How Much is TuneCore? How to Put Music on Apple Music?

The music industry has witnessed a revolutionary transformation with the advent of digital streaming platforms. For independent artists, platforms like TuneCore offer an avenue to distribute music globally. But, how much does TuneCore cost, and how can you put your music on Apple Music? Let's dive into these questions.

1. Understanding the TuneCore Price

TuneCore is a popular music distribution service that enables artists to release their music on various digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more. The price structure of TuneCore is as follows:

• Single: $9.99 per year
• Album: $29.99 for the first year and $49.99 for each subsequent year

In addition to these basic fees, TuneCore offers other services, such as publishing administration, which helps manage and collect your songwriting royalties. The publishing administration service has an additional fee of $75 as a one-time setup cost plus 15% of collected royalties.

2. Putting Your Music on Apple Music with TuneCore

One of the common questions that artists have is, "How do I put my music on Apple Music?" With TuneCore, the process is simplified and can be broken down into several steps:

Step 1: Sign Up with TuneCore

Firstly, you need to create an account on TuneCore. Visit their website and complete the registration by providing the necessary details. Remember to read and understand their terms and conditions before proceeding.

Step 2: Upload Your Music

Once you have registered, log in to your TuneCore account and click on the "Upload Music" tab. Here, you can upload your single, EP, or album. Make sure your music files are in the required format, typically WAV or FLAC, to ensure the best quality.

Step 3: Provide Metadata

In this step, you need to enter metadata information such as the song title, artist name, genre, release date, and other details. Proper metadata is crucial as it helps in the correct categorization and promotion of your music on Apple Music and other platforms.

Step 4: Select Stores

TuneCore allows you to choose the digital stores where you want your music to be available. Select Apple Music from the list along with any other platforms you wish to distribute your music on.

Step 5: Set the Release Date

Set a release date for your music. Keep in mind that it may take a few days or even weeks for your music to be reviewed and processed before it goes live on Apple Music. Plan your release accordingly to align with your promotional activities.

Step 6: Pay the Fee

Review your submission and pay the necessary distribution fee. As mentioned earlier, this fee varies depending on whether you are releasing a single or an album. Once the payment is completed, TuneCore will begin the distribution process.

Step 7: Promote Your Music

After your music is live on Apple Music, it's crucial to promote it to reach a wider audience. Utilize social media, email marketing, and other promotional strategies to drive traffic to your music. SoundOn can be an excellent tool to help you with promotion and distribution, ensuring that your music reaches a global audience.

3. Why Choose TuneCore for Music Distribution?

TuneCore is a well-established platform known for its reliability and wide reach. By using TuneCore, you can distribute your music to more than 150 digital stores worldwide, giving you the potential to reach millions of listeners. However, it is essential to understand that TuneCore is not the only option available.

Other popular music distribution platforms like CD Baby, Distrokid, and ONErpm also offer similar services. Each platform has its pros and cons, so it’s a good idea to evaluate them based on your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals.

4. Alternatives to TuneCore

While TuneCore has a straightforward pricing model, there are several alternatives you can consider:

• CD Baby
• Distrokid
• ONErpm
• LANDR
• Indiefy
• Amuse

Each of these platforms offers different features, pricing models, and services. It is advisable to research and choose the one that best fits your requirements.

5. Enhancing Your Music Career with SoundOn

As an artist, music distribution is just one part of the journey. Promotion and engagement are equally important. That's where SoundOn comes in. SoundOn provides an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution, helping you build a career and find new fans through TikTok and exclusive partners like CapCut.

By registering as a SoundOn artist, you can leverage these tools to amplify your reach, connect with audiences, and effectively manage your music releases. This can significantly boost your chances of success in the highly competitive music industry.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost of using TuneCore and how to distribute your music on Apple Music is an essential step for independent artists. With the right distribution platform and promotional strategies, you can ensure that your music reaches the intended audience effectively.

Remember, while TuneCore offers a reliable service, it’s always wise to explore all available options and find the platform that best suits your needs. And don't forget to leverage marketing tools like SoundOn to maximize your music's potential and build a sustainable career in the music industry.