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TuneCore Review

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Music Publishing Company Reviews

TuneCore Review 4 Star Rating

TuneCore

4 Star Rating
  • Prices from $0 to $49.99 per year
  • 80%-100% store earnings to the artists
  • Free release for singles and albums
  • 150+ stores and streaming partners
  • Roster of unique name brands
  • Career advancement assistance
  • 4-star ratings from reviewers

Started in 2006, TuneCore embarked on a pioneering journey by forming partnerships with an array of digital stores to provide global avenues of distribution for musicians and artists. Among TuneCore's illustrious partner platforms are heavyweights like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TikTok, and YouTube, fostering a modern landscape competitive with the industry. Notably, TuneCore's contributions to the industry are reflected in the staggering sum of over $1.8 billion disbursed in royalties to artists utilizing their platform.

3-step process to music production

With TuneCore's reach of over 150 stores/streaming platforms and their commitment to offering artists 100% of their store payouts, TuneCore has the tools to help artists present their music and engage with their audience effectively. TuneCore's key features include three steps of music publishing.

  1. First, the process includes refining and preparing the artist's music for publication, with constructive feedback and licensing assistance.
  2. Then, TuneCore helps artists make money from their musical creations through various strategies such as YouTube monetization and permissions for their music to be used on social media platforms.
  3. Finally, TuneCore assumes a role in music promotion, extending services through feature.fm, radio airplay, and the TuneCore social page.

Easy for releasing lots of music

Getting started with TuneCore is easy. The pricing is crystal clear and easy to find and uploading your music is a breeze. This makes TuneCore great for independent musicians seeking a reliable music distribution partner, those aiming to regularly release substantial music volumes, and artists who desire an actual 100% store earnings payout. Plus, TuneCore offers quick customer support and career advancement assistance as part of their platform, helping new and established artists grow their audience.

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Pay-per-release or annual plans

There are two primary ways to pay with TuneCore. You can either pay an annual fee to have unlimited access to the platform (with four different levels) or you can pay per release. The tiers all look slightly different in terms of benefits so here's a look at how the pricing shakes out:

Annual Fee options:

  • New Artist: Free of charge
    • Unlimited releases
    • Only posted to social platforms
    • Access to masterclasses
  • Rising Artist: $14.99 per year
    • Same benefits as New Artist
    • Schedule release dates
    • Artist verification
    • Revenue split (total not listed)
  • Breakout Artist: $29.99 per year
    • Same benefits as Rising Artist
    • Store Automator
    • Daily trend reports
    • Cover art creator tool
  • Professional: $49.99 per year
    • Same benefits as Breakout Artist
    • Access to exclusive partnerships
    • Pro panels and expert advice
    • Custom names and UPC

Pay Per Release options:

  • Free Single:
    • Release only to social platforms
    • 80% revenue to artist
  • Free Album:
    • Release only to social platforms
    • 80% revenue to artist
  • Paid Single:
    • $9.99 per year
    • Release to 150+ digital stores
    • Keep 100% of revenue
  • Paid Album:
    • $9.99 per year + $49.99 each following year
    • Release to 150+ digital stores
    • Keep 100% of revenue

Working with socials to get your music out

Mirroring its contemporaries, TuneCore actively engages in securing media placements for its clients' music, spanning domains such as commercials, films, television, and video games. The platform's success stories showcased in their highlight reel include instances of musicians benefitting from TuneCore's endeavors. A roster of well-recognized names like Amazon, Rover, Pizza Hut, Legends Rising, Dancing with the Stars, Nordstrom, and AT&T have purchased music from TuneCore's clients, adding to the platform's credibility.

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Mixed ratings with positive reviews

Although sporting a negative Better Business Bureau rating of "F" , the multitude of musicians attesting to positive outcomes at TuneCore tells a different story. In fact, the company has an average of 4 stars out of 5 in review ratings from users who've greatly enjoyed the platform and found success there. While its BBB rating indicates some dissatisfaction, evidenced by grievances over delayed publication and communication hurdles, there exists a substantial contingent of musicians who celebrate TuneCore's effectiveness. These voices assert that the customer service experience is positive and commend TuneCore's swift distribution, a factor that expedites the music-making process.

Test it for free before you decide

With mixed feedback from reviews, TuneCore doesn't hit our top two, but it's definitely a platform to keep an eye on. With different membership levels (and even some free ones) artists can pick the best option that serves their musical needs. With some excellent partnerships and a helpful and easy-to-use platform, TuneCore remains a highly recommended music publishing option. Reviewers are happy with the service, and this effective platform bears checking out, especially if you want to try publishing for free before you commit to paying.

Where is the Best Place for Music Publishing Today?

Online music publishing companies have experienced a meteoric rise in popularity due to a number of factors that have reshaped the music industry landscape. These platforms have not only revolutionized the way music is distributed, but have also provided a crucial bridge between artists and their audience.

One of the key reasons behind the widespread adoption of online music publishing companies is the democratization of the music industry. In the past, breaking into the music scene required significant financial backing, access to recording studios, and connections within the industry. However, online platforms have leveled the playing field, allowing independent artists to showcase their talent without the need for a traditional record label.

