vs
DistroKid vs TuneCore
Both are established, reputable distributors — the pricing structure is the real difference.
TuneCore is one of the oldest, most established distributors, known for its per-release pricing model — a genuinely different structure from DistroKid's flat fee.
| DistroKid | TuneCore | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | $19.99/year flat, unlimited releases | Priced per release (single/album), plans vary |
| Best for | Artists releasing multiple times a year | Artists releasing only occasionally, who prefer paying per project |
| Royalty share kept by artist | 100% | 100% |
| Track record | Popular with high-output independent artists | Long-established, used by many professional labels and artists |
If you release more than a couple of times a year, DistroKid's flat unlimited fee is almost always cheaper. If you put out one project rarely and want to pay only when you actually release something, TuneCore's per-release model can make more sense.
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DistroKid
$18.59 first year
Upload unlimited songs for one flat yearly fee and keep 100% of your royalties. Use our link for 7% off your first year.
Start with DistroKidRouteNote
$0 upfront
Don't want to pay anything upfront? RouteNote lets you distribute for free — they just keep a share of your royalties instead.
Try RouteNote freeFrequently asked questions
Is TuneCore a legitimate distributor?
Yes — it's one of the longest-running, most established distributors in the industry.
Which is cheaper for someone who releases once a year?
It depends on TuneCore's current per-release pricing versus DistroKid's flat fee — check both sites' current prices, since they change.
Can I switch from TuneCore to DistroKid?
Yes, but you'll generally need to re-upload your catalog, and existing ISRC codes stay tied to the original recordings.