Choosing the right music distributor is a key decision for independent artists. Two of the most popular options today are DistroKid and TuneCore. Both platforms help you get your music on Spotify, Apple Music, and many more streaming services. But which one gives you better value for your money, especially if you are just starting out? Let’s compare the main features, costs, and what makes each one unique.

Pricing: Distrokid Vs Tunecore

The first thing most artists look at is price. Here’s a quick look at the main costs:

DistroKid uses a yearly subscription. You pay once per year and can upload as much music as you want. TuneCore recently changed their model. Now, you also get unlimited releases for a yearly fee. However, TuneCore’s higher plans can get expensive if you want more features.

A hidden cost beginners often miss is the extra fees for services like YouTube monetization. For example, DistroKid charges an extra $4.95/year per song for this, while TuneCore includes it in higher plans.

Royalties And Payouts

Both platforms let you keep all your royalties. But there are small details to note:

• DistroKid: You get 100% of your earnings (after store fees). Payouts are fast and direct to PayPal or bank.
• TuneCore: Also offers 100% royalties, but some users report longer payout times.

If you’re planning to split earnings with band members, DistroKid’s “splits” feature is easier to use. TuneCore’s split payments are only in advanced plans.

Features And Tools

When it comes to tools, both offer what most beginners need:

• Distribution to all major stores (Spotify, Apple, Amazon, etc.)
• Pre-save links for fans
• Basic sales reports

But there are differences beginners might overlook:

TuneCore is better if you want to distribute music videos. DistroKid is simpler and more focused on audio.

Ease Of Use

DistroKid is famous for its fast and easy upload process. You can release a song in just a few minutes. TuneCore has more options on the dashboard, which can feel confusing for beginners.

One thing many artists don’t notice: DistroKid’s interface is minimal, but some advanced settings are hidden. TuneCore gives more control but takes time to learn.

Support And Help

Both platforms offer email support, but TuneCore has a phone support option for higher-level plans. DistroKid’s help center is large, but response times can vary.

A common mistake is not reading the FAQs of each service before signing up. This helps avoid problems later, like missing payment info or release delays.

Which One Is Better Value?

If you want simple, unlimited uploads for a low price, DistroKid is usually the best value for new artists. It’s very popular for a reason: you can release a lot of music with little hassle.

TuneCore is catching up with its new pricing. If you need extra features—like music video distribution or more detailed reports—TuneCore’s higher plans might be worth it.

Both are solid choices, but for most beginners, DistroKid offers the best mix of price, features, and ease of use.

For even more detail on music distribution, visit the Sound On Sound guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Distrokid Or Tunecore Better For Releasing Singles?

DistroKid is faster and cheaper for frequent single releases. TuneCore matches the value for singles only with its new unlimited plan.

Can I Switch My Music From Tunecore To Distrokid?

Yes, but you should first upload your music to DistroKid, then request your old distributor to take it down. This avoids gaps in streaming.

Do Distrokid And Tunecore Take A Percentage Of Royalties?

No, both let you keep 100% of your royalties after store fees.

Which Distributor Pays Faster?

DistroKid usually pays out faster, directly to PayPal or your bank. TuneCore can take a bit longer, especially for new users.

Which Is Better For Bands Or Groups?

DistroKid’s “splits” feature makes it easier to divide earnings among band members. TuneCore offers this only on higher-level plans.