In 2025, over 100,000 songs are uploaded to streaming services daily, with independent artists driving much of this growth. For independent musicians navigating the music world, choosing between TuneCore or CD Baby can make the difference between keeping 100% of your music royalties or losing 9% forever.
Both platforms have served as trusted music distributors for independent artists for over two decades, but their approaches to pricing, features, and artist support have diverged significantly. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which digital distribution platform aligns with your music career goals, release schedule, and revenue expectations.
Whether you’re releasing your first single or building a catalog of unlimited music, understanding the nuances between these two companies will save you money and maximize your streaming revenue from Spotify Apple Music, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and hundreds of other digital stores.
Introduction to Music Distribution
Music distribution is the backbone of getting your music from the studio to listeners around the world. For independent musicians, digital distribution has become the standard way to release music, making it possible to reach fans on major platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music without the need for a traditional record label. To successfully release music, independent artists need to upload their tracks to various platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. Artists often rely on distributors to get their music onto major DSPs like Spotify and Apple Music. Companies such as CD Baby and TuneCore act as digital distributors, helping you get your music into digital stores and streaming services where millions of listeners discover new tracks every day. Additionally, CD Baby provides integrated physical distribution services for artists selling CDs or vinyl at shows, offering a comprehensive solution for both digital and physical music distribution.
Understanding music distribution is crucial for building a successful music career. The right distributor ensures your songs are available everywhere your audience listens, from global streaming services to niche digital stores. Whether you’re releasing your first single or managing a growing catalog, choosing the right music distribution partner can make all the difference in how far your music reaches and how much you earn from your creative work.
Quick Answer: TuneCore vs CD Baby Winner
When deciding between TuneCore or CD Baby, the math is straightforward for most independent artists:
- TuneCore is better for artists releasing 2+ songs per year due to unlimited releases and 100% royalty retention
- CD Baby suits occasional releasers with its $9.99 per-release model and comprehensive promotional tools
- TuneCore’s annual subscription model (starting at $14.99/year) beats CD Baby’s commission structure for active artists
- CD Baby takes 9% of all royalties while TuneCore takes 0% on paid plans
Most distributors offer similar basic distribution features, but the differences in pricing and commission structures set TuneCore and CD Baby apart.
The critical factor is your release frequency and streaming numbers. Artists earning over $166 annually should choose TuneCore’s Rising Artist plan over CD Baby’s Standard tier to avoid the permanent 9% commission that CD Baby charges on all music royalties.
TuneCore Overview: Annual Subscription Model
TuneCore switched to subscription pricing in 2025 to compete with DistroKid’s unlimited release model, fundamentally changing how independent musicians approach digital distribution and music production. This shift marked a departure from their previous per-release annual fee structure to a more artist-friendly unlimited distribution system. In contrast, CD Baby maintains a pay-per-release model, which may appeal to artists with infrequent release schedules.
The platform offers four pricing tiers designed to scale with your music career:
- Free ($0): The free plan is available to all users and allows distribution only to social platforms like TikTok and Instagram. However, this free plan does not support distribution to major streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, which are only accessible through paid plans. Features are limited compared to paid plans, making the free plan best for artists focused solely on social media exposure.
- Rising Artist ($14.99/year): Includes unlimited releases, artist verification, and basic analytics
- Breakout Artist ($29.99/year): Adds store automator, daily trend reports, and cover art creator
- Professional ($49.99/year): Includes custom label names and country-specific release restrictions
Founded in 2006, TuneCore is now owned by Believe Digital with headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. The platform distributes to 150+ stores including major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TikTok, and Snapchat, making it a comprehensive solution for independent distribution. TuneCore provides a subscription service ranging from $14.99 to $49.99 per year for unlimited releases, while CD Baby charges a flat fee per release and takes a 9% commission from royalties.
TuneCore offers publishing services through partnership with Sentric Music for additional royalty collection, providing a one-stop solution for both distribution and publishing administration. This integration simplifies the complex world of music royalties for independent artists who want to maximize their earnings from both master recordings and songwriting. TuneCore includes music publishing services for an additional fee, while CD Baby discontinued its publishing service as of August 2023.
