model, with the highest tier giving you 100% of your royalties.

Amuse

Amuse is a digital music distributor that's specifically geared towards independent artists. There's no upfront cost, and you can keep 100% of your royalties. You also get a personal URL to promote your music, and can sell your tracks on major platforms like iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

AWAL

AWAL is a digital music distributor owned by Kobalt, a major music publisher. They have a catalog of over 2 million tracks, and can get your music onto all major platforms. You keep 100% of your royalties, and there's no monthly fee. However, there is a $75 setup fee.

Record Union

Record Union is a digital music distributor with a focus on independent artists. They offer a range of marketing and promotional tools, as well as music distribution. Record Union has a tiered pricing model, with the highest tier giving you 100% of your royalties.

United Masters

United Masters is a digital music distributor backed by major record label Universal Music Group. They have a catalog of over 2 million tracks, and can get your music onto all major platforms. You keep 100% of your royalties, and there's no monthly fee. However, there is a $75 setup fee.

These are just a few of the many digital music distributors and streaming services available. So if you're looking to get your music out there, explore all of your options and choose the one that's right for you.

TuneCore FAQs

How much does TuneCore cost?

TuneCore has two subscription plans: the Basic Plan and the Pro Plan. The Basic Plan costs $9.99 per year, and it allows you to distribute one album or single. The Pro Plan costs $29.99 per year, and it allows you to distribute an unlimited number of albums or singles. There is also a one-time fee of $49.99 for UPC/EAN barcodes.

What are the benefits of using TuneCore?

There are many benefits of using TuneCore, including:

-You keep 100% of your royalties

-You have complete control over your music

-Your music is available on major streaming platforms and digital stores

-You can track your sales and streaming data in real-time

-TuneCore has a wide range of options for artists to choose from.

Can I make money with TuneCore?

Yes, you can make money with TuneCore. You will earn royalties from your music sales, and you can also sign up for a TuneCore Publishing account to collect royalties from your compositions worldwide.

What are the requirements for using TuneCore?

To use TuneCore, you must have:

-High-quality audio files of your songs

-Engaging cover art for your releases

-Accurate metadata for your releases

-A credit card or PayPal account to pay the yearly subscription

How do I sign up for TuneCore?

You can sign up for TuneCore by creating an account on the TuneCore website. You will need to provide your email address, password, and country of residence. After you create your account, you will be able to log in and start using the service.

Can I have access to my music record label if I leave TuneCore?

Yes. You will always have access to your music, no matter what happens with TuneCore. You can download your music at any time, and you can also choose to leave TuneCore and take your music with you. It’s one of the many benefits TuneCore provides you.

What if I don't want to use TuneCore anymore?

You can cancel your subscription at any time, and you will not be charged for future months. However, you will not be refunded for any previous charges.

I'm having trouble with TuneCore. Who can I contact?

You can contact TuneCore support by clicking the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of the TuneCore website.

TuneCore rejected my song. Why?

There are a few reasons why your song may have been rejected by TuneCore, including:

• The audio quality of your song is poor 
• Your song contains explicit content
• Your song is longer than 10 minutes
• Your song is shorter than 30 seconds
• You do not have the right to distribute the song.

What is the refund policy on TuneCore?

There is a no refund policy on TuneCore. All sales are final.

What is the customer service contact for TuneCore?

The customer service contact for TuneCore is their "Contact Us" page, which can be found at the bottom of the TuneCore website. You can also find a link to this page in the "Help" section.

Is TuneCore the best among music distribution companies?

There are a few things to consider when deciding if TuneCore is a good distributor for you. 

First, TuneCore only distributes music to online stores like iTunes and Spotify. So if you're looking for a way to get your music onto physical formats like CDs or vinyl, TuneCore isn't the right choice for you. 

TuneCore is a good choice for independent musicians who want to get their music onto 150+ digital music stores and have no concerns about the high fee or uploads spanning up to 2 days.

How much does TuneCore pay for 1000 streams?

TuneCore pays artists $0.01 per stream, so that you would earn $0.01 for every 1000 streams of your song. 

That may not seem like much, but those royalties can add up quickly if you have many songs getting played a lot. 

Does TuneCore promote your music?

Under the Aspire Program, TuneCore gives you the ability to get your music on popular streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music and digital stores like iTunes. TuneCore will distribute music for a monthly fee and promote your music on social media and help you get more fans. The Aspire Program is a good choice for musicians who want song uploads and marketing at the same place.

TuneCore has over 200,000 artists in its catalog. TuneCore offers both digital and physical releases of an artist's music. In 2018, TuneCore distributed over 1 billion songs and generated over $200 million in revenue for its artists.

What is the catch with TuneCore?

You can pay $29.99 for your album to go live for the first year. After that, the annual distribution fee increases to $49.99. TuneCore also takes 15% of your album publishing fee and 20% from your sync licensing.

So, for example, if a TV show wants to use one of your songs and pays you $5000 for it, TuneCore will keep $1000 of that. TuneCore is among the well-known digital music distributors in the music industry, so you might find the fee justifiable.

What percentage does TuneCore take from your music sales?

TuneCore takes 0% of your earnings from music sales. All music sales earnings are transferred directly to your account when streaming or downloading begins. TuneCore is one of the most generous music distributors in this regard.

However, TuneCore will take 20% of your earnings from music distributed through social media.

Which famous artists use TuneCore?

