Quick Summary
If you're an Indian artist, the answer is simple: DistroKid and TuneCore both miss JioSaavn and Gaana — the two biggest music platforms in India. Western Beats covers both, plus Jio Caller Tune (CRBT), which no global distributor touches. And Western Beats is completely free forever.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | DistroKid | TuneCore | Western Beats ✦ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $22.99/year | $9.99–$29.99/year/release | ₹0 Forever |
| JioSaavn | ✗ Not available | ✗ Not available | ✓ Included |
| Gaana | ✗ Not available | ✗ Not available | ✓ Included |
| Jio Caller Tune (CRBT) | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Spotify | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple Music | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| YouTube Music | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Total Platforms | 150+ | 150+ | 150+ incl. India |
| Royalty % | 100% (after fee) | ~80% | 100% always |
| Free ISRC Codes | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free UPC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Warner Music Backed | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ Official WMI Partner |
| India Support | Limited | Limited | Dedicated India team |
The JioSaavn Problem
JioSaavn has over 100 million monthly active users in India. It's the #1 music streaming platform in India by user base. DistroKid does not distribute to JioSaavn. TuneCore does not distribute to JioSaavn. If you're an Indian artist using either of these, you're invisible to 100 million Indian listeners.
Western Beats distributes to JioSaavn as a standard part of every free submission. Your song goes live on JioSaavn within 72 hours at zero cost.
The Price Problem with DistroKid
DistroKid charges $22.99/year for unlimited uploads. That sounds cheap — until you realise that if you stop paying, your music gets taken down from all platforms. Every stream stops. Every playlist placement disappears. Your music belongs to DistroKid's business model, not to you.
Western Beats charges ₹0. Your music stays on all platforms forever, even if we close tomorrow, because 100% of your IP rights remain with you.
TuneCore's Hidden Fees
TuneCore's pricing looks simple but adds up fast. $9.99/year per single means 10 singles cost you $100/year. An album is $29.99/year. And TuneCore deducts a percentage from your royalties before you see them. For Indian artists earning in rupees from Indian platforms, this commission model means significantly less money in your pocket.
Caller Tune Distribution — India's Exclusive
Jio Caller Tune (CRBT) is one of the highest-paying revenue streams for Indian artists. When someone sets your song as their Jio Hello Tune, you earn every time their phone rings. No global distributor — not DistroKid, not TuneCore, not CD Baby — handles CRBT distribution.
Western Beats distributes your song as a Jio Caller Tune, Airtel Hello Tune and Vi Hello Tune included with every release. This alone is worth switching.
Verdict for Indian Artists
For Indian artists in 2026, Western Beats is the clear winner. It's the only free distributor that covers JioSaavn, Gaana, Jio Caller Tune, Airtel Hello Tune, and Vi Hello Tune — alongside every global platform. You keep 100% of your royalties and 100% of your IP. There's no annual fee, no commission, no catch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DistroKid distribute to JioSaavn?
No. DistroKid does not distribute to JioSaavn or Gaana. This is a significant gap for Indian artists. Western Beats distributes to both for free.
Is TuneCore free for Indian artists?
No. TuneCore charges an annual fee per release ($9.99/year per single, $29.99/year per album). Western Beats is completely free with zero annual fees.
Which distributor gives 100% royalties in India?
Western Beats gives you 100% of royalties with no commission. DistroKid charges an annual fee but otherwise claims 100%. TuneCore deducts a percentage.
Can I switch from DistroKid to Western Beats?
Yes. You can submit your music to Western Beats at any time. We recommend distributing new releases through Western Beats first, then letting your DistroKid subscription lapse on renewal.