TuneCore adds ‘social first’ music distribution pre-release option

TuneCore has added a new distribution option that onboards music only to social media networks prior to releasing it to streaming and download platforms.

While most DIY distributors offer artists the option of picking which services their music is uploaded to, TuneCore has created a one-stop social pre-release solution designed to facilitate discovery and virality for indie artists while monetizing their music and music videos right away.

Creators can distribute music directly into the music libraries of social media networks including TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Reels. As the songs gain traction, with just a few clicks they can distribute it to 150+ stores and streaming platforms via Tunecore.

There is no upfront fee for social distribution, but TuneCore will receive 20% of the revenue generated there. Regular TuneCore flat fee rates apply for wider distribution.

 “In the past few years, social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have become the first stage for music discovery, providing a new way for music creators to start building audiences and accelerate discovery and virality,” said Andreea Gleeson, CEO of TuneCore. “With the launch of distribution to Social Platforms, TuneCore is offering a one-stop solution for artists to release and monetize their music on key social media platforms with no upfront fee to provide an easily accessible launchpad for creators.”

How social discovery worked for indie artist Charlotte Sands

Discovery algorithms of social have often helped indie artists break through to larger audiences.

In November of 2020, TuneCore artist Charlotte Sands posted a demo of her song “Dress” on TikTok. Just a few hours after posting, the video had gone viral. The comments section was filled with requests for her to release the song – fans wanted to hear the entire song, not just the snippet she posted.

Sands released the song a few days later, and “Dress” was featured on Spotify playlists including New Music Fridays, Teen Beats, New in Pop, Fresh Finds Pop, and she was the cover artist for that week’s Fresh Finds playlist.

Sands now has over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, with “Dress” at 11 million streams, and the original video on TikTok at 1.3 million plays. She’s now signed to TuneCore’s parent company Believe and released a new EP earlier this fall and she will be touring as the opening act for Yungblud.