Some famous artists from the music industry who have used TuneCore in the past include Drake, Jay-Z, Keith Richards, and more. TuneCore is a popular music distributor for both major labels and solo artists.

TuneCore Vs Distrokid?

TuneCore and DistroKid are popular music distributors, but they offer different services. TuneCore only distributes music to digital stores, while DistroKid also offers physical distribution. In addition, both TuneCore and DistroKid offer marketing services, but TuneCore charges more per year per album. They also distribute cover songs and sound recording.

DistroKid offers unlimited distribution for just $19.99 annually. For TuneCore, it's $29.99 per album for the first year and $49.99 for the subsequent years. So if you're looking for a more affordable music distributor, DistroKid is the way to go.

TuneCore offers a team of artists to support you, from preparing your music to promoting it. DistroKid doesn’t offer this service. Also, TuneCore partners with 150+ other distributors to widen the exposure for new releases. 

New musicians or experienced ones new to online music distribution services would greatly benefit from TuneCore.

TuneCore versus CD Baby?

TuneCore seems to be better than CD baby in the following ways:

1. First, TuneCore allows artists to enjoy all of their sales revenue from digital performance royalties, but CD Baby charges 9% of the revenue earned from every artist.
2. TuneCore pays up to 85% of the artists' sync licenses, but CD Baby pays up to 60% only.
3. TuneCore also offers a Publishing Administration service that can help you collect royalties from your compositions worldwide, while CD Baby only offers this service in U.S and Canada.
4. TuneCore distributes to online music distribution platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon music, etc., therefore providing independent musicians a boost in their music career debut.
5. TuneCore offers artist services like cover song licensing, music publishing, CD duplication, unlimited distribution, distributing music to social media platforms, streaming sites, and other services.
6. TuneCore takes 20% of the revenue earned from social sites with zero subscription fee. CD Baby takes 30% of the revenue from YouTube monetization. 

Does TuneCore copyright your music?

TuneCore does not copyright your music. However, by distributing your music through TuneCore, you give TuneCore the right to sell and distribute your music worldwide.

When TuneCore users upload their music to TuneCore, you will be asked to agree to the TuneCore Artist Agreement. This agreement grants TuneCore the exclusive right to distribute your music. However, you will still retain all rights to your music, and you can terminate the agreement.

How long does TuneCore take to upload?

TuneCore’s upload process takes up to 48 hours to upload your music. Once your music is live, it will be available on all major streaming platforms and online stores. TuneCore is a reliable distributor, so you can expect your music to be live within 48 hours.

For Apple Music, TuneCore takes five business days to upload.

How long does TuneCore take to distribute on Spotify?

It can take up to 5 working days for TuneCore to distribute your music on Spotify. However, once your music is live, it will be available on all major streaming platforms and digital stores.

Is TuneCore compatible with Amazon music?

Yes, TuneCore is compatible with Amazon music. You can distribute your music to Amazon music through TuneCore.

Amazon is a vital music distributor because it has a large audience of listeners. Amazon Music has over 50 million listeners, making it one of the most extensive music streaming services globally. This makes it a valuable platform for most artists to distribute their music. 

TuneCore usually takes about 24 hours to upload music to Amazon music.

What is TuneCore Social?

TuneCore Social is a tool that allows artists to share their music with their fans on social media. It is a free service that allows artists to post up to three songs per day, and it includes a built-in player that allows fans to listen to the songs right on the page. Artists can also use TuneCore Social to promote their upcoming shows and share news and updates about their careers.

What is TuneCore Publishing?

TuneCore Publishing is a service that helps artists collect royalties from their compositions worldwide. The service includes a royalty calculator, and it provides support for registering copyrights and collecting royalties. TuneCore Publishing also offers a sync licensing service, allowing artists to license their music in television, film, and advertising.

How can I gain access to my deleted TuneCore account?

Filling out the TuneCore customer service form is the only way to access a deleted TuneCore account.

What are some tips for using TuneCore?

Here are some tips for using TuneCore:

1. Make sure your audio files are of high quality
2. Create engaging cover art for your releases
3. Fill out all the metadata fields accurately
4. Pay attention to the requirements for each streaming platform
5. Track your sales and streaming data in real time.

Can I upload multiple songs on TuneCore?

To upload more than one song on TuneCore, you must create a release for each song. This can be done by following these steps:

1. Log in to your TuneCore account and click the "Create a Release" button.
2. Select the album or single that you want to release.
3. Enter your song's title, artist name, and release date.
4. Select the format of your song (MP3, WAV, or AAC).
5. Upload your audio files and cover art.
6. Enter the metadata for your song.
7. Click the "Create Release" button.

Can you split royalties on TuneCore?

Yes, you can split royalties with other artists on TuneCore. To do so, simply go to your Account Settings and click on the "Royalties" tab. You'll be able to enter the percentage of royalties that you want to split with each artist.

Does TuneCore pay every month?

After each calendar quarter, TuneCore pays you within 45 days. So, for example, if you are to be paid for your music sales from January to February, you will receive your payment in the middle of May. TuneCore is a reliable music distributor, so you can expect to receive your payments on time each quarter. It also depends on how much traction your music holds - higher traction means higher earnings.

Final word - TuneCore review

TuneCore provides a stellar digital distribution service with options for new musicians to promote their work in a large niche marketplace. If you are new in the music industry and want to boost your music career through social media, TuneCore makes it accessible.

However, TuneCore is not affordable and doesn’t provide instant uploading facilities. So you might find its competitors to be more appealing in this case.