How to cancel Tunecore and protect your music distribution rights
What Tunecore is and why you might cancel
Tunecore is a digital music distribution service that delivers your tracks to over 150 streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. You retain 100% of your royalties while Tunecore charges an annual subscription fee to keep your music live across those channels. Understanding what you are paying for and what you receive in return forms the foundation of any informed cancellation decision.
You might cancel Tunecore because the annual cost no longer aligns with your budget, you want to switch to a competitor like DistroKid or CD Baby, your music release goals have shifted, or you have decided to pause new material temporarily. Whatever your reason, Yafee is here to guide you through the cancellation process step by step, ensuring you avoid unexpected charges and understand your consumer rights in Singapore.
How Tunecore pricing works
Tunecore operates on an annual subscription model with three main tiers. The Rising Artist plan costs USD 22.99 per year and grants you unlimited releases to all 150+ stores plus basic support. The Breakout Artist tier at USD 39.99 per year adds Store Automator, daily trend reports, and a cover art creator. The Professional plan, priced at USD 49.99 per year, includes premium sales analytics, custom label settings, UPC codes, and country-level restrictions.
If you purchased your subscription through the Apple App Store or Google Play, you will be charged in Singapore dollars (SGD) and must cancel through those platforms, not through Tunecore's website directly. This distinction is critical and often causes confusion among independent artists. Consequently, your cancellation method depends entirely on where you made your original purchase.
| Plan |
Annual cost (USD) |
Releases per year |
Key features |
| Rising Artist |
USD 22.99 |
Unlimited |
150+ stores, basic support |
| Breakout Artist |
USD 39.99 |
Unlimited |
Store Automator, trend reports, cover art |
| Professional |
USD 49.99 |
Unlimited |
Analytics, labels, UPC codes |
Why consumers cancel Tunecore
Artists typically cancel when they stop releasing music regularly, want to consolidate their distribution across fewer platforms, or find that the annual fee does not justify the benefits they are actually using. Some switch distributors after negotiating better rates elsewhere. Others downsize their recording operations temporarily and want to pause spending. Understanding your cancellation reason helps you choose the fastest method and prepare for what happens to your music after you exit.
Your consumer rights when cancelling Tunecore in singapore
Singapore consumer law provides specific protections for digital services and subscription cancellations that you should understand before proceeding.
What the consumer protection (Fair trading) act says about digital services
Under Singapore's Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, you have the right to cancel a subscription service within 14 days of purchase if you are unhappy with the service and the service provider has not already begun performing it. However, since Tunecore typically begins distributing your music immediately upon payment, this cooling-off window may not apply to your situation in practice.
If Tunecore charged you without your consent, charged you after you requested cancellation, or misrepresented the service at the point of purchase, you can lodge a formal complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) or the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI). Yafee recommends documenting all your communications, payment records, and screenshots before escalating any dispute.
Your legal position
As a consumer in Singapore, you hold the following rights: (1) the right to clear information about cancellation terms before purchase; (2) the right to receive a refund if Tunecore charges you after cancellation; (3) the right to access your music analytics and earnings history for a reasonable period post-cancellation; and (4) the right to request immediate removal of your music from streaming platforms if you wish. In accordance with the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, Tunecore must honour cancellation requests promptly and cease charging you within one billing cycle. If the company refuses to refund unauthorized charges, CASE will investigate your complaint at no cost to you.
Your rights to your music and earnings
Cancelling your Tunecore subscription does not automatically remove your music from streaming platforms unless you explicitly request a takedown. Your royalties earned before cancellation remain yours and will be paid out according to Tunecore's standard payout schedule, typically 30 to 60 days after the end of the month in which streams were recorded. You retain access to your analytics and reports for a limited period after cancellation, so download these before you proceed if you plan to keep them for your records. Furthermore, you can resubscribe to Tunecore in the future if your circumstances change, though your historical data may not transfer.
Methods to cancel Tunecore
Your cancellation method depends on where you purchased your subscription and what payment method you used.
| Purchase method |
Cancellation location |
Processing time |
| Tunecore website (direct) |
Tunecore dashboard |
Immediate |
| Apple App Store |
Apple ID settings |
Effective next billing date |
| Google Play Store |
Google Play settings |
Effective next billing date |
| PayPal (direct) |
PayPal recurring payments |
Immediate |
How to cancel Tunecore step by step
Follow these steps based on where you made your original purchase to cancel quickly and avoid being charged again.
