Both DistroKid and TuneCore offer the same kind of distribution plan which is the pay-per-year plan, artists will have to pay a flat fee every year to continue to keep their music streaming online with this type of service. So, let’s dive deeper into what are the actual differences between DistroKid and TuneCore with us through this article. If you are still learning about music distribution and want to check out other companies that provide this service, have a look at our article on Top 4 Music Distribution Service 2023 to find out more options in this industry. Pricing Although DistroKid and TuneCore offer similar payment structures, the features included in each plan differ significantly. DistroKid's primary service is music distribution, so all of their packages provide comprehensive features to help artists distribute their music effectively. Their plan structure is designed for individual artists and offers a higher-priced plan for multiple artists. In contrast, TuneCore emphasizes selling their packages rather than providing easy access features to musicians. To access the maximum distribution features, artists would need to choose TuneCore's Professional plan Here are the price of DistroKid and TuneCore’s plans: DistroKid Musician $19.99/year/artist Musician Plus $35.99/year/2 artists Label Plan starts from $79.99/year/5 artists TuneCore New Artist: FREE Rising Artist: $14.99/year Breakout Artist: $29.99/year Professional: $49.99/year Distribution Features DistroKid DistroKid is an excellent platform for artists looking to release their music to a broad audience. With DistroKid, you can release an unlimited number of songs to over 150 streaming services and stores, all while keeping 100% of your revenue - no commissions taken. Additionally, they offer a service that allows you to quickly update your music on new platforms for a small flat fee every year, ensuring that your music stays current and accessible to your fans. Have a closer look at DistroKid’s features in our article DistroKid Review! TuneCore TuneCore is a reliable and affordable platform for musicians to distribute their music to over 150 platforms while retaining full control over their revenue. While the features of their basic plan may be limited compared to DistroKid, it remains an excellent option for those looking for a cost-effective way to distribute their music. With TuneCore, you can rest assured that your music will be available to listeners all around the world without breaking the bank. Check out our article TuneCore Review to learn more about TuneCore’s features now! Music Publishing Service DistroKid It's important to note that DistroKid primarily functions as a music distributor and doesn't offer music publishing services. However, they do provide a useful tool called Youtube Content ID, which scans for any videos on Youtube that use your music and helps monetize them on your behalf. For a small yearly fee of $4.95, DistroKid's Youtube Content ID service can save you time and effort in monitoring your music on the platform. While DistroKid does take a 20% commission on the revenue generated by this service, it can still be a valuable tool for artists looking to expand their reach and increase their revenue. TuneCore TuneCore offers a compelling music publishing feature that can greatly benefit artists in the long term. For a one-time fee of $75, you can get a separate, second royalty whenever your songs are sold, downloaded, or streamed online, including Youtube monetization - a service also offered by DistroKid. This feature is a smart investment for artists looking to expand their revenue streams and build a sustainable career in the music industry. It's worth noting that TuneCore takes a 15% commission on your streaming revenue, which is lower than some other music distribution platforms. If your music is used in TV, movies, or commercials, TuneCore will take a 20% commission on that royalty, which is still a reasonable rate compared to industry standards. Overall, TuneCore's music publishing feature offers great value for artists looking to maximize their earning potential and build a solid foundation for their music careers. Customer Support DistroKid DistroKid customer support is mainly through their Twitter replies and directs you through the frequently asked questions (FAQ) sites of them. DistroKid has received lots of good feedback from their customers about how good their customer support system is. Aran Wood posted this review on February 19, 2023, on TrustPilot: “Outstanding. Amazing. Better than getting a 12-string in tune DK did what they said they would when they said they would. As an iddy biddy liddle Briddish independent singer(ish)-songwriter(definitely), I simply wouldn’t have achieved what they did IN HOURS if I’d been hard at it for weeks. Even the auto-communication is top-notch, the service is wonderful, and the price is almost ridiculously low for what you get. In fact, I find it difficult to believe. Go see for yourself: my first release is up there, and it’s all because of Distrokid“ TuneCore On the other hand, despite using the same form of all online customer support, TuneCore actually has a lot of bad reviews about their insufficient process. Adi Goldstein posted on TrustPilot on February 23, 2023: “Their customer support is the worst and most non-responsive I've ever encountered. I waited almost two weeks for a response to my ticket, and I still haven't received any help. It's frustrating and disappointing, especially when you're paying for a service. If you're thinking about using TuneCore.com, be prepared to handle everything on your own because their support team won't be of any help. Save yourself the trouble and go somewhere else” Conclusion Why go for DistroKid DistroKid is a highly reputable music distribution service that has gained popularity among independent artists for its user-friendly platform and efficient customer support. If you're looking for a reliable way to distribute your music to multiple streaming platforms, DistroKid is an excellent choice. However, DistroKid only offers distribution services and doesn't provide any music publishing options. This means that you'll need to look elsewhere if you're interested in exploring publishing opportunities. Nonetheless, for those focused solely on music distribution, DistroKid is a top-notch service that can help get your music heard by a wider audience. Why go for TuneCore TuneCore is an affordable option for those looking to distribute their music and take their music career to the next level, as they offer music publishing services at an accessible price point. However, it's important to carefully consider TuneCore's customer service before making a decision. While their prices may be competitive, some users have reported issues with their customer support, which can be a crucial factor for musicians looking to establish themselves in the industry. For independent musicians, breaking through the noise in the highly competitive music industry can be a challenge. That's why it's crucial to invest not only in the distribution of your music but also in effective promotion strategies. Base For Music offers a complementary service designed to boost your music promotion efforts to their fullest potential. Through strategic ad placement, Base For Music can increase your visibility on popular streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and YouTube, and connect you with the right audiences to help drive engagement and grow your fanbase. Sign up for your free account with Base For Music now!