Comparison
DistroKid vs TuneCore: Which Music Distributor Is Right for You?
DistroKid vs TuneCore compared — pricing, features, royalties and support, so you can choose the best distributor for your career.
DistroKid and TuneCore are the two best-known independent distributors. They differ in pricing model, included features and how they treat your royalties — here's the honest comparison.
DistroKid
- Annual subscription, unlimited releases
- 100% royalty pass-through
- YouTube Content ID included
- Fast delivery and bank split features
- Strong app and automation
TuneCore
- Per-release pricing
- 100% royalty pass-through
- Bundled publishing administration options
- Phone and ticket support
- Long industry track record
The Verdict
Release a lot cheaply? DistroKid's subscription wins. Prefer per-release costs with bundled publishing and stronger support? TuneCore. For a balanced all-in-one, Zaventra Music Group bundles distribution, publishing and promotion with a single transparent plan.
Pricing models
DistroKid charges an annual subscription for unlimited uploads, making it cheap for prolific artists. TuneCore charges per release annually (or one-time for some plans), which scales with your catalog size.
Which is cheaper depends on how often you release — unlimited uploaders favour DistroKid, while a small catalog can be cheaper on TuneCore.
Royalties and features
Both pay 100% of your royalties to you. DistroKid is known for speed, YouTube Content ID and extras like bank-split payouts, while TuneCore bundles publishing administration into higher tiers.
Check extras carefully: features like leave-a-legacy, Instagram monetisation and store-specific tools vary by plan.
Support and reliability
TuneCore has phone and ticket support plus a long track record. DistroKid's support is primarily online and historically slower, though its app and automations are polished.
For serious catalogs, test support responsiveness before committing — you'll depend on it at release time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which distributor keeps more royalties?
Both return 100% of collected royalties. Compare fees and bundled services instead.
Can I switch distributors later?
Yes — your catalog and ISRCs can be re-delivered by a new distributor, though it takes care to avoid duplication.
Do these support India platforms?
Both cover major platforms; regional India reach varies. Confirm the full DSP list for your market.