MBW’s Stat Of The Week is a series in which we highlight a data point that deserves the attention of the global music industry. Stat Of the Week is supported by music data analytics firm Chartmetric.
Believe-owned distribution platform TuneCore, a prominent player in the global independent music distribution space, revealed on Wednesday (November 12) that self-releasing artists have earned more than $5 billion via its platform since it was founded in 2006.
TuneCore describes the milestone as “the first public achievement of its kind” among distributors for self-releasing artists.
The milestone comes over a year and a half after TuneCore crossed the $4 billion threshold.
That means TuneCore has paid out around $1 billion since June 2024, or about $59 million per month between June 2024 and November 2025.
The figure represents cumulative earnings across TuneCore’s entire artist base over nearly two decades, spanning bedroom producers, emerging acts and established performers across all genres and markets.
TuneCore CEO Andreea Gleeson described the achievement as “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,” added Gleeson.
“By combining innovation with intention, we’ve built programs 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.”
“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.”
Andreea Gleeson, TuneCore
In addition to the payout figure, TuneCore also announced that artists in its Accelerator program have generated over 21 billion new streams and facilitated 2.5 billion artist discoveries.
TuneCore charges artists a flat annual fee to upload their music to DSPs like Spotify, AppleMusic, AmazonMusic and TikTok, and it pays those artists 100% of the royalties earned from their music.
In its latest report, TuneCore also revealed that 75% of new artists and labels joining the platform over the past year were from outside of the United States.
TuneCore’s Digital service partners celebrated the milestone on Wednesday.
“This achievement is a testament to TuneCore’s unwavering commitment to innovation for the independent artist community.”
Lyor Cohen, Global Head of Music, YouTube: “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 monetize 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!”
“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.”
Tracy Gardner, TikTok
Tracy Gardner, Global Head of Music Business Development, TikTok: “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.”
“TuneCore paying $5B to artists is an inspiring milestone that reflects how far independent music has come in the streaming era.”
Charlie Hellman, Spotify
Charlie Hellman, SVP, Global Head of Music, Spotify: “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 $5B to artists is an inspiring milestone that reflects how far independent music has come in the streaming era.”
“We commend TuneCore for helping so many talented independent artists from around the world earn money and build careers on their own terms.”
Oliver Schusser, Vice President, Apple Music and Beats: “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!”
Oliver Schusser, Vice President, AppleMusic 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!”
TuneCore also highlighted a couple of recent artist success stories from its platform.
Among TuneCore’s users is California rapper MikeSherm, who joined in 2015 after building an initial following on SoundCloud and YouTube.
His tracks have accumulated “hundreds of millions of streams,” establishing him as a prominent independent voice in the San Francisco Bay Area hip-hop scene.
Sherm said: “I think independent music is taking over the whole world because you have all the resources you need already on the internet.”
South London neo-soul artist BINA., who has reached over 250,000 monthly Spotify listeners and won the One To Watch award at the 2025 AIM Independent Music Awards, credited TuneCore with providing accessible tools.
She said: “The future of music is independent. At TuneCore, we’re not just celebrating earnings—we’re celebrating empowerment, creativity, and the artists who are rewriting the rules of the industry.”
Chartmetric is the all-in-one platform for artists and music industry professionals, providing comprehensive streaming, social, and audience data for everyone to create successful careers in music.