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Music Publishing Company FAQ

Music publishing refers to the business of copyrighting and distributing songs. A music publisher helps you register your songs, protects your copyright, and gets your music out to the public in various ways.
It's not strictly necessary, but it's a much more efficient and effective way to push your music out to the world - and to get paid for it! Do you want to spend your time making music or handling administrative tasks? If you're like most musicians, it'll be worth the fees to work with a publishing service so that you can focus more on the former and less (if at all!) on the latter.
Each provider uses a different fee structure. You could have a royalty share format that also has one-time set-up costs, or you might choose a service that gives you 100% of your royalties in exchange for a monthly subscription fee.
Not necessarily. Many of today's most popular providers let you keep full copyright on any music you publish through their platform.
Most services do not require you to commit to a long-term business relationship in order to get your music published. However, it's always wise to read the terms and conditions before you make a commitment to any publishing platform.
Absolutely. In fact, that's one of the reasons most musicians choose to use a music publisher. There's no better way to streamline the process - and start getting royalty money! - than to use a service that knows exactly how to get your songs out to the public.
Yes! There are a few platforms that specialize in marketing musicians' creations for commercials, TV shows and movies, etc.
Your best bet is to look at client reviews. Are they happy with the service? Has their music been successful because of the publisher's efforts? Have clients been able to get help from customer service representatives when needed? If a music publishing service has a good track record with other musicians, chances are high that you'll be satisfied too.
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Continued from above...

This democratization has led to a diverse array of music being accessible to a global audience, fostering a more inclusive and varied musical landscape.

The advent of digital technology has also played a pivotal role in the popularity of online music publishing companies. With the rise of streaming services and digital downloads, music has become more accessible than ever before. These platforms offer a convenient and instantaneous way for listeners to discover and enjoy a vast catalog of music across genres. The ease of access has not only broadened the audience for established artists, but has also provided emerging talents with a platform to gain recognition.

Furthermore, online music publishing companies have redefined the concept of music discovery. Through sophisticated algorithms and personalized recommendations, these platforms introduce listeners to new artists and genres based on their preferences. This dynamic approach to music discovery has created a more engaged and adventurous audience, willing to explore a wide range of musical styles beyond mainstream offerings. As a result, artists who might have struggled to find a niche in traditional channels now have the opportunity to connect with a receptive audience eager for diverse sounds.

Modern music publishers play a crucial role in the music industry by bridging the gap between artists and their audiences. These companies specialize in the business side of music, handling tasks such as licensing, distribution, promotion, and monetization. Music publishers serve as intermediaries between songwriters, composers, and performers, ensuring that their creative works reach a wide audience.

In today's digital age, music publishers have evolved to adapt to changing technologies and consumption habits. They work closely with streaming platforms, social media networks, and digital stores to ensure that music is accessible across various online channels. These publishers have a deep understanding of copyright laws and licensing agreements, enabling them to negotiate fair deals for their artists.

Music publishers help artists navigate the complex landscape of rights management and intellectual property protection, allowing musicians to focus on their craft while the publishers handle the business aspects. Additionally, they provide valuable insights into market trends and audience preferences, helping musicians tailor their content for maximum impact.

Music publishers offer a range of services that are immensely useful for both established artists and newcomers to the industry. For established musicians, publishers provide a broader reach and help maintain a consistent presence in the ever-expanding digital music landscape. So whether you're an emerging artist or a musician with a longtime career, a music publisher can offer support to fit your needs with legal concerns, promotion of your work, or even just some industry advice. Whether through traditional publishing, self-publishing, or a hybrid model, the world of modern music publishing offers a range of opportunities for artists to showcase their talents and connect with audiences worldwide.

If you're on the lookout for a place to publish your tunes, where can you go? Fortunately, there are tons of music publishers available online, designed to cater to your unique musical needs. Whether you're looking to publish pop, rock, metal, or synth-wave hits, there's a publisher out there that fits the bill. If you don't know where to start, don't worry. We've compiled a set of criteria to help you narrow down the options and find the perfect fit for your musical journey:

Here are some factors you should consider when choosing a music publishing company:

  • Price: When you're looking for music publishing there are lots of factors that can affect the price. So, knowing what you need and what you want to spend can change how you narrow down your options. Do you want to pay an annual fee or make a one-time purchase? Are you only looking for services with free publishing or free trials? Keep your budget in mind as you browse.
  • Royalties: Whenever you work with a music publisher there's going to be royalty commissions. The best platforms will give you, the artist, the majority of the revenue. But some options do more work on the back end and take a little more of the royalties. So, keep in mind how much you want to make. Some services take as much as 50% depending on the tier. Keeping an eye out for companies that only take 15% or 10% of royalties can help you be sure you're getting a good deal.
  • Distributor network: Not every publisher has the same network. Check out which companies you want to send your music to and how much of the distributor network is exclusive to a particular publisher. Most companies offer standard options like Spotify or YouTube, but if you want something specific like Sony Music or TV channels like The CW, you may need to browse for publishers with particular partnerships.
  • Customer feedback: At the end of the day, the music industry can be a little hit or miss. So, check out the customer reviews and BBB scores to make sure that the publisher you like is doing right by the musicians already signed with them. This can be a great indicator to help you decide between two close picks.

Top Consumer Reviews has assessed and ranked the best online music publishing services to help you find the right spot to take your tunes and turn them into a platinum record. Whether you're seeking help with new music at the beginning of your journey, or you need an experienced publisher to support your career to the top of the charts, the right music publisher is out there waiting for you. We hope this helps you take the stress out of publishing and get back to what you love: making amazing music.

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