TuneCore vs DistroKid: Best Music Distributor?

Are you an independent artist looking to release your music online? If so, you’ve probably come across TuneCore and DistroKid, two of the biggest players in the music distribution industry. But which platform is the best for you? Let’s compare TuneCore and DistroKid to determine the ultimate music distribution service.

Key Takeaways:

• TuneCore and DistroKid are top contenders in the music distribution industry.
• Both platforms offer distribution to major streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
• Cost and pricing plans vary between TuneCore and DistroKid.
• Extra features like Spotify pre-save landing pages and YouTube content ID tracking can enhance an artist’s music promotion efforts.
• Getting paid is straightforward, with both platforms offering artists 100% of their music royalties.

What Is Music Distribution?

Music distribution is the process of uploading mastered songs to various streaming services worldwide. As an artist, you want your music to reach as many listeners as possible, and that’s where music distributors come in. These distributors act as intermediaries between artists and streaming platforms, facilitating the release of music to a wide audience.

While platforms like YouTube and Soundcloud allow artists to upload directly, major streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music require the use of a music distributor to have your music available on their platforms. Music distribution platforms provide a seamless way for artists to distribute their music to multiple streaming services simultaneously, ensuring maximum exposure.

Music distribution platforms offer a range of additional features that can enhance an artist’s release strategy. For example, Spotify pre-save landing pages allow artists to create buzz and build anticipation for their upcoming releases. YouTube content ID tracking helps artists monetize their music by identifying and claiming their content when used in videos. Additionally, some distributors offer artwork design generators, enabling artists to create professional and eye-catching album covers.

Distribution

Both TuneCore and DistroKid provide comprehensive distribution services, ensuring that your music reaches a wide range of popular streaming platforms. Whether you want your music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon, Tidal, Deezer, TikTok, Instagram, or niche platforms like Qobuz, both platforms have you covered. They understand the importance of maximizing your music’s reach and offer distribution to various streaming services to help you connect with your audience.

TuneCore’s Distribution

TuneCore boasts an extensive list of streaming services that they distribute your music to. This list includes all the major players in the streaming industry along with niche platforms that cater to specific audiences. With TuneCore, you can be confident that your music will be available on all the essential platforms.

DistroKid’s Distribution

While TuneCore provides a clear list of streaming services they distribute to, DistroKid’s distribution is not as readily available or transparent. However, rest assured that DistroKid also distributes music to all major streaming platforms, allowing you to share your music with fans around the world. Although specific details about DistroKid’s distribution may not be explicitly outlined, it is safe to assume that they cover all the essential streaming services.

Overall, both TuneCore and DistroKid offer similar distribution capabilities. They understand the importance of making your music accessible to a broad audience and ensure that your songs are available on all the major streaming platforms.

Cost

When it comes to choosing a music distribution platform, cost is one of the key factors to consider. TuneCore and DistroKid offer different pricing plans with various features, catering to the diverse needs of independent artists.

TuneCore

TuneCore offers four pricing plans to accommodate artists at different stages of their careers. The New Artist Plan is a free option, making it an ideal choice for artists who are just starting out and want to test the waters. The Rising Artist Plan, priced at $14.99 per year, provides additional features and benefits for artists who are ready to take their music to the next level. The Breakout Artist Plan, available at $29.99 per year, offers even more features and support for artists who are gaining traction in the industry. Lastly, the Professional Plan, priced at $49.99 per year, is designed for established artists who require comprehensive tools and resources to maximize their music distribution efforts.

DistroKid

DistroKid offers three pricing plans, tailored to meet the different needs of artists. The Musician Plan is priced at $19.99 per year and is suitable for artists who want the basic distribution features at an affordable cost. The Musician Plus Plan, priced at $35.99 per year, includes additional features and benefits such as customizable release dates and the ability to split royalties between multiple contributors. The Label Plan, available at $79.99 per year, caters to record labels and artists who require more advanced features like multiple artist profiles and automatic YouTube Content ID.

Both TuneCore and DistroKid offer competitive pricing plans with a range of features. The choice of plan ultimately depends on the specific needs and goals of each artist. It’s essential to consider the features that are most important and align with individual artistic vision.

Both TuneCore and DistroKid provide a range of features and pricing options to cater to the needs of independent artists. Whether you’re just starting out or an established artist, there’s a plan that can accommodate your goals and budget. Take the time to evaluate your specific requirements and choose the platform that aligns with your artistic vision and career aspirations.

Extra Features

When it comes to music marketing, both TuneCore and DistroKid offer a range of extra features that can help independent artists promote their music and build a strong online presence. These features are designed to enhance an artist’s music promotion efforts and provide them with valuable tools for success.

