Ending your TuneCore membership made easy

About TuneCore

TuneCore is a digital music distribution service that enables independent musicians and artists to upload their music to major streaming platforms and online stores worldwide. Founded in 2006, the platform has become one of the leading distribution services for independent artists who want to maintain ownership of their master recordings whilst reaching audiences across Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and numerous other digital music retailers.

The service operates on a subscription-based model, allowing artists to distribute unlimited releases to over 150 digital stores and streaming platforms globally. TuneCore distinguishes itself by letting artists keep 100% of their sales revenue and streaming royalties, which has made it particularly attractive to independent musicians seeking full control over their earnings. The platform also provides additional services including music publishing administration, YouTube monetisation, and social media distribution tools.

For UK-based artists, TuneCore offers localised support and payment options whilst maintaining the same global distribution network available to users worldwide. The company has distributed millions of songs and albums since its inception, helping independent artists generate substantial revenue without the need for traditional record label deals. However, various circumstances lead artists to reconsider their subscription, including changing career directions, financial constraints, dissatisfaction with service features, or simply consolidating their distribution through alternative platforms.

Understanding your rights as a consumer in the UK is essential when dealing with subscription services. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 provide robust protections for UK consumers, ensuring you have clear pathways to cancel services when they no longer meet your needs. This means you are entitled to transparent information about cancellation procedures and reasonable notice periods.

Subscription plans and pricing

TuneCore offers several subscription tiers designed to accommodate artists at different stages of their careers. The pricing structure has evolved over time, and it is important to understand which plan you are currently subscribed to, as this may affect your cancellation terms and any potential refunds you might be entitled to claim.

Current subscription options

TuneCore's pricing model typically includes options for both single releases and album distribution. The platform operates on an annual subscription basis for most of its services, which means artists pay a yearly fee to keep their music available on streaming platforms and digital stores. This annual renewal structure is a crucial consideration when planning your cancellation, as timing can significantly impact whether you receive any refund for unused service periods.

These prices represent typical offerings, though TuneCore occasionally adjusts its pricing structure and introduces promotional rates for new customers. Therefore, your actual subscription cost may differ depending on when you signed up and any special offers that were available at the time. As a result, checking your most recent invoice or account statement will provide the most accurate information about your current plan and renewal date.

Additional services and charges

Beyond basic distribution, TuneCore offers supplementary services that may be included in your subscription or available as add-ons. These can include music publishing administration services, which help collect publishing royalties from various sources, and YouTube Sound Recording Revenue collection. Some artists also utilise TuneCore's social media distribution features to share their music across platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Understanding exactly which services you are paying for is essential when calculating whether the subscription represents value for money. In practice, many artists find that as their career develops, their distribution needs change, and what once seemed like an ideal solution may no longer align with their goals or budget. This realisation often prompts the decision to cancel and explore alternative distribution methods or platforms.

Cancellation terms and conditions

Before proceeding with cancellation, understanding TuneCore's specific terms and conditions is crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring you follow the correct procedure. The company's cancellation policy has specific implications for your music's availability on streaming platforms and any revenue you have earned but not yet received.

Notice periods and requirements

TuneCore typically requires notice before your annual renewal date if you wish to avoid being charged for another year of service. The standard notice period is usually 30 days before your renewal date, though this can vary depending on the specific terms you agreed to when signing up. This means you should review your original subscription agreement or contact details to confirm the exact notice period that applies to your account.

Failing to provide adequate notice can result in automatic renewal and charges for another year of service. Under UK consumer law, you have certain rights regarding automatic renewals, particularly if the company has not provided clear reminders about upcoming charges. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires that subscription terms be fair and transparent, which includes clear communication about renewal dates and cancellation procedures.

What happens to your music after cancellation

This is perhaps the most critical consideration when cancelling TuneCore. Once you cancel your subscription and it expires, TuneCore will remove your music from all distribution platforms within a specified timeframe, typically 4-6 weeks. This means your songs will no longer be available on Spotify, Apple Music, or any other platforms where TuneCore distributed them. As a result, you will stop earning streaming revenue from these releases unless you arrange alternative distribution before cancellation takes effect.

Therefore, many artists choose to set up distribution with an alternative service before cancelling TuneCore to avoid any gap in their music's availability. This strategic approach ensures continuous presence on streaming platforms and prevents loss of momentum with playlists, algorithms, and listener engagement. In practice, coordinating the transition between distribution services requires careful timing and planning.

Refund policies and financial considerations

TuneCore's refund policy is an important aspect of the cancellation process. Generally, the company does not offer refunds for unused portions of annual subscriptions, as the service is provided on a yearly basis. However, under certain circumstances and in accordance with UK consumer protection laws, you may be entitled to a partial refund, particularly if there have been service failures or if the company has not fulfilled its contractual obligations.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 stipulates that digital services must be provided with reasonable care and skill. If TuneCore has failed to distribute your music properly, provided inadequate customer support for serious issues, or otherwise breached the terms of service, you may have grounds to request a refund. Documenting any service failures with dates, screenshots, and correspondence is essential if you intend to pursue this avenue.

