As an independent artist, choosing the right music distribution platform can be a challenging decision. ๐ต Today, weโll be comparing two popular platforms, Distrokid and TuneCore, to help you make the best choice for your music career. Weโll cover features, pricing, royalties, and more. And, while weโll strive to be as unbiased as possible, weโll also share why we think Distrokid could be the better option. ๐
Features ๐
When it comes to features, both Distrokid and TuneCore offer a solid suite of services to help you get your music out there. However, there are some notable differences:
Distrokid:
- Unlimited song uploads ๐
- Fast, reliable distribution to major streaming platforms, like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal ๐ง
- Collaborator revenue splitting ๐ธ
- YouTube Content ID (for an extra fee) ๐ฅ
TuneCore:
- Distribution to major streaming platforms
- Music publishing services, including song registration and royalty collection ๐
- YouTube Content ID (for an extra fee)
One of the key benefits of Distrokid is its unlimited song uploads, which means you can release as much music as youโd like without worrying about additional costs. ๐ This makes it an attractive option for artists who are constantly producing new music.
Pricing ๐ฐ
Pricing is a crucial factor for many independent artists, and this is where Distrokid shines:
Distrokid:
- $19.99 per year for unlimited song uploads ๐
- Optional add-ons for additional features (e.g., YouTube Content ID)
TuneCore:
- $29.99 for the first year, then $49.99/year for album distribution ๐
- $9.99 per single
- Optional add-ons for additional features
As you can see, Distrokid offers a more affordable option for artists, with a flat annual fee that includes unlimited uploads. TuneCore, on the other hand, charges per single or album, which can quickly add up if you release music frequently.
Royalties ๐ต
When it comes to royalties, both platforms offer a 100% payout to the artist. This means youโll keep every penny you earn from your music. However, there are some differences in royalty collection:
Distrokid:
- Collects and distributes royalties from streaming services ๐
- No extra fee for global royalty collection
TuneCore:
- Collects and distributes royalties from streaming services
- Offers additional publishing services for an extra fee, including mechanical and performance royalties ๐
While TuneCore provides additional publishing services, many independent artists may not need these features. Distrokidโs straightforward royalty collection makes it a more streamlined option. ๐
Conclusion ๐ค
Overall, both Distrokid and TuneCore have their merits. However, we believe Distrokid offers a more attractive package for independent artists due to its unlimited song uploads, lower pricing, and simplicity in royalty collection. ๐
Of course, the best choice for you depends on your unique needs as an artist. We recommend carefully considering the features and pricing of each platform before making a decision.

And as a special bonus, we have a discount link for our readers. Click this link to receive a 7% discount on your Distrokid subscription. Donโt miss out on this exclusive offer to save on your music distribution costs. ๐ฐ๐
Remember, your music deserves to be heard. Choose the right platform and watch your career soar! ๐๐ถ