CD Baby Overview: Pay-Per-Release Model
CD Baby was founded in 1998 by Derek Sivers, making it one of the pioneers in independent music distribution. Now owned by Downtown Music Group since 2019, CD Baby’s service structure and support quality have evolved, reflecting the company’s reputation as a leading music distributor known for its artist-focused features. CD Baby was established in 1998, making it an older platform than TuneCore, which was founded in 2006.
Unlike TuneCore’s subscription model, CD Baby charges flat fees per release:
- Standard tier ($9.99): Covers basic distribution and promotional tools for singles and albums equally
- Pro tier ($49.99): Adds royalty collection services and song registration with performing rights organizations
CD Baby takes a 9% commission on all streaming and download royalties permanently from every release. This commission applies regardless of which tier you choose and continues for the lifetime of your music on streaming services.
The platform discontinued CD Baby Pro Publishing in 2023, no longer offering publishing royalty collection services that were previously available through their Songtrust partnership. This change means independent artists using CD Baby must now register separately with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC for performance royalties.
CD Baby includes promotional tools and sync licensing opportunities at both pricing tiers, though the sync licensing program requires separate submission and approval processes for music featured in film, television, and advertising placements.
Pricing Comparison: When Each Platform Wins
The financial mathematics between TuneCore or CD Baby depends entirely on your release frequency and streaming revenue. Here’s when each platform becomes more cost-effective:
TuneCore becomes cheaper after releasing 2+ songs annually due to unlimited releases versus CD Baby’s per-release fees. CD Baby charges a one time fee per release, rather than recurring annual fees, which can be cost-effective for artists who release music infrequently. More importantly, CD Baby’s 9% commission costs $90 per $1,000 earned versus TuneCore’s $0 commission on paid plans.
Artists earning over $166 annually should choose TuneCore Rising Artist plan over CD Baby Standard to avoid the permanent royalty loss. This break-even point occurs at surprisingly low streaming numbers – roughly 1,500 monthly streams across all platforms.
CD Baby only makes financial sense for artists releasing 1 song every 2-3 years with minimal streaming income. Even hobbyist musicians often surpass the break-even threshold within their first year of consistent releases.
TuneCore Pricing Breakdown 2024
TuneCore’s subscription tiers provide clear value progression for growing artists:
|
Plan |
Annual Cost |
Key Features |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Free |
$0 |
Social platforms only |
Testing the platform |
|
Rising Artist |
$14.99 |
Unlimited releases, basic analytics |
Most independent artists |
|
Breakout Artist |
$29.99 |
Advanced tools, daily reports |
Serious musicians |
|
Professional |
$49.99 |
Label features, custom restrictions |
Established artists |
The Rising Artist plan represents the sweet spot for most independent musicians, offering unlimited songs distribution to all major platforms without hidden fees or commission structures that eat into long-term earnings. Choosing a paid plan like Rising Artist unlocks unlimited releases and additional features not available on the free plan.
CD Baby Pricing Structure
CD Baby’s per-release model appears simple but becomes expensive quickly. For artists seeking a free and engaging way to showcase their talent, consider recording and posting a 60-second freestyle to the Freestyle Board.
- $9.99 per single or album covers basic distribution to major platforms
- $49.99 per release adds publishing registration and enhanced promotional tools
- 9% commission applies permanently to every release regardless of tier
- No recurring fees but the commission never expires
For an independent artist releasing 12 singles annually, CD Baby’s costs would be $119.88 upfront plus $90 lost per $1,000 earned in perpetuity. This makes CD Baby significantly more expensive than TuneCore’s Rising Artist plan for active musicians.
When paying a one time fee per release, artists should avoid distributing the same song through multiple distributors, as this can lead to duplication and confusion across platforms.
Distribution Reach and Platform Coverage
Both platforms deliver music to all major streaming services, but their global reach differs in important ways for independent distribution.
TuneCore distributes to 150+ digital stores with particularly strong coverage in Asia, including NetEase in China – a crucial market that many music distributors overlook. This extensive reach ensures your original music reaches listeners worldwide without requiring separate agreements.
CD Baby covers major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, and Deezer, but has weaker presence in emerging markets like China and India. This limitation could impact long-term revenue growth for artists targeting global audiences.
TuneCore includes TikTok and Snapchat distribution in their standard plans, recognizing the importance of social media platforms for music discovery. CD Baby requires separate setup processes for social platforms, adding complexity to your release cover songs or original content strategy.