How to cancel TuneCore by post

Cancelling your TuneCore subscription by post using Recorded Delivery is the most reliable method for ensuring your cancellation request is properly documented and legally binding. Whilst many companies encourage online cancellation methods, postal cancellation provides several distinct advantages that protect your consumer rights more effectively.

Why postal cancellation is recommended

Sending your cancellation request by post creates an official paper trail that serves as legal proof of your intention to cancel. This is particularly valuable if any disputes arise about whether you cancelled within the required notice period or if the company claims they never received your cancellation request. Recorded Delivery provides tracking information and requires a signature upon receipt, which means you have verifiable evidence that TuneCore received your cancellation letter on a specific date.

In practice, postal cancellation also ensures that your request cannot be lost in email spam filters, overlooked in customer service queues, or dismissed due to technical issues with online cancellation systems. The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 recognise written postal communication as a valid and enforceable method of exercising your cancellation rights. Therefore, this traditional approach remains one of the most secure ways to protect yourself legally.

Furthermore, a formal letter demonstrates that you are serious about cancellation and understand your rights as a consumer. Companies are generally more responsive to formal postal communications, particularly when sent via Recorded Delivery, as they recognise the legal weight such correspondence carries. This can expedite the cancellation process and reduce the likelihood of encountering obstacles or delays.

Essential information to include in your letter

Your cancellation letter should be clear, concise, and include all necessary information to identify your account and process your request efficiently. At minimum, you must include your full name as it appears on the account, your account email address or customer reference number, and a clear statement that you wish to cancel your subscription. Specify the effective date you want the cancellation to take effect, ensuring this aligns with the required notice period.

Additionally, include your contact details so TuneCore can confirm receipt and processing of your cancellation. Request written confirmation of your cancellation and clarification of when your music will be removed from distribution platforms. This confirmation serves as important documentation for your records and provides clarity about what to expect following cancellation.

It is also advisable to mention any outstanding payments or royalties owed to you and request information about when and how these will be paid. TuneCore should continue to pay out any earned royalties even after cancellation, but explicitly requesting this information ensures nothing is overlooked during the cancellation process.

The correct postal address for cancellation

Sending your cancellation letter to the correct address is absolutely crucial for ensuring it reaches the appropriate department. Based on current information, TuneCore operates primarily from its US headquarters, and correspondence should typically be directed there. However, it is essential to verify the most current postal address before sending your cancellation letter, as company addresses can change.

For UK customers, the registered address for correspondence is typically:

• TuneCore
• c/o Believe Digital
• 26-28 Hammersmith Grove
• London
• W6 7BA
• United Kingdom

Always verify this address is current by checking recent correspondence from TuneCore or reviewing the terms and conditions section of their website for the official registered address. Sending your letter to an outdated address could delay processing and potentially cause you to miss critical cancellation deadlines.

Using Recorded Delivery for proof of cancellation

When sending your cancellation letter, always use Royal Mail Recorded Delivery or a similar tracked postal service. This service provides tracking information and requires the recipient to sign for the letter, creating indisputable proof of delivery. The tracking number allows you to monitor the letter's progress and confirm exactly when it was delivered and who signed for it.

Keep your Recorded Delivery receipt and tracking information in a safe place along with a copy of your cancellation letter. This documentation forms essential evidence if any disputes arise about whether you cancelled within the required timeframe or if TuneCore claims they never received your request. In practice, this proof is invaluable for protecting your rights and can be presented to your bank if you need to dispute any unauthorised charges following cancellation.

How Postclic simplifies the cancellation process

Whilst you can certainly handle postal cancellation independently, services like Postclic offer a streamlined approach that saves time and ensures professional handling of your cancellation request. Postclic specialises in sending formal letters on your behalf using tracked delivery methods, which means you do not need to visit the post office or worry about formatting your letter correctly.

The service provides digital proof of postage and delivery, which you can access online at any time. This means all your documentation is stored securely in one place, making it easy to reference if needed. Postclic also ensures your letter is professionally formatted and includes all necessary legal language to make your cancellation request as effective as possible. As a result, using such a service can provide peace of mind that your cancellation is being handled properly whilst saving you the administrative burden of managing the process yourself.

Timeline expectations for postal cancellation

After posting your cancellation letter via Recorded Delivery, you should typically receive confirmation of delivery within 1-3 business days depending on the destination. TuneCore should then process your cancellation request within a reasonable timeframe, usually 5-10 business days, and send you confirmation that your cancellation has been registered.

If you do not receive confirmation within two weeks of verified delivery, you should follow up with another letter referencing your original cancellation request and including copies of your Recorded Delivery receipt. This demonstrates persistence and ensures your cancellation is not overlooked. Under UK consumer law, companies must respond to formal written requests within a reasonable timeframe, and failure to do so can strengthen any subsequent complaint or dispute you may need to pursue.

Customer reviews and tips

Understanding the experiences of other TuneCore users who have cancelled their subscriptions provides valuable insights into what you might expect during the process. Customer feedback highlights common challenges, successful strategies, and important considerations that can help you navigate your own cancellation more effectively.

