TuneCore is a long-established music distributor, owned by Believe, that sends your releases to more than 150 stores and streaming services. It now offers unlimited yearly plans, and you keep 100% of streaming and download royalties on all of them. Its main difference from rivals is publishing administration, which collects songwriter royalties for an extra fee.
At a glance
| What it is | Music distributor with yearly plans |
| Rising Artist | $24.99 a year |
| Breakout Artist | $44.99 a year |
| Professional | $54.99 a year |
| Royalties | 100% of streaming and download revenue |
| Social and UGC | 20% fee on social monetization |
How it works
You choose a plan, upload your releases and pick your stores. TuneCore delivers your music and collects royalties into your account. You can also add publishing administration, where TuneCore registers your songs and collects songwriter royalties worldwide.
What it costs
As of mid-2026, TuneCore’s unlimited plans cost $24.99, $44.99 and $54.99 a year. Pay-per-release options also exist. Publishing administration is a separate service, reported at a one-time $75 per songwriter plus 20% of what it collects.
What you earn
You keep 100% of royalties from streaming services and stores. TuneCore takes 20% of revenue from social and user-generated content platforms such as YouTube Content ID and TikTok monetization.
Keeping your music online
Like most subscription distributors, TuneCore needs your plan renewed to keep releases live. Set renewals to automatic if you want your catalog to stay up.
Getting started
Pick the plan that matches the number of artist names and features you need. If you write your own songs, consider publishing administration, since songwriter royalties are often left uncollected.
Common mistakes
Some artists let their plan lapse and lose releases. Others ignore publishing royalties entirely. A third mistake is expecting 100% of social platform income, which carries a 20% fee.
Publishing royalties explained
Every song earns two kinds of royalties: master royalties for the recording and publishing royalties for the composition. Distributors pay the first. Publishing administration collects the second from collecting societies around the world, which many independent songwriters never claim.
Keeping track
TuneCore’s reports show earnings by store, country and release. Compare your social platform income with streaming income, since the 20% fee applies only to the former.
Is it worth it?
For songwriters who want publishing collected too, yes. For artists who only need distribution, it’s a solid option to compare with DistroKid on price.
Before you upload
Prepare mastered audio, artwork and correct credits, including songwriter names, which matter for publishing.
Release strategy
With unlimited releases, you can release singles regularly. Pitch each one to Spotify’s editors before release and use pre-save links to build momentum.
Choosing a plan
Start with the Rising Artist plan unless you need extra artist names or features. You can upgrade later as your releases and team grow.
Collecting everything
Register your songs with a performing rights organization as well, since that collects performance royalties that distributors don’t.
Owen’s take
TuneCore is a strong choice for songwriters who want distribution and publishing under one roof. If you only need distribution, compare it closely with DistroKid on price and features.
Who it suits
It suits songwriters and artists who want publishing collection alongside distribution. It suits less well artists who release once and don’t want a subscription.
Similar options
- DistroKid offers unlimited uploads from $24.99 a year.
- CD Baby charges once per release.
- Amuse has low yearly plans.
- Bandcamp lets you sell directly to fans.
More options are in Music & Audio.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 100% of streaming royalties
- Unlimited releases on yearly plans
- Publishing administration available
Cons
- 20% fee on social and UGC income
- Plans must be renewed
- Publishing has its own fees
FAQ
How much does TuneCore cost?
From $24.99 a year for the Rising Artist plan, as of mid-2026.
Does TuneCore take a commission?
Not on streaming and downloads; it takes 20% on social monetization.
What is TuneCore Publishing?
A service that collects songwriter royalties, reported at $75 per songwriter plus 20%.
Who owns TuneCore?
Believe.
Do I need to renew TuneCore?
Yes, to keep releases live.