Neither platform requires exclusivity, meaning independent artists can use different distributors for different releases. However, managing multiple music distributors can complicate royalty collection and analytics tracking across your entire catalog.
The distribution process typically takes 1-3 business days for both platforms, though TuneCore’s automated systems often deliver faster results for releases that meet technical requirements without manual review.
International Distribution: Global Reach Compared
When it comes to international distribution, the ability of a music distributor to get your music onto platforms worldwide is a key factor in expanding your audience and boosting music sales. TuneCore stands out by distributing to over 150 digital stores and streaming services globally, including top platforms like Spotify Apple Music, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. This extensive reach is especially valuable for artists aiming to connect with fans in emerging markets and across different continents.
CD Baby also offers impressive global coverage, distributing to over 100 stores and streaming services. While there is some overlap with TuneCore, CD Baby includes a few unique platforms in its network. However, it’s important to note that CD Baby charges a commission on all music sales, which can add up over time, especially for artists with growing international streaming numbers. In contrast, TuneCore’s unlimited releases for a flat annual fee allow you to distribute as much music as you want without worrying about extra costs eating into your revenue.
For independent musicians focused on building a global fanbase, understanding the international reach of each distributor—and how their fee structures impact your bottom line—can help you make the best choice for your music career.
Additional Features and Services
Beyond basic music distribution, both platforms offer value-added services that can significantly impact your music career success and revenue optimization. More distributors are evolving to provide additional services alongside basic music distribution, catering to the diverse needs of independent artists. Each platform also provides unique features beyond standard distribution, catering to different artist needs and preferences.
TuneCore offers splits feature for automatic collaborator payments, eliminating the need for manual royalty distribution among co writers and producers. In addition to splits, TuneCore provides more features to support artists in managing collaborations and payments efficiently. Payment splitting is a crucial feature many musicians look for in a distributor to manage payments to collaborators. This feature alone saves independent artists significant administrative time and potential disputes over music sales revenue.
TuneCore Publishing costs an additional $75 setup fee but collects performance and mechanical royalties worldwide through their Sentric Music partnership. This publishing admin service captures often-overlooked revenue streams from radio play, streaming, and sync licensing that independent musicians frequently miss.
CD Baby provides sync licensing opportunities through their music featured program, providing artists with access to film, television, and advertising placements. This focus on providing artists with opportunities for music placement helps expand their reach and potential revenue. However, sync submissions require separate processes and approval, with no guarantee of placement or additional fees for successful placements.
CD Baby discontinued publishing services after ending their Songtrust partnership in 2023, meaning artists must separately register with performing rights organizations like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC for publishing royalties collection.
Publishing and Royalty Collection
The publishing landscape represents a major differentiator between these platforms for serious independent artists.
TuneCore’s integrated approach through Sentric Music simplifies royalty collection from both distribution and publishing sources. For songwriters earning significant performance royalties from radio, television, or live venues, this service pays for itself quickly through otherwise uncollected revenue. Both platforms aim to support artists in managing royalty collection and publishing administration, though their approaches differ.
CD Baby’s removal of publishing services creates a gap that independent artists must fill through direct relationships with performing rights organizations. While this approach works for experienced musicians, new independent artists often struggle to navigate the complex world of mechanical royalties and performance rights without guidance.
YouTube Content ID represents another crucial revenue stream. TuneCore includes basic content ID on higher tiers, while CD Baby charges separately for video monetization services, potentially leaving money on the table for artists whose music appears in user-generated content.
Marketing and Promotion Tools
Standing out in today’s crowded music world requires more than just releasing great songs—you need effective marketing and promotion to get your music noticed. Many music distributors now offer a suite of promotional tools to help independent artists grow their audience and boost their music career.
TuneCore provides a range of marketing services, including social media management tools, email marketing campaigns, and press release distribution to help you connect with fans and industry professionals. These promotional tools are designed to make it easier for your music to reach new listeners and get featured on popular playlists. CD Baby also provides promotional tools like Show.co to help artists promote their music through pre-save campaigns and ads, which broadens their audience reach and enhances their promotional efforts.