Common reasons for cancellation

Many artists cancel TuneCore for financial reasons, particularly when they are not generating sufficient streaming revenue to justify the annual subscription costs. Independent musicians often operate on tight budgets, and when distribution fees exceed earnings, continuing the subscription becomes financially unsustainable. This is especially common for newer artists still building their audience and those who have released music but are no longer actively promoting it.

Another frequent reason for cancellation involves switching to alternative distribution services that offer different pricing models or features. Some artists prefer platforms with free distribution options or those that take a percentage of revenue rather than charging upfront annual fees. Others consolidate their distribution through record labels or management companies that handle these services as part of broader career management.

Dissatisfaction with customer service or platform features also drives cancellation decisions. Some users report difficulties getting timely responses to support queries, challenges with the platform's interface, or frustration with limitations on editing releases after distribution. These service quality issues can accumulate over time, eventually prompting artists to seek alternatives that better meet their needs.

Challenges reported during cancellation

Several customers have reported difficulties locating clear cancellation instructions on TuneCore's website, which can make the process more confusing than necessary. This lack of transparency sometimes leads to users continuing to pay for subscriptions they no longer want simply because they cannot find straightforward information about how to cancel. Therefore, taking the postal cancellation route provides a clear, documented path that does not rely on navigating potentially unclear online processes.

Timing issues represent another common challenge. Some artists report that they cancelled what they believed was sufficient time before their renewal date, only to be charged for another year because they missed the specific deadline outlined in the terms and conditions. This highlights the importance of carefully checking your renewal date and required notice period, then sending your cancellation letter well in advance to allow for postal delivery time and processing.

Concerns about music removal timelines also feature prominently in customer feedback. Artists sometimes underestimate how long it takes for music to be removed from platforms after cancellation, which can create complications if they are trying to switch to a new distributor. Duplicate releases on streaming platforms can cause significant problems with royalty payments and playlist placements. As a result, careful coordination and clear communication with both your old and new distribution services is essential.

Successful strategies from other customers

Customers who have successfully cancelled TuneCore emphasise the importance of documentation throughout the process. Keeping copies of all correspondence, noting dates of key actions, and maintaining records of tracking information for postal cancellations creates a comprehensive paper trail that protects your interests. This documentation proves invaluable if any disputes arise or if you need to demonstrate that you cancelled within the required timeframe.

Planning ahead is another strategy that consistently leads to smoother cancellations. Setting calendar reminders well before your renewal date ensures you have adequate time to prepare and send your cancellation letter. Many successful cancellers recommend initiating the process at least 45-60 days before renewal to allow for postal delivery, processing time, and any potential complications that might arise.

Several users recommend arranging alternative distribution before cancelling TuneCore to maintain continuous availability of your music on streaming platforms. This prevents gaps in distribution that could negatively impact your streaming numbers, playlist placements, and overall visibility. In practice, this might mean signing up with a new distributor and waiting for your music to go live on their platform before finalising your TuneCore cancellation.

Protecting your rights throughout the process

Understanding your rights as a UK consumer empowers you to handle cancellation confidently and effectively. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides robust protections that ensure you are treated fairly throughout the cancellation process. If TuneCore fails to honour your cancellation request, continues to charge you after proper notice, or does not provide services as described in their terms, you have legal recourse.

Citizens Advice offers free guidance on consumer rights and can help you understand your options if you encounter problems during cancellation. If informal resolution attempts fail, you may escalate complaints through formal channels, including Alternative Dispute Resolution services or, as a last resort, the small claims court for financial disputes. However, most cancellation issues can be resolved through clear communication and proper documentation, which is why the postal cancellation method is so valuable.

Keep detailed records of all financial transactions related to your TuneCore subscription, including payment receipts and bank statements showing charges. This information becomes crucial if you need to dispute charges or request refunds. Your bank may also be able to assist if TuneCore continues to take payments after you have properly cancelled, particularly if you can provide proof of your cancellation request and its delivery.

Final considerations before cancelling

Before finalising your decision to cancel, ensure you have withdrawn any outstanding royalties from your TuneCore account. The platform typically pays out earnings on a monthly or quarterly basis, and you want to collect any money owed to you before closing your account. Check whether there are minimum payout thresholds and whether cancelling affects your ability to receive final payments.

Consider downloading any important data or reports from your TuneCore account before cancellation takes effect. This includes sales data, streaming statistics, and any other analytics that might be valuable for your records or for providing to a new distributor. Once your account is fully closed, accessing this historical information may become difficult or impossible.

Review any contractual obligations you have with collaborators, producers, or other parties involved in your releases. Ensure that cancelling TuneCore and potentially removing your music from streaming platforms does not breach any agreements you have made with others. This is particularly important if you have collaborative releases or if others have financial stakes in your music's continued availability.

Taking control of your subscription services is an important aspect of managing your music career professionally. Whilst cancelling TuneCore represents a significant decision, understanding your rights and following proper procedures ensures the process goes smoothly. The postal cancellation method, particularly using Recorded Delivery, provides the strongest protection for your interests and creates clear documentation of your actions. Whether you are switching to an alternative platform, taking a break from distribution, or moving in a new career direction, cancelling properly protects both your legal rights and your music's integrity.