Western Beats vs TuneCore
TuneCore's free plan doesn't even include JioSaavn or Gaana
TuneCore India starts at ₹1,599/year for real streaming distribution. Their free tier excludes Spotify, JioSaavn, and Gaana. Western Beats gives you all 150+ platforms — including every Indian store — for ₹0 forever, backed by Warner Music Group.
| Feature | Western Beats ✓ | TuneCore |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹0 Forever | ₹1,599/year (paid plan) |
| Free Plan JioSaavn? | ✓ Yes — Always | ✗ No (social only) |
| Free Plan Gaana? | ✓ Yes — Always | ✗ No |
| Free Plan Spotify? | ✓ Yes | ✗ No (paid required) |
| Revenue Share (free tier) | Transparent — T&C apply | Takes 20% |
| Caller Tune (CRBT) | ✓ All networks | ⚠ Limited |
| Warner Music Group Backing | ✓ Official Partner | ✗ None |
| Go-Live Time | 72 hours | 5–7 days |
| India-First Support | ✓ Hindi + English | ⚠ US-focused |
| Total Platforms | 150+ | 150+ |
| IP Ownership | 100% Always | 100% |
The Verdict
TuneCore is a reputable global distributor but it's not built for India. The free plan is practically useless for Indian artists (no JioSaavn, no Gaana, 20% cut). The paid plan at ₹1,599/year is unnecessary when Western Beats gives you everything — 150+ platforms, all Indian stores, caller tune support, and WMG backing — for ₹0 forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TuneCore's free plan distribute to JioSaavn and Gaana?
No — this is TuneCore's biggest weakness for Indian artists. The free 'New Artist' plan only covers social platforms (Facebook/Instagram/TikTok/YouTube) and TuneCore keeps 20% of revenue. Real streaming distribution to JioSaavn, Gaana, Spotify, Apple Music requires a ₹1,599+/year paid plan. Western Beats gives you full distribution to all 150+ platforms including every Indian store for ₹0.
How much does TuneCore India cost?
TuneCore India starts at ₹1,599/year for unlimited releases (paid plan). Their free tier excludes all major streaming platforms. Western Beats is ₹0 forever with no plan tiers — one plan, everything included.
Can I migrate my TuneCore catalog to Western Beats?
Yes, completely free. Contact contact@westernbeats.com and our team handles the migration, preserving your stream counts and ISRCs where possible.
Why is Western Beats free when TuneCore is paid?
Western Beats earns only when you earn — we're aligned with your success. TuneCore charges upfront regardless. For most independent Indian artists who are growing their fanbase, Western Beats means zero cost to distribute to JioSaavn, Gaana, Spotify, and 150+ platforms.
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