Spotify Pre-Save Landing Pages

One of the key features that both TuneCore and DistroKid offer is the ability to create Spotify pre-save landing pages. These landing pages allow artists to generate excitement and anticipation for their upcoming releases by allowing fans to save their music to their Spotify libraries ahead of time. This helps to boost streaming numbers and increase overall visibility on the platform.

YouTube Content ID Tracking

In addition to Spotify pre-save landing pages, both platforms also provide YouTube content ID tracking. This feature allows artists to monitor and manage their music on YouTube, ensuring that they receive proper credit and royalties for any videos that use their music. This is especially important for artists who want to protect their intellectual property and ensure that their music is being used legally and fairly.

Artwork Design Generators

Creating eye-catching and professional artwork is crucial for attracting attention to an artist’s music. Both TuneCore and DistroKid offer artwork design generators that make it easy for artists to create high-quality album covers, single artwork, and social media graphics. These generators provide templates and customization options, allowing artists to showcase their creativity and make a memorable visual impact.

Video Generators

In today’s digital age, visual content is becoming increasingly important in music promotion. Both TuneCore and DistroKid recognize this and offer video generators that allow artists to create engaging music videos without the need for extensive video editing skills. These generators provide templates and customization options, enabling artists to tell their story and capture their audience’s attention through visual storytelling.

Overall, the extra features offered by TuneCore and DistroKid are valuable tools for artists looking to enhance their music promotion efforts. Whether it’s creating Spotify pre-save landing pages, tracking music on YouTube, designing artwork, or creating videos, both platforms provide essential resources to help artists succeed in today’s competitive music industry.

Getting Paid

When it comes to getting paid for your music, both TuneCore and DistroKid offer artists a fair and favorable deal. With these platforms, artists receive 100% of their music royalties, ensuring that they get the full amount of revenue generated by their music.

This is a significant advantage compared to other distributors like CD Baby, which may take a cut of music royalties in exchange for free distribution.

By partnering with TuneCore or DistroKid, independent artists can maximize their earnings from streaming platforms. This means more money in their pockets and the ability to invest in their music careers.

“With TuneCore and DistroKid, you can rest assured that every penny you earn from your music will go straight to you.”

Getting paid fairly is a top priority for artists, and both TuneCore and DistroKid understand and value that commitment.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the differences in customer service between these two platforms in the next section.

Customer Service

When evaluating music distribution platforms, customer service is an essential factor to consider. Both TuneCore and DistroKid have different approaches to supporting their users, each with its strengths and limitations.

TuneCore offers customer support to assist artists with any questions or concerns they may have. However, it’s important to note that the response time for inquiries can take up to 1 business day. While this may not be ideal for those seeking immediate assistance, TuneCore aims to address customer needs as efficiently as possible.

DistroKid, on the other hand, uses an automated customer support system. While this system can provide quick and efficient responses, reaching a human representative may be more challenging. Despite this, the average response time for inquiries is generally faster, usually within 3 business days.

Ultimately, the choice between TuneCore and DistroKid in terms of customer service will depend on an artist’s individual support needs and preferences. It’s important to consider the level of assistance required and the desired response time when selecting a music distribution platform.

Comparison of Speed and Features

When considering the choice between DistroKid and TuneCore for music distribution, two important factors to consider are the speed at which your music appears on streaming platforms and the range of features offered by each platform. Let’s take a closer look at how DistroKid and TuneCore compare in terms of speed and features.

Speed

DistroKid is renowned for its fast distribution speed. In most cases, music uploaded to DistroKid is available on streaming platforms within 2-5 days, allowing artists to quickly reach their audience and start monetizing their music. On the other hand, TuneCore distribution typically takes slightly longer, with music appearing on streaming platforms within 6-8 days. While both platforms offer relatively fast distribution, DistroKid has the edge when it comes to speed.

Features

When it comes to features, DistroKid offers a broader range compared to TuneCore. In addition to its distribution capabilities, DistroKid provides additional services like VEVO video distribution, built-in mastering services, and marketing tools like Hyperfollow. These features can help artists enhance their online presence and promote their music effectively. On the other hand, TuneCore focuses on affordability and offers features like YouTube Content ID, which helps protect artists’ music rights, and personalized customer support. While TuneCore may not have as extensive a range of features as DistroKid, it caters to artists who prioritize budget-friendly options and dedicated support.

Considering both speed and features, DistroKid offers a faster distribution process and a wider range of additional services, making it an attractive choice for artists looking for efficient distribution and comprehensive features. However, TuneCore’s emphasis on affordability and personalized customer support may be appealing to artists with specific needs and preferences.

