Amuse vs TuneCore: which should an independent artist pick?
Both get your music on every major platform and both let you keep your masters — the difference is the money model: Amuse is annual subscription, TuneCore is annual subscription. Which wins depends on how often you release and how long your catalog earns.
| Amuse | TuneCore | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Annual subscription | Annual subscription |
| Pricing | Artist $23.99/yr, Artist Plus $39.99/yr, Professional from $59.99/yr (as of June 2026) | $24.99–$54.99/yr unlimited plans; pay-per-release singles $24.99/yr, albums $44.99/yr (as of June 2026) |
| Payout | 100% of royalties (except a 15% YouTube Content ID fee on the base plan) | 100% of royalties from digital stores (20% fee on social platform earnings) |
| You keep masters | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Budget-conscious artists who want unlimited releases and — unusually — music that stays live even after cancelling. | Artists who want either unlimited annual distribution or a per-release option, plus optional publishing administration under one roof. |
Pick Amuse if…
Budget-conscious artists who want unlimited releases and — unusually — music that stays live even after cancelling.
But watch out
- –The base Artist plan charges a 15% royalty fee on YouTube Content ID earnings and a 15% fee on royalty splits with collaborators who lack an Amuse subscription (per Amuse's plan comparison).
- –Amuse's former free distribution tier no longer exists — distribution now requires a paid plan, a notable change for a service once known for free distribution (documented in 2025–2026 reviews of its plan overhaul).
Pick TuneCore if…
Artists who want either unlimited annual distribution or a per-release option, plus optional publishing administration under one roof.
But watch out
- –Earnings from social platforms (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) carry a 20% fee, disclosed on TuneCore's own pricing page.
- –Key features are gated by tier: YouTube Content ID, custom label name, your own UPC, and country restrictions require the Professional plan; additional artist profiles cost $14.99 each.
The decision in one rule
Run your release pace against the models: a subscription distributor is cheapest per release if you put out music constantly (but your music typically comes down if you stop paying), while a one-time fee or commission model favors a small catalog that earns for years. Whatever you choose, confirm you can leave with your catalog and that you keep the masters — the non-negotiables covered in how to release independently. Then run your numbers in the royalty calculator.
Primary sources
- [1]Amuse: Pricing | Music Distribution Plans — Amuse
- [2]Music Distribution Tailored to You: Say Hi to Our New Plans for DIY Artists and Independent Teams — Amuse
- [3]Amuse Distribution Review 2026: An In-Depth Assessment of the Platform — Ari's Take
- [4]Our Pricing & Plans — TuneCore
- [5]How much does TuneCore cost? — TuneCore Support
- [6]TuneCore vs DistroKid in 2026 (What Changed?) — Soundcamps
Educational comparison, not an endorsement or affiliate content. Details verified against official pages as of June 2026 — terms change, confirm before signing up.