CD Baby also supports artists with marketing services, offering sync licensing opportunities that can get your music featured in film, TV, and advertising. Additionally, CD Baby helps distribute your music videos to platforms like YouTube, expanding your reach beyond audio streaming services. While both platforms offer valuable promotional tools, some music distributors like DistroKid go even further, providing playlist pitching and influencer marketing to help you break through the noise.
When choosing a music distributor, consider which marketing and promotion tools align with your goals and can help you take your music career to the next level.
Analytics and Reporting Capabilities
Tracking your music’s performance is essential for making smart decisions about your releases and marketing strategies. Music distributors vary in the analytics and reporting capabilities they offer, so it’s important to choose a platform that gives you the insights you need to grow your music career.
TuneCore stands out with detailed analytics and reporting features, including daily trend reports and comprehensive sales data. These tools allow you to monitor how your music is performing across different platforms and regions, helping you identify what’s working and where to focus your efforts. TuneCore offers a comprehensive analytics dashboard that provides personalized and timely insights to help grow an artist’s audience and revenue, while CD Baby does not have an equivalent analytics dashboard.
CD Baby also provides analytics and reporting, giving you access to data on your streams and sales. However, some artists find that TuneCore’s analytics are more in-depth and easier to interpret. For those who want real-time updates, DistroKid offers instant analytics, letting you track your music’s performance as it happens.
Having access to robust analytics from your music distributor empowers you to make data-driven decisions, optimize your release strategy, and ultimately achieve greater success as an independent artist.
User Interface and Experience
A smooth and intuitive user interface can make a big difference in how easily you can manage your music distribution. TuneCore is known for its user-friendly platform, making it simple for independent musicians to upload tracks, manage releases, and access important features without a steep learning curve.
CD Baby’s interface is also straightforward, but some users find it less intuitive compared to TuneCore’s streamlined design. Navigating the platform and finding specific tools may take a bit more time, especially for new users. DistroKid, on the other hand, offers a modern and sleek interface that many artists appreciate for its simplicity and efficiency. For artists interested in reaching a wider audience or monetizing their music promotion, platforms like BeatsToRapOn’s music promotion marketplace provide opportunities to connect with buyers and offer promotion services.
When selecting a music distributor, consider how easy it is to use their platform. A well-designed user experience can save you time, reduce frustration, and help you focus on what matters most—creating and sharing your music with the world.
Customer Service and Support Quality
Artist support quality can make or break your experience with any music distributor, especially when dealing with release issues or royalty questions.
TuneCore provides faster support on higher-tier plans with 3 business day response times on Rising Artist plans and priority support for Professional subscribers. Their support team consists of human representatives with music industry experience rather than generic customer service agents.
CD Baby removed phone support and implemented AI-driven customer service following the Downtown Music Group acquisition. Response times have increased to 3-7 business days, with many artists reporting less helpful responses compared to the platform’s earlier years under independent ownership. The lack of personalized support has also been a concern for many artists who require tailored assistance for their marketing and promotional strategies. Customer support for TuneCore varies based on the tier of service paid for, while CD Baby offers a standard support ticket system without guaranteed response times.
The quality decline in CD Baby’s customer support represents a significant concern for independent musicians who need personalized assistance with complex release schedules, cover songs licensing, or promotional tools activation.
TuneCore maintains dedicated support teams for different issues – technical problems, royalty questions, and account management – ensuring that independent artists receive knowledgeable assistance rather than generic responses that don’t address music-specific concerns.
Both platforms offer help centers and FAQ sections, but TuneCore’s documentation tends to be more current and comprehensive, reflecting their continued investment in artist education and support infrastructure.
Revenue and Payment Structures
Understanding how and when you’ll receive your music royalties represents a critical factor in choosing between these music distributors.
TuneCore pays 100% of streaming royalties with no commission on paid plans, ensuring that independent artists keep every dollar earned from their music after platform deductions. This approach maximizes long-term revenue for successful releases. For YouTube monetization, TuneCore supports Content ID and allows artists to opt in for YouTube revenue collection, but does not operate its own Multi-channel Network (MCN).
CD Baby takes 9% commission permanently on all royalties from every release, representing a significant long-term cost for artists building sustainable music careers. This commission applies to digital sales, streaming revenue, and any other income generated through their distribution network. CD Baby also offers YouTube monetization through Content ID and provides access to its own MCN, which can help artists benefit from improved monetization rates and direct ad deals on YouTube.
TuneCore has no minimum payout threshold, meaning artists receive payments for any amount earned, improving cash flow for developing musicians. Payments arrive monthly via PayPal, direct deposit, or check depending on your preference and location.
CD Baby requires minimum payout thresholds before releasing accumulated royalties, potentially delaying payments for artists with lower streaming numbers. While this threshold isn’t prohibitively high, it can impact cash flow timing for independent musicians.
Both platforms provide detailed sales reports and analytics for tracking performance across different streaming services and territories, though TuneCore’s analytics tend to be more granular and actionable for independent artists seeking to understand their audience demographics and listening patterns.
Break-Even Analysis for Artists
The mathematics of choosing between TuneCore or CD Baby becomes clear when examining realistic earning scenarios:
Artists earning $166+ annually break even with TuneCore Rising Artist versus CD Baby Standard’s 9% commission structure. This threshold represents roughly 1,500 monthly streams across all platforms – achievable for most dedicated independent artists within their first year.
High-earning artists with 10,000+ monthly streams save hundreds annually by avoiding CD Baby’s commission structure. For example, an independent musician earning $2,000 annually would pay $180 in commissions to CD Baby versus $14.99 total to TuneCore.
CD Baby only remains competitive for artists releasing one song at a time or 1 song every few years with minimal streaming income below $100 annually. For those releasing just one song, the upfront distribution cost may be lower than a yearly subscription, making CD Baby more cost-effective for single-track releases. This scenario applies to hobbyist musicians rather than those building serious music careers.
The unlimited releases benefit of TuneCore’s subscription model particularly favors productive independent artists who understand that consistent releasing music drives algorithm engagement and audience growth across streaming services.
Which Platform to Choose Based on Your Artist Profile
Your decision between TuneCore or CD Baby should align with your release schedule, revenue goals, and music career ambitions.
Choose TuneCore if you:
- Release 2+ songs yearly and want unlimited distribution
- Prefer keeping 100% of your music royalties without commissions
- Plan multiple releases and need cost-effective scaling
- Want integrated publishing administration for comprehensive royalty collection
- Value faster customer support and more responsive artist services
- Are an unsigned artist seeking independent distribution and monetization, as TuneCore is designed to support unsigned artists in getting their music out globally
Choose CD Baby if you:
- Release music rarely (every 2-3 years) and prefer one-time payments
- Don’t mind the 9% commission on all future earnings
- Prioritize sync licensing opportunities for film and television placements
- Prefer the simplicity of pay-per-release rather than subscription management
- Are an unsigned artist looking for a platform that helps unsigned artists distribute and monetize their music independently
Recommendations for Different Artist Types
New independent artists should start with TuneCore Rising Artist ($14.99/year) for unlimited releases and growth potential without limiting their creative output or earnings potential. The low annual cost provides room for experimentation and learning.
Established artists with consistent release schedules benefit from TuneCore Professional ($49.99/year) for label features, advanced analytics, and priority support that reflects their serious approach to music production and marketing services.
Occasional releasers might consider CD Baby only if releasing less than 1 song per year and earning minimal streaming revenue. However, most musicians underestimate their future productivity and streaming growth potential.
Collaborative artists particularly benefit from TuneCore’s splits feature, which automatically pays co writers and producers without manual intervention, reducing administrative burden and potential disputes over music sales distribution.
Independent musicians targeting global markets should prioritize TuneCore’s superior international distribution reach, particularly in Asian markets where CD Baby’s coverage remains limited despite the growing importance of these territories.
The choice between TuneCore or CD Baby ultimately depends on your commitment to releasing music consistently and building a sustainable music career. Most independent artists benefit from TuneCore’s commission-free model and unlimited releases, while CD Baby serves the increasingly small segment of occasional releasers who prioritize one-time payments over long-term revenue optimization.
For serious independent musicians, the decision becomes clear: TuneCore’s approach maximizes both creative freedom and financial returns, supporting artists who view music distribution as an investment in their long-term success rather than a simple utility service.
To stay updated on the latest tutorials, reviews, and distribution tips, artists should subscribe to the official YouTube channel of each platform. Independent musicians should compare pricing models, royalty structures, and special features between TuneCore and CD Baby.