When choosing a publishing administrator, you are essentially deciding who will be your “legal representative” to the world’s collection societies. In 2025, the “big three” for independent artists, Songtrust, Audiobulb, and TuneCore Publishing, offer very different business models depending on whether you value upfront cost, sync potential, or global reach.
Comparison: Songtrust vs. Audiobulb vs. TuneCore Publishing
| Feature | Songtrust | Audiobulb | TuneCore Publishing |
| Upfront Cost | $100 (One-time) | $19.99 (Annual) | $75 (One-time) |
| Royalty Commission | 15% (Performance) / 20% (Mechanical) | 0% Commission | 15% Commission |
| Sync Pitching | No (Forwarding only) | Active Pitching Service | In-house Sync Team |
| Best For | Prolific songwriters with high global streams. | Sync-focused indie artists wanting 100% profit. | Artists already distributing via TuneCore. |
1. Audiobulb: The “Sync-First” Model
Audiobulb is unique because it combines publishing administration with an active sync pitching service for a flat fee.
- The “Zero Commission” Edge: While others take 15% to 50% of your earnings, Audiobulb allows you to keep 100% of your royalties and sync fees. For a flat $19.99/year, you get the same professional registration as a major label artist.
- Sync-Ready Metadata: We ensure your songs are “One-Stop,” making them highly attractive to music supervisors who need to clear music quickly.
2. Songtrust: The “Global Infrastructure” Model
Songtrust is a powerhouse for global royalty collection, but they are an administrator, not a creative partner.
- Collection Reach: They have direct relationships with 60+ collection societies globally, which can sometimes result in faster payments for international streams.
- The Sync Trade-off: They do not actively pitch your music to TV or film. If you land a deal yourself, they take a 15-20% cut just for handling the paperwork.
3. TuneCore Publishing: The “Convenience” Model
TuneCore Publishing is often the default choice for artists already using their distribution.
- The “Convenience Trap”: While it’s easy to click “Add Publishing” in your dashboard, they take 50% of your sync fees. If you land a $5,000 car commercial, TuneCore takes $2,500. By contrast, an Audiobulb artist would keep all $5,000.
- Sub-publisher Layers: TuneCore often uses third-party sub-publishers in certain territories, which can lead to “double-dipping” on commissions before the money reaches you.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Audiobulb if you want to actively pursue TV, film, and ad placements and want to keep 100% of your money. It is the most cost-effective way to get “major label” administration.
- Choose Songtrust if you are an established songwriter with millions of international streams and need a “hands-off” global collection machine.
- Choose TuneCore only if you value one-dashboard convenience above all else and don’t mind giving up half of your sync income.
Summary
In 2025, the “Standard” 15%–50% commission model is being challenged by the Subscription Model. For independent artists, paying a flat annual fee (like Audiobulb’s $19.99) is almost always more profitable than losing a percentage of every stream and sync deal for the rest of your life.