TuneCore has revealed that independent artists using the platform have collectively earned more than $5 billion since the company’s founding in 2006.
“This marks a historic milestone and the first public achievement of its kind among distributors for self-releasing artists,” said a statement from the Believe-owned development partner.
TuneCore offers artists solutions to monetise their music and grow their fanbases, while building sustainable careers on their own terms.
Andreea Gleeson, CEO, TuneCore, said: “Crossing $5 billion earned by TuneCore artists is a defining milestone for independent music – it shows that creative freedom and financial success can go hand in hand. Reaching this milestone didn’t just happen; it’s the result of listening closely to what artists need today and evolving TuneCore to power their growth.
“By combining innovation with intention, we’ve built programmes like TuneCore Accelerator to help artists reach new audiences, and publishing services that ensure they collect every cent their music generates. This milestone reflects the extraordinary talent and drive of our artists around the world, and we’re proud to be the partner helping to fuel their success.”
The $5 billion milestone comes just 17 months after surpassing the $4 billion mark. TuneCore said it shows the “record-breaking momentum and accelerating artist success across every genre and market”.
TuneCore is powered by Believe’s direct relationships with digital service providers and streaming platforms worldwide, as well as TuneCore Accelerator, the company’s flagship artist development platform. Accelerator provides artists with access to promotional and marketing opportunities designed to drive discovery, build audiences, and deepen fan engagement.
In the past year, artists in the programme have generated over 21 billion new streams and 2.5 billion artist discoveries, and seen their median royalties grow fivefold.
Crossing $5 billion earned by TuneCore artists is a defining milestone for independent music
Andreea Gleeson
Globally, TuneCore’s reach continues to expand, with over 75% of new artists and labels joining TuneCore in the last year coming from outside the United States. Among them is South London neo-soul/R&B artist Bina, whose breakout success as a TuneCore Artist has earned her over 250,000 monthly Spotify listeners and the One To Watch award at the 2025 AIM Independent Music Awards.
Bina said: “Being independent has given me the freedom to develop my artistry without too much external noise. Now that I feel like I know the main ingredients of what makes me who I am, it’s easier to navigate the industry with confidence in myself and my taste in art and music. I feel throughout my journey as an independent artist, I’ve been supported with easy to use tools to get my music out there, and the necessary assistance to use those tools has been easily accessible.
“I think that when artists are looking for distributors, they should check out the ways in which such partnerships will make their lives as artists easier, and most importantly, get the music out to as many likeminded, kindred music lovers as possible!”
“The future of music is independent,” added Gleeson. “At TuneCore, we’re not just celebrating earnings – we’re celebrating empowerment, creativity, and the artists who are rewriting the rules of the industry.”
Lyor Cohen, global head of music, YouTube, said: “This achievement is a testament to TuneCore's unwavering commitment to innovation for the independent artist community. For almost two decades, they've been committed to providing the infrastructure for artists to build durable careers and monetise their work. We share that mission – ensuring that YouTube is the global destination for their artists to build meaningful connections with their fans. We are proud to partner with TuneCore and celebrate this monumental success!"
Tracy Gardner, global head of music business development, TikTok, said: “TuneCore artists make up a vital component of TikTok’s music library and, as a longtime supporter of independence, we are proud to partner with them to amplify rising artists and help them find new fans among TikTok’s global audience.”
Charlie Hellman, SVP, global head of music, Spotify, said: “We are proud to partner with TuneCore to uplift independent artists and enable countless songwriters, producers, and performers to turn their passion for music into a career. TuneCore paying $5 billion to artists is an inspiring milestone that reflects how far independent music has come in the streaming era.”
Oliver Schusser, vice president, Apple Music and Beats, said: “At Apple, we celebrate the creativity and value of creators across every stage of development, and we commend TuneCore for helping so many talented independent artists from around the world earn money and build careers on their own terms. Congrats!”
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