Cancel via the Tunecore web dashboard
The web dashboard is the fastest way to cancel your subscription if you purchased directly from Tunecore's website using a credit card or PayPal.
- Go to www.tunecore.com and log in to your account using your email and password.
- If you have forgotten your password, click "Forgot password" and follow the email reset link.
- Navigate to your account settings or subscription management section (typically found under "Account" or "Billing").
- Look for a tab labelled "Plans", "Subscription", or "Billing".
- Locate your active Tunecore subscription plan and select the option to "Cancel subscription" or "Downgrade".
- Do not select "Pause" if you want to cancel permanently; pause is a temporary hold.
- Tunecore will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may offer you a discount to stay. Review any offer carefully and proceed only if you are certain you want to cancel.
- Screenshot this confirmation page as proof of your cancellation request.
- Complete the cancellation. Tunecore will send you a confirmation email within 5 minutes.
- Save this email and forward it to your own records folder for safekeeping.
- Check your next billing date. Cancellation takes effect immediately, and you will not be charged again.
- If you were charged after cancellation, contact Tunecore support with your confirmation email.
Cancel your apple app store subscription
If you purchased your Tunecore subscription through the Apple App Store on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you must cancel through your Apple ID settings, not through Tunecore itself.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app and tap your name at the top.
- On Mac, open System Preferences, click on your Apple ID, then select "Subscriptions".
- Select "Subscriptions" (or "Media and Purchases" on some devices).
- You may need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password.
- Find Tunecore in your active subscriptions list and tap it.
- If you have multiple music distribution apps, ensure you select the correct Tunecore entry.
- Tap "Cancel subscription" and confirm your choice.
- Apple will ask if you want to keep using the service until your renewal date; select "Confirm cancellation".
- You will receive a cancellation confirmation from Apple. Your subscription will remain active until your next renewal date, after which you will not be charged.
- Screenshot the confirmation for your records.
Cancel your google play store subscription
If you purchased your Tunecore subscription through the Google Play Store on an Android device, cancel through Google Play, not through Tunecore's website.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Alternatively, go to play.google.com on a web browser and sign in to your Google account.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Payments and subscriptions".
- On a web browser, select "Manage subscriptions".
- Tap "Subscriptions" and find Tunecore in your active list.
- Scroll down if Tunecore does not appear immediately; it may be listed alphabetically.
- Select Tunecore and tap "Cancel subscription".
- Google will display your cancellation confirmation and your final billing date.
- Your subscription will end on the date shown, and you will not be charged again after that date.
- Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation page.
Cancel a PayPal recurring payment
If you set up your Tunecore subscription using PayPal as your payment method, you can cancel directly through PayPal.
- Go to www.paypal.com and log in to your account.
- If you do not remember your password, use the "Forgot password" option.
- Click "Settings" or the gear icon, then select "Payments".
- Different PayPal account types may show this option under "Account settings".
- Find "Manage automatic payments" or "Recurring payments" and locate Tunecore.
- Click on the Tunecore entry to open its details.
- Select "Cancel" or "Remove" to stop the recurring payment.
- PayPal will ask you to confirm the cancellation.
- PayPal will send you a confirmation email. Your subscription will not renew, and you will not be charged again.
- Print or save this email as evidence of cancellation.
What happens after you cancel
Cancelling your Tunecore subscription triggers several important changes that you must understand to protect your music distribution and earnings.
Your music remains live unless you request removal
Cancelling your subscription does not automatically take your music off Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, or any other platform. Your tracks will continue to earn royalties and generate streams indefinitely, even after your Tunecore subscription ends. This is a significant advantage: you keep earning money without paying Tunecore's annual fee. Consequently, you should only request a takedown if you genuinely want your music removed from streaming services.
Your earnings and payout schedule
Royalties you earned before cancellation will be paid to you in full according to Tunecore's standard payout cycle. Streaming royalties are typically reported and paid 30 to 60 days after the end of the month in which streams were recorded. For example, if you cancelled on 15 August, streams from August will be paid in October. You must maintain an active bank account or PayPal linked to your Tunecore account to receive payouts. If you delete your Tunecore account, you may not be able to access future earnings, so do not delete your account unless you are absolutely certain you will not earn any future royalties.