In the following table, you can find a comprehensive overview of the speed and features offered by DistroKid and TuneCore:

As seen in the table, DistroKid offers faster distribution speed and a more extensive range of features compared to TuneCore. However, artists should carefully consider their specific needs and priorities before making a decision, as TuneCore may still be a valuable option for those seeking affordability and dedicated support. Ultimately, the choice between DistroKid and TuneCore depends on an artist’s individual requirements and preferences.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between TuneCore and DistroKid as music distribution services, it’s important to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each platform. TuneCore offers affordable pricing plans and personalized customer support, making it an excellent choice for independent artists on a budget. On the other hand, DistroKid shines in terms of speed and offers additional features like VEVO video distribution and built-in mastering services. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the specific needs and preferences of the individual artist.

For independent artists seeking an affordable option with dedicated customer support, TuneCore is the ideal choice. With its range of pricing plans, artists can find the perfect fit for their budget. Moreover, TuneCore’s personalized customer support ensures that artists receive the assistance they need throughout the distribution process.

Meanwhile, DistroKid stands out for its fast distribution speed, getting music onto streaming platforms in just 2-5 days. The platform also offers additional features like VEVO video distribution and built-in mastering services, providing artists with comprehensive tools to enhance their music release and promotion strategies.

Ultimately, independent artists must carefully consider their specific requirements and preferences when deciding between TuneCore and DistroKid. Both platforms are reputable music distribution services that cater to the needs of independent artists. By evaluating factors such as pricing, features, distribution capabilities, and customer support, artists can make an informed choice that aligns with their goals and aspirations.

Try DistroKid Here

If you’re interested in expanding your music’s reach and getting it on all major streaming platforms, consider signing up for DistroKid, a leading music distribution service. By using the provided link, you can sign up and enjoy a special offer—a 7.5% discount on the annual fee. Plus, when you sign up through this link, the author of this article will receive a small commission, helping support their work.

DistroKid is a popular choice among independent artists, offering a seamless and efficient platform for distributing music to a global audience. With DistroKid, you can easily upload and release your tracks on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon, and numerous other streaming services. The platform’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive distribution capabilities make it an excellent choice for musicians looking to share their art with the world.

Signing up with DistroKid also comes with additional benefits, including fast distribution times and the ability to retain 100% of your music royalties. With DistroKid, you’ll receive timely payments for your music streams and have full control over your earnings. The platform also offers features such as Hyperfollow, which helps you market and promote your music effectively on social media.

Take advantage of this exclusive discount and give DistroKid a try. Join the community of artists who trust DistroKid to distribute their music to a wide audience. Sign up now and start sharing your music with the world!

Try TuneCore Here

If you’re looking for a reputable and reliable music distribution service, TuneCore is an excellent choice. With a wide range of pricing plans and features tailored to independent artists, TuneCore makes it easy to get your music out to the world.

By signing up through the provided link, you’ll gain access to an exclusive offer: a 20% discount on the annual fee. This discount not only saves you money but also gives you the opportunity to maximize your earnings from your music.

TuneCore’s music distribution service is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive platform. Their easy-to-use dashboard allows you to upload your music, track sales and streaming data, and collect your royalties seamlessly.

With TuneCore, your music will be distributed to all major streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and more. This broad reach ensures that your music can reach a global audience and gain the recognition it deserves.

In addition to distribution, TuneCore offers a range of value-added features to support your music career. These include YouTube Content ID, which helps you monetize your music on YouTube, and personalized customer support to address any questions or concerns you may have along the way.

So, if you’re an independent artist ready to take your music to the next level, sign up for TuneCore today using the link provided and enjoy the benefits of their top-notch music distribution service.

Why Choose TuneCore?

• Access to a global network of streaming services
• 20% discount on the annual fee when you sign up using the provided link
• User-friendly dashboard for easy music upload and tracking
• Comprehensive support for artists, including personalized customer service
• Additional features like YouTube Content ID for monetizing your music

Final Thoughts

In the comparison between TuneCore and DistroKid, it’s important to remember that the decision ultimately comes down to an artist’s individual needs and preferences. Both platforms are highly reputable and trusted music distribution services, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

When considering which platform to choose, artists should carefully evaluate factors such as pricing, features, distribution capabilities, and customer support. It’s essential to find a service that aligns with the specific requirements of the artist, as well as their budget and long-term goals.

Regardless of the chosen platform, the paramount focus for artists should always be on creating and releasing their music. The distribution process is just a means to an end. Both TuneCore and DistroKid offer reliable and efficient services that can help artists reach a broader audience and maximize their potential.

In conclusion, whether an artist opts for TuneCore or DistroKid, what matters most is their dedication to their craft and their commitment to sharing their music with the world. It’s the artist’s unique voice and passion that shines through, regardless of the platform they choose for music distribution.

Source Links

• https://www.charlescleyn.com/blog/tunecore-vs-distrokid
• https://twostorymelody.com/distrokid-vs-tunecore/
• https://www.quora.com/As-an-independent-artist-looking-for-the-right-music-distribution-company-to-work-with-please-between-these-two-companies-which-one-do-you-advise-me-to-use-for-my-music-distribution-TuneCore-or-DistroKid