Agreement to Terms
These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User," "Artist," "Label," or "you") and Tunearo ("Tunearo," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing or using our website, mobile applications, and music distribution services (collectively, the "Services"), you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Services.
1. Eligibility and Registration
1.1 Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in your jurisdiction to use our Services. If you are under 18, you may only use the Services with the direct involvement and consent of a parent or legal guardian who agrees to be bound by these Terms on your behalf.
1.2 Account Registration
To access certain features of the Services, you must register for an account. During registration, you agree to:
Provide accurate, current, and complete information Maintain and promptly update your account information Keep your login credentials confidential Immediately notify us of any unauthorized use of your account
1.3 One Account Per Person
Each person or legal entity may maintain only one account. Creating multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions, manipulate analytics, or engage in fraudulent activity is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate termination of all associated accounts.
1.4 Account Security
You are solely responsible for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to take sole responsibility for any activities or actions under your account, whether or not you have authorized such activities or actions. We recommend using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication when available.
1.5 Prohibited Account Types
The following account types are strictly prohibited:
Automated bot accounts or accounts controlled by scripts Accounts registered with fake or stolen identities Accounts created to impersonate others Accounts used primarily for spam or malicious purposes Accounts that violate third-party rights or local laws
2. Use of Our Services
2.1 License Grant
Subject to your compliance with these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, revocable license to access and use the Services for your personal and commercial music distribution purposes.
2.2 Prohibited Uses
You agree not to:
Use the Services for any illegal purpose or in violation of any local, state, national, or international law Upload content that infringes upon the intellectual property rights of others Engage in streaming fraud, artificial streaming, or bot activity to manipulate play counts Harass, abuse, threaten, or discriminate against other users Distribute spam, malware, viruses, or any other malicious code Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems, user accounts, or networks Interfere with or disrupt the Services or servers connected to the Services Scrape, data mine, or extract data from the Services without authorization Use the Services to promote hate speech, violence, or illegal activities
2.3 Compliance with Laws
You are solely responsible for ensuring that your use of the Services complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards in your jurisdiction, including but not limited to copyright law, trademark law, export control regulations, and data protection laws.
2.4 No Reverse Engineering
You may not reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code or underlying algorithms of the Services, except to the extent such restriction is expressly prohibited by applicable law.
3. Content and Intellectual Property
3.1 Your Content Ownership
You retain full ownership of all audio recordings, artwork, metadata, and other materials ("Content") you upload to the Services. We do not claim any ownership rights in your Content.
3.2 Distribution License
By uploading Content to the Services, you grant Tunearo a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable license to:
Reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, and communicate your Content to the public Deliver your Content to Digital Service Providers (DSPs) including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, TikTok, and others Create derivative works necessary for formatting and technical compatibility Use your Content for promotional purposes on our website and marketing materials Store and cache your Content on our servers and CDN networks This license exists solely for the purpose of providing the Services and terminates when you remove your Content from the platform or close your account, except for Content already distributed to third-party DSPs.
3.3 Representations and Warranties
You represent and warrant that:
You own or have obtained all necessary licenses, rights, consents, and permissions to use and authorize us to use your Content Your Content does not infringe, violate, or misappropriate any third-party intellectual property, privacy, publicity, or other rights Your Content does not contain any material that is defamatory, obscene, or unlawful You have obtained all necessary clearances for samples, interpolations, or cover versions All metadata and credits provided are accurate and complete
3.4 Tunearo's Intellectual Property
The Services, including all software, technology, text, graphics, logos, and trademarks ("Tunearo IP"), are owned by or licensed to Tunearo and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not use any Tunearo IP without our express written permission.
3.5 No License to Tunearo IP
These Terms do not grant you any right, title, or interest in Tunearo IP. Any unauthorized use of Tunearo trademarks, logos, or branding may result in legal action.
4. Payment Terms and Royalties
4.1 Revenue Sharing Model
Tunearo operates on a transparent revenue sharing model. You keep 100% of your streaming royalties. We may charge distribution fees for certain services, which will be clearly disclosed before you commit to them.
4.2 Royalty Calculation
Royalties are calculated based on the net revenue we receive from DSPs after their fees and applicable taxes. We collect royalties on your behalf and make them available for withdrawal according to our payment schedule.
4.3 Payment Schedule
Royalties are typically reported and made available on a monthly basis. However, actual payment timing depends on:
DSP reporting schedules (typically 2-3 months in arrears) Meeting minimum payout thresholds Completion of required verification steps Banking and payment processing times
4.4 Minimum Payout Threshold
The minimum payout threshold is $25 USD (or equivalent in your local currency). Your balance must reach this threshold before you can request a withdrawal. Balances below the threshold will roll over to the next payment period.
4.5 Payment Methods
We support various payment methods including bank transfer (ACH/SEPA), PayPal, and other payment services. You are responsible for:
Providing accurate payment details Any fees charged by your payment provider Currency conversion fees if applicable Tax obligations in your jurisdiction
4.6 Currency and Exchange Rates
All transactions are processed in USD unless otherwise specified. If you receive payments in a different currency, the exchange rate will be determined by our payment processor at the time of transaction, and we are not responsible for fluctuations in exchange rates.
4.7 Deductions and Adjustments
We reserve the right to deduct or withhold amounts from your royalties for:
Chargebacks or refunds issued by DSPs Fraudulent or invalid streams detected Outstanding fees or balances owed Legal claims or disputes involving your Content Compliance with tax withholding requirements
5. Refunds and Payouts
5.1 Refund Policy
All distribution fees are non-refundable. This includes fees paid for releases that are rejected, removed, or not delivered to DSPs for any reason, including but not limited to copyright infringement, fraud, content policy violations, or failure to meet our quality control requirements. Refunds are not issued as a matter of right and are granted solely at Tunearo's discretion as a goodwill gesture in exceptional circumstances. To request a goodwill refund consideration, contact support@tunearo.com with your order details.
5.2 Refund Process
To request a refund, contact our support team at support@tunearo.com with your order details. Refunds are processed within 7-10 business days and returned to the original payment method.
5.3 Payout Processing Times
Once you request a withdrawal and meet all requirements:
Bank transfers: 5-10 business days PayPal: 1-3 business days Other methods: Varies by provider Total time from royalty generation to your account may be 30-45 days or longer, depending on DSP reporting schedules.
5.4 Failed Payments
If a payment fails due to incorrect payment details or account issues, we will:
Notify you via email Hold the funds in your account balance Request updated payment information Retry the payment once corrections are made
5.5 Payment Disputes
If you believe there is an error in your royalty calculation or payment, you must notify us within 90 days of the payment date. We will investigate and respond within 30 days. After 90 days, all payments are considered final.
5.6 No Refunds for Promotional Content
Services related to promotional campaigns, playlist placements, or marketing services are non-refundable once initiated, as these involve third-party costs and commitments.
6. YouTube Official Artist Channel
6.1 Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for YouTube Official Artist Channel (OAC) integration, you must:
Have at least one music release distributed through Tunearo Provide a valid YouTube channel URL for your artist name Have administrative access to the YouTube channel Comply with YouTube's Community Guidelines and Terms of Service Not be subject to any copyright strikes on YouTube
6.2 Automatic Channel Creation
When you distribute music to YouTube Music, an Official Artist Channel may be automatically created if one doesn't exist. This channel aggregates:
Your official music releases User-generated content featuring your music Topic channels associated with your releases Artist information and branding
6.3 Revenue Sharing from YouTube
YouTube Content ID revenue is shared according to our standard royalty model. Revenue includes:
Streaming revenue from YouTube Music Ad revenue from official audio and video releases Content ID claims on user-generated content
6.4 Channel Ownership and Control
You retain ownership of your YouTube channel. Tunearo assists with verification and content delivery but does not control or manage your channel content outside of distributed music releases.
6.5 YouTube Policy Compliance
You must comply with all YouTube policies, including:
YouTube Community Guidelines Copyright policies and DMCA procedures Monetization policies for music content Spam and deceptive practices policies Violations may result in channel termination by YouTube and removal of your content from our distribution network.
7. Content Compliance and Strike System
7.1 Copyright Strike System
We operate a three-strike system for copyright violations:
Strike 1: Warning issued, content removed, account reviewed Strike 2: Temporary suspension (14 days), all content under review Strike 3: Permanent account termination, all content removed Strikes expire after 12 months of good standing, provided no additional violations occur.
7.2 DMCA Takedown Procedures
We comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). If your content is subject to a valid DMCA takedown notice:
Content will be removed immediately You will receive notification with details of the claim You may file a counter-notice if you believe the claim is invalid Repeated valid claims will result in account termination
7.3 Content Moderation Standards
All content must comply with our content standards. We prohibit:
Copyright or trademark infringement Hate speech, harassment, or discriminatory content Sexually explicit or pornographic material Content promoting violence, terrorism, or illegal activities Spam, misleading metadata, or fraudulent content Content that violates privacy or publicity rights
7.4 Prohibited Content Types
The following content types are strictly prohibited:
Unauthorized cover songs without proper licensing Bootleg or pirated recordings AI-generated music without proper disclosure and rights White noise, nature sounds, or non-musical content (unless properly categorized) Content designed to manipulate streaming algorithms
7.5 Appeal Process for Strikes
If you receive a strike, you may appeal by:
Contacting support within 14 days of the strike Providing evidence that the strike was issued in error Demonstrating that you have proper rights and licenses Appeals are reviewed within 7-10 business days. Decisions are final and not subject to further appeal.
8. KYC Verification
8.1 Know Your Customer Requirements
To comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and prevent fraud, we require identity verification for all users who wish to receive payouts. This process is known as Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.
8.2 Required Documentation
You must provide the following documents for verification:
Government-issued ID: Passport, driver's license, or national ID card Proof of Address: Utility bill, bank statement, or government document (dated within last 3 months) Tax Information: Social Security Number (SSN), Tax ID, or equivalent for your jurisdiction Selfie Verification: Photo of yourself holding your ID document
8.3 Verification Timeline
KYC verification typically takes 1-3 business days. During peak times, it may take up to 7 business days. You will be notified via email once your verification is complete.
8.4 Consequences of Failed Verification
If you fail to complete KYC verification or provide invalid documentation:
Payouts will be suspended until verification is complete Repeated failed attempts may result in account review Fraudulent documents will result in immediate account termination Royalties will be held for up to 180 days pending verification
8.5 Data Security During Verification
All KYC documents are:
Encrypted during transmission and storage Processed by certified third-party verification providers Stored in compliance with GDPR and data protection laws Deleted or anonymized after verification is complete (per retention policies) Never shared with third parties except as required by law
9. Account Suspension and Termination
9.1 Grounds for Suspension
We may suspend your account immediately for any of the following reasons:
Violation of these Terms of Service Copyright infringement or intellectual property violations Streaming fraud or artificial streaming activity Non-payment of fees or chargebacks Providing false or misleading information Legal complaints or court orders Suspected fraudulent activity Harassment of other users or our staff
9.2 Suspension Notice and Appeal
When your account is suspended, we will:
Send notification to your registered email address Explain the reason for suspension Provide instructions for appeal (if applicable) Indicate the duration of suspension or path to reinstatement You may appeal a suspension by contacting appeals@tunearo.com within 14 days.
9.3 Termination Procedures
Account termination is permanent and results in:
Immediate removal of all content from distribution Loss of access to the Services and your account data Forfeiture of any pending royalties below the payout threshold Prohibition from creating new accounts Potential legal action for serious violations
9.4 Data Retention After Termination
After account termination:
Your content files are deleted within 30 days Transaction records are retained for 7 years (legal requirement) Personal data is anonymized or deleted per GDPR requirements Backup copies are purged from all systems within 90 days
9.5 Voluntary Account Closure
You may close your account at any time by contacting support. Before closing:
Withdraw all available royalties (above minimum threshold) Request takedown of content from DSPs (may take 2-4 weeks) Export any data you wish to retain Settle any outstanding fees or obligations
9.6 Refund Eligibility Upon Termination
Refunds upon termination are handled on a case-by-case basis. Generally:
Voluntary closure: No refunds for used services Termination for cause: No refunds Termination by Tunearo without cause: Prorated refunds may apply
10. Service Availability
10.1 No Guarantee of Uninterrupted Service
While we strive to provide reliable and continuous service, we do not guarantee that the Services will be available at all times or without interruption. Service may be temporarily unavailable due to:
Scheduled maintenance and upgrades Emergency repairs or security patches Network or infrastructure failures Third-party service provider outages Force majeure events beyond our control
10.2 Maintenance Windows
Scheduled maintenance is typically performed during off-peak hours. We will:
Provide at least 48 hours advance notice for planned maintenance Post status updates on our status page Minimize disruption to critical services Complete maintenance within the announced window
10.3 Backup and Disaster Recovery
We maintain regular backups of all content and data. In the event of data loss:
We will restore from the most recent backup (typically within 24 hours) Some data between the last backup and failure may be lost Critical systems are restored first, followed by user data We cannot guarantee 100% data recovery in all scenarios
10.4 Service Level Expectations
We aim for 99.5% uptime annually, excluding scheduled maintenance. This translates to approximately 1.83 days of potential downtime per year. We do not provide service level agreements (SLAs) with financial penalties.
10.5 Liability for Outages
We are not liable for any losses, damages, or missed opportunities resulting from service interruptions, including:
Lost revenue from streaming during outages Missed release dates or promotional opportunities Damage to reputation or artist brand Third-party claims related to unavailability
11. AI and Data Policy
11.1 Use of AI for Content Analysis
We use artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to:
Analyze audio content for quality and technical compliance Detect potential copyright infringement or duplicate content Generate recommendations for metadata and categorization Identify fraudulent streaming patterns Provide personalized insights and analytics
11.2 Data Collection and Usage
We collect and process the following data:
Audio fingerprints and acoustic features Metadata and release information User interaction data (uploads, edits, analytics views) Streaming statistics from DSPs Technical data (IP addresses, device information, browser type)
11.3 Machine Learning Model Training
We may use aggregated, anonymized data to train and improve our AI models. This includes:
Improving content recognition algorithms Enhancing fraud detection systems Optimizing distribution workflows Developing new features and services Your specific content is not used to train models that would be accessible to other users without your explicit consent.
11.4 User Consent for AI Processing
By uploading content to our Services, you consent to automated processing, including AI analysis. You may opt out of certain non-essential AI processing by contacting support, though this may limit some features.
11.5 Data Anonymization Practices
When using data for research or model training, we:
Remove personally identifiable information (PII) Aggregate data across multiple users Apply differential privacy techniques when appropriate Ensure individual content cannot be reverse-engineered from models
11.6 AI-Generated Content Policy
If you upload AI-generated music, you must:
Disclose that the content is AI-generated in metadata Ensure you have rights to use the AI tool and output Comply with all DSP policies regarding AI content Accept that some DSPs may reject or limit AI-generated content
12. Limitation of Liability
12.1 Disclaimer of Warranties
THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
Warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement Warranties that the Services will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure Warranties regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of content or data Warranties that defects will be corrected
12.2 Limitation of Damages
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, TUNEARO SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
Loss of profits, revenue, or business opportunities Loss of data, goodwill, or reputation Cost of substitute services Personal injury or emotional distress Any other intangible losses
12.3 Exclusion of Consequential Damages
We are not responsible for damages arising from:
Your use or inability to use the Services Unauthorized access to or alteration of your content Statements or conduct of any third party on the Services DSP decisions to reject, remove, or demonetize your content Changes in streaming royalty rates by DSPs Any other matter relating to the Services
12.4 Liability Caps
IN NO EVENT SHALL TUNEARO'S TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL DAMAGES, LOSSES, AND CAUSES OF ACTION EXCEED THE GREATER OF:
The amount you paid to Tunearo in the 12 months preceding the claim, or $100 USD
12.5 Exceptions to Limitations
Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties or the limitation of liability for incidental or consequential damages. In such jurisdictions, our liability will be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for:
Death or personal injury caused by our negligence Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation Any matter for which it would be illegal to exclude or limit liability
12.6 Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Tunearo and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:
Your use of the Services Your violation of these Terms Your content or any infringement claims related to it Your violation of any third-party rights
13. Data Protection
13.1 GDPR and Privacy Law Compliance
We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), UK Data Protection Act 2018, and other applicable privacy laws. Our privacy practices are detailed in our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.
13.2 User Data Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten") Right to Restriction: Limit how we process your data Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format Right to Object: Object to certain types of processing Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time To exercise these rights, contact privacy@tunearo.com.