Your music analytics and history
You will lose access to your Tunecore dashboard and detailed analytics within 30 to 90 days of cancellation. Consequently, download your sales reports, streaming data, and music statistics immediately after you cancel if you plan to use this information for tax purposes, grant applications, or your own records. Yafee recommends exporting your data as a CSV or PDF file before you take any further action. Once your account is deleted, this data is generally not recoverable.
Resubscribing to Tunecore in the future
You can resubscribe to Tunecore at any time if your circumstances change. Your music will remain on streaming platforms whether you resubscribe or not, but you will regain access to the dashboard, analytics, and advanced distribution tools only after you renew your subscription. Your historical analytics data may not be transferred to a new account, so your new dashboard will show data only from the date you resubscribe onwards. Plan accordingly if you think you might want to return.
Refund policy and how to dispute charges
Tunecore's standard policy is to charge you at the beginning of your subscription year and not to issue refunds for unused service time within that year. Nevertheless, you have consumer protection rights if you were charged incorrectly.
When you are entitled to a refund
You have the right to request a refund in the following circumstances: (1) Tunecore charged you after you cancelled; (2) Tunecore charged you twice in the same billing cycle; (3) you purchased on your credit card or PayPal and cancelled within 14 days of purchase and Tunecore had not yet distributed your music; or (4) your payment method was charged without authorization. If any of these apply, you are entitled to dispute the charge.
How to request a refund from Tunecore
- Gather all evidence of your charge: your bank or PayPal statement, your Tunecore cancellation confirmation email, and screenshots of your account settings showing the cancellation date.
- If you cancelled via Apple or Google, also save screenshots from those platforms showing your cancellation.
- Contact Tunecore support by visiting their help centre at support.tunecore.com or by emailing [email protected].
- In your message, explain exactly what happened, provide the date you were charged, and attach your evidence.
- Allow 5 to 10 business days for Tunecore to respond. If they refuse your refund request or do not respond within 10 days, proceed to step 4.
- Save all correspondence from Tunecore.
- If Tunecore refuses, escalate to your bank or PayPal. Contact your bank's fraud or disputes department and provide all the evidence you collected. Your bank can initiate a chargeback if the charge was unauthorized or if Tunecore failed to honour your cancellation.
- Chargebacks typically take 30 to 60 days to resolve.
- If your dispute remains unresolved, lodge a complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) at www.case.org.sg or call 6100 0315. CASE will investigate at no cost to you and can mediate between you and Tunecore.
- Provide CASE with all emails, receipts, and proof of cancellation.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancelling a subscription can feel straightforward, but small oversights often lead to unexpected charges and lost access to important data. Here are the pitfalls that trap most artists and how to sidestep them.
Confusing pause with cancellation
Tunecore offers a "pause" option that temporarily halts your subscription but keeps your account active. If you click "pause" instead of "cancel", you will still be charged when the pause period ends, usually after 3 or 6 months. Only select "cancel subscription" if you want to stop paying permanently. If you simply want to pause music releases without losing your account data, pause is the right option.
Cancelling in the wrong place
If you purchased through Apple or Google, cancelling directly through Tunecore's website will not work. Your subscription is managed by Apple or Google, and they will continue to charge you. Consequently, you must cancel through the platform where you originally paid. Yafee recommends checking your original purchase receipt to confirm which platform you used, then cancelling there.
Forgetting to download your analytics before cancellation
Your Tunecore dashboard and all your sales data will be deleted or inaccessible within 30 to 90 days of cancellation. If you need this information for taxes, grant applications, or your portfolio, export it immediately after you cancel. Most artists regret not doing this, especially if they later need proof of earnings for a loan or licensing deal.
Not saving your cancellation confirmation
If Tunecore charges you again after you cancelled, you will need proof that you requested cancellation. Save the confirmation email, screenshot the cancellation page, and note the exact date. Without this evidence, disputing the charge becomes much harder. Furthermore, forward your confirmation email to a separate email account or cloud storage service to ensure you cannot lose it.
Deleting your account before receiving final payouts
Cancelling your subscription is not the same as deleting your account. If you delete your account, you lose access to any future royalty payouts from streams that occurred before deletion. Some artists continue earning money for months or years after they stop actively releasing. Keep your account open even after cancellation so you can continue receiving earnings. You can always log in once a month to check your balance.
Tunecore vs. other music distributors
If you are considering cancelling Tunecore, you might be weighing alternatives. Here is how Tunecore compares to other popular platforms on key features and cost.
| Distributor |
Annual cost |
Royalty cut |
Number of stores |
Best for |
| Tunecore |
USD 22.99-49.99 |
0% (you keep 100%) |
150+ |
Artists wanting maximum royalties |
| DistroKid |
USD 99.99/year |
0% (you keep 100%) |
150+ |
High-volume releasers |
| CD Baby |
USD 49 per album |
0% (you keep 100%) |
130+ |
Artists releasing occasionally |
| TuneGate |
Free (ad-supported) |
0% (you keep 100%) |
100+ |
Emerging artists on tight budgets |
Protecting your rights and getting help
If Tunecore refuses to honour your cancellation or disputes your refund request, Singapore law gives you several escalation routes at no cost.
When to contact the consumers association of singapore
Contact CASE if Tunecore has not responded to your refund request within 14 days, if they dispute a valid cancellation, or if they continue charging you after you cancelled. CASE will investigate the dispute, attempt to mediate between you and Tunecore, and can facilitate compensation if Tunecore is found to be in breach of the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. Yafee recommends gathering all correspondence and evidence before contacting CASE, as a clear paper trail strengthens your case significantly.
How to lodge a complaint with CASE
You can lodge a complaint online at www.case.org.sg, by phone at 6100 0315, or by visiting their office at 170 Ghim Moh Road, Singapore 279621. You do not need a lawyer, and CASE does not charge you any fee. Provide CASE with your name, Tunecore account details, email address, phone number, a description of the dispute, and copies of all relevant documents. CASE typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to investigate and respond.
Filing a complaint with the ministry of trade and industry
If CASE is unable to resolve your dispute or if your case falls outside their scope, you can escalate to the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI). The MTI enforces consumer protection laws and can take action against Tunecore if they are found to be unfair trading practices. Nevertheless, escalating to MTI should be your last resort after CASE and direct negotiation with Tunecore have failed.
Cancellation checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed all necessary steps before and after cancelling Tunecore.
- Confirm your purchase method: Tunecore website, Apple App Store, Google Play, or PayPal.
- Take a screenshot of your active Tunecore subscription plan and pricing.
- Note your next billing date from your account settings.
- Download and save all sales reports, streaming analytics, and earnings history.
- Export any music metadata, cover art, or UPC codes you may need later.
- Cancel your subscription through the correct platform (not Tunecore's website if you used Apple or Google).
- Save the cancellation confirmation email and take a screenshot of the confirmation page.
- Verify that your account no longer shows an active subscription.
- Wait one to two billing cycles and confirm that you were not charged again.
- If you were charged after cancellation, contact Tunecore support with your confirmation email and request a refund.
- If Tunecore refuses or does not respond, escalate to CASE or your bank within 30 days of the disputed charge.
If you need to contact Tunecore directly or if you require help escalating a dispute, use these addresses and contact methods.
Tunecore official contact details
Tunecore headquarters and primary mailing address: Tunecore Inc., 145 Hudson Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. For general support enquiries, email [email protected] or visit support.tunecore.com. Tunecore also maintains an office in Austin, Texas, but most consumer disputes should be directed to the Brooklyn address. If Tunecore does not respond to email within 10 business days, send a formal letter to the Brooklyn address via registered mail with a return receipt requested.
Singapore consumer protection contacts
Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE): website www.case.org.sg, phone 6100 0315, postal address 170 Ghim Moh Road, Singapore 279621. Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI): website www.mti.gov.sg, phone 6325 8888, postal address 100 High Street, Singapore 179434. Both organisations provide free assistance to consumers in Singapore who have disputes with overseas or local companies regarding unfair trading practices and subscription cancellations.
Why yafee can help you stay protected
Cancelling a music distribution subscription involves navigating multiple platforms, protecting your earnings, and understanding your consumer rights across different jurisdictions. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions safely, recover unauthorized charges, and avoid future billing traps by providing clear, legally grounded guidance tailored to your country's consumer protection laws. Yafee's step-by-step cancellation guides are built on Singapore's Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act and updated regularly to reflect changes in how Tunecore and app stores handle cancellations. Whether you are switching to a different distributor, pausing your music career, or simply looking to cut costs, Yafee ensures you understand your rights, complete your cancellation correctly, and know exactly where to escalate if problems arise. Visit Yafee at yafee.com to access guides for dozens of subscriptions and digital services, all written by legal specialists and tested by real users in Singapore.