Spotify has been a terrific resource for artists looking to connect with fans and make a living, especially when they learn how to post music on Spotify. With features like Spotify for Artists, musicians are provided with many options that can help them create a fan base and get helpful insights into the statistics that matter. If you’re wondering how to upload music to Spotify as an artist, you’re in the right place. There are more than 420 million monthly active users on Spotify, so this is a great way to gain exposure as an emerging artist.
Additionally, remember how vital Spotify stats are to the music business. If you are doing well on Spotify, a record company, management, or booking agency could scout you. Regardless of how you introduce yourself, they will almost certainly ask you how your music is performing on Spotify. So, if you have big plans for your artistic future, this is the perfect place to start and finally learn how to upload music to Spotify as an artist.
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Can An Independent Artist Upload Music To Spotify?
If you are thinking about how to upload songs to Spotify and other streaming platforms, the only thing keeping you from doing that is the fact that you are not able to do it on your own. One might wonder, can anyone upload to Spotify? The answer is that while Spotify does not directly partner with independent artists and labels, you must contact a digital music distributor. These distributors play a crucial role in adding your music to Spotify and other streaming platforms. Since streaming services provide for the majority of new music consumption, digital distributors still fulfill the essential purpose of getting your music heard. Nevertheless, now they are responsible for helping artists get music on Spotify and other streaming services.
How to Choose a Distributor to Upload to Spotify
When it comes to uploading music to Spotify, choosing the right distributor is crucial for how to upload music to Spotify as an artist. The great thing is that a music distributor can simultaneously upload to major streaming services such as Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Google Play Music, etc. You may increase the overall amount of streams for your music by distributing it among other streaming services.
There are many different distribution services available, each with a range of pricing and added features. Some of these could be familiar to you. To mention a few, there are DistroKid, CD Baby, TuneCore, Ditto Music, AWAL, etc. And yes, you will typically have to pay a fee to work with a distributor. But don’t worry; once your music is available on streaming services, you’ll start attracting streams and start getting royalties from these streams. Of course, some distributors don’t charge the fee but take a percentage of your royalties. However, it’s better to keep 100% of your music to yourself than to avoid paying for the services you are provided with.
Can You Put Music on Spotify Without a Distributor?
While Spotify is a massive platform for artists, you can’t upload your tracks directly to it as an individual artist. That’s where distributors come in! They handle the technical side, getting your music on Spotify and other platforms, and ensuring you earn royalties.
So, short answer? As of now, you need a distributor to get your jams on Spotify. But don’t fret, many affordable and even free distributors can help you hit those Spotify charts!
What Is Required From Artists Before Track Submission?
Spotify has some specific guidelines and technical requirements that independent artists should consider before submitting their music to a digital music distributor. Once you’ve chosen your desired distro and finished your registration, you’ll be prepared to begin the music uploading procedure. To upload songs to Spotify, the file format for digital music may need to meet various specifications depending on the distribution.
It goes without saying that you should upload the best possible lossless file(s) of your music. When uploading music to Spotify, it’s worth noting that Spotify Premium streams at 320kbps, offering higher quality than many other platforms. Because of that Spotify has more listeners than its rivals. If you’re wondering how to make songs on Spotify sound their best, you should first ensure that your music is properly mastered and mixed. Make sure to provide audio files that are mastered for streaming and not for CD, vinyl, or similar. You should upload high-definition (16-bit, 44.1 kHz) WAV audio files from your local files folder, and avoid MP3.
It would help if you also kept in mind:
- Only local audio files for which you have the master recording rights may be uploaded.
- A sample-based song requires the owners’ permission.
- In general, copyrighted tracks shouldn’t be published without the consent of the copyright holders.
- Illegal, hateful, or explicit content is not appropriate for Spotify.
What about covers and remixes on Spotify?
If you want to make a remix and the original song is not your own, it will be necessary to obtain the permission of the authors, composers, and publishers as well as the owners of the original audio recording (frequently it’s the record label that created the track). It qualifies as a remix if you’ve included some or all of the original recording in your song.
If the songwriters of a song you want to cover are not American citizens, you may distribute your release, but the owners of the original rights always have the right to ask that your cover song be taken down. On the other hand, a compulsory license from a collecting society will be required. Your song will be regarded as a cover version only if the lyrics, melody, and basic arrangement of your song are exactly the same as those of the original, except for the fact that you are a performer. A song is not regarded as a cover as soon as the lyrics, melody, or fundamental arrangement are altered.
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What About The Album Cover?
Other crucial factors to consider are album artwork and music video trailers. When learning how to post music on Spotify, it’s essential to know that Spotify has particular specifications for cover art. Make sure the artwork is in a TIFF, PNG, or JPG format and at least 640×640 pixels. However, some distros may have extra requirements beyond what Spotify requests, like higher pixel counts and similar. For instance, some distributors will reject artwork with names, trademarks, inappropriate language, or imagery. Others allow the titles of the pieces or the artists’ names to appear on the artwork.
You must ensure that the artwork for your own music complies with all the specifications of your preferred distribution in order to prevent any delays in the delivery. You should, however, also carefully review the guidelines set forth by your distribution regarding what is and is not permitted. You could also think about using Spotify’s Canvas, available on both the Spotify desktop app and Spotify mobile app, for creating a video cover for a track.
What Information Do You Need To Provide Regarding Your Music?
Suppose you’re uploading a single piece of music to Spotify. In that case, this will simply be the title of your song or instrumental piece. With a few more tracks, you’ll have an EP or album—you’ll need to fill out the fields for each track and name the album. Be aware that different labels define what counts as a single, EP, or album in different terms. However, this has no bearing on the upload procedure.
Your chosen distributor will inquire whether the music is a remix, a cover, or an original piece; or whether it is a studio version, an instrumental, or a live version. They may also be interested in the recording year if it differs from the release year. You must also indicate whether your song has explicit lyrics. From a list provided by the distributor, you must choose the genre or style of your music. You must include an ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) if the track(s) have been released before to identify your track and link royalties.
On DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby (or your chosen distributor), thoroughly fill out all the required fields before clicking the final “submit” button. Then, double-check everything.
How Long Do Artists Need To Wait For The Release?
Your music will move from the distributor to the streaming service at a different pace. In light of this, it is imperative to upload your music well in advance if you plan to release it on a specific date. On most distribution platforms, you can also choose a specific release date to give yourself more time to advertise and pitch your music to Spotify playlists.
Is It Free to Upload Music on Spotify?
Let’s demystify this! While Spotify itself doesn’t charge you to put your music on their platform, you can’t directly upload tracks there. You’ll need a music distributor to bridge the gap, and this is where costs might come into play.
There are various distributors out there, each with its pricing model. Some might ask for an upfront fee, others might take a cut from your earnings, and a few offer free plans with certain conditions. So while it’s possible to get your music on Spotify with little to no initial cost, always read the fine print to understand any fees or percentages taken later on.
How Do You Earn Money From Spotify?
Basically, the artist is paid royalties (based on the number of streams) when a song is played on a streaming platform. The answer to the question of how much Spotify actually pays per stream is not simple. Although it varies depending on a number of variables, it is estimated to cost between $0.008 and $0.90 per stream.
Streaming payouts come in different forms:
- In exchange for the right to reproduce the music, songwriters and their publishers are given mechanical royalties.
- In exchange for the right to perform their music publicly, songwriters and their publishers are given public performance royalties. Every stream, even if it’s just being listened to on a phone, is regarded as a public performance because the listener doesn’t technically own any of the music.
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What To Do After The Upload?
You’re mistaken if you think your work is done once you share your music and it’s finally out on Spotify. Have you considered whether you can make a playlist on Spotify to further engage your audience? There are many other things you can do as well, like interact with fans on social media or make an artist playlist, to draw listeners to your Spotify profile, but you can’t do it without the next step. As soon as the release is on Spotify, you should demand your artist profile through Spotify for Artists. You will be able to do this only after the first official track release. Expect the process to take some time if you want to claim your Spotify for Artists page because Spotify needs to verify your identity first.
However, obtaining your Spotify account directly through a distributor or your label’s distributor takes just a moment. To get music on Spotify more efficiently, it’s beneficial that Spotify doesn’t need to go through its lengthy verification process when using distros like CD Baby and Distrokid.
After this crucial point, you can go to the next step: create a good music promotion plan and get your music on Spotify playlists.
How Long Does Spotify Take to Verify if You Are an Artist?
Can’t wait to see that blue tick next to your artist name on Spotify? Totally understandable! Spotify’s artist verification isn’t an instantaneous process, but it’s more streamlined than you might think.
Once you’ve set up your profile with Spotify for Artists, the verification typically takes a few days. However, during peak times or due to other factors, it might take a bit longer. While waiting, ensure all your profile details are accurate and that you’re regularly checking for any notifications or updates from Spotify.
Spotify Playlists Are Here To Help