13.3 Data Retention Policies
We retain your data for as long as necessary to provide the Services and comply with legal obligations:
Account data: Retained while your account is active Content files: Retained until you delete them or close your account Transaction records: 7 years (tax and legal requirements) Analytics data: Up to 2 years in aggregated form Marketing data: Until you unsubscribe or object
13.4 Third-Party Data Sharing
We share your data with third parties only as necessary to provide the Services:
DSPs: Content, metadata, and artist information for distribution Payment processors: Payment details for royalty payouts Cloud providers: Encrypted content storage Analytics providers: Aggregated usage statistics Legal authorities: When required by law or court order We do not sell your personal data to third parties.
13.5 Security Measures
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data:
Encryption in transit (TLS/SSL) and at rest (AES-256) Regular security audits and penetration testing Access controls and authentication mechanisms Employee training on data protection Incident response procedures Regular backups and disaster recovery plans
13.6 Data Breach Notification
In the event of a data breach that poses a risk to your rights and freedoms, we will:
Notify affected users within 72 hours of discovery Report the breach to relevant supervisory authorities Provide information about the nature of the breach and affected data Recommend steps to mitigate potential harm
14. Dispute Resolution
14.1 Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
14.2 Informal Resolution
Before initiating formal proceedings, you agree to first contact us at legal@tunearo.com to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. We will make good faith efforts to resolve disputes within 30 days.
14.3 Arbitration Clause
Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services that cannot be resolved informally shall be resolved through binding arbitration in London, United Kingdom, under the rules of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA).
Exceptions to arbitration:
Small claims court disputes (below jurisdictional limits) Intellectual property infringement claims Requests for injunctive relief
14.4 Class Action Waiver
YOU AGREE THAT ANY ARBITRATION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE DISPUTE BETWEEN YOU AND TUNEARO INDIVIDUALLY. TO THE FULL EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:
No arbitration or proceeding shall be joined with any other There is no right or authority for any dispute to be arbitrated on a class-action basis There is no right or authority for any dispute to be brought in a purported representative capacity
14.5 Dispute Escalation Process
Disputes should be escalated in the following order:
Step 1: Contact customer support Step 2: Request escalation to management Step 3: Contact legal department Step 4: Initiate informal resolution period (30 days) Step 5: Proceed to mediation or arbitration
14.6 Mediation Requirements
Before proceeding to arbitration, both parties agree to participate in at least one mediation session with a neutral third-party mediator. Costs of mediation shall be split equally unless otherwise agreed.
14.7 Costs and Fees
In arbitration proceedings:
Each party bears its own legal fees and costs Arbitration fees are split equally The prevailing party may be awarded costs at the arbitrator's discretion
15. General Provisions
15.1 Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other legal notices or agreements published by us on the Services, constitute the entire agreement between you and Tunearo regarding the Services and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.
15.2 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected or impaired. The invalid provision shall be replaced with a valid provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision.
15.3 Amendment Procedures
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. When we make changes, we will:
Update the "Effective Date" at the top of this page Notify you via email for material changes Post a notice on our website or within the Services Provide 30 days notice before significant changes take effect Your continued use of the Services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.
15.4 Waiver of Rights
No waiver of any term of these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or any other term. Our failure to assert any right or provision under these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.
15.5 Assignment Restrictions
You may not assign, transfer, or sublicense your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations under these Terms to any party at any time without restriction.
15.6 Force Majeure
Neither party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performance under these Terms due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, war, terrorism, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, pandemics, strikes, or shortages of transportation facilities, fuel, energy, labor, or materials.
15.7 Survival
Provisions that by their nature should survive termination of these Terms shall survive, including but not limited to ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnity, and limitations of liability.
15.8 Contact Information for Legal Inquiries
For legal inquiries, questions about these Terms, or to exercise your rights, please contact us at:
Tunearo
Legal Department
Email: legal@tunearo.com
We aim to respond to all legal inquiries within 5 business days.
15.9 Language
These Terms are written in English. Any translations are provided for convenience only. In case of any conflict between the English version and a translation, the English version shall prevail.
15.10 Acknowledgment
BY USING THE SERVICES, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ THESE TERMS OF SERVICE, UNDERSTAND THEM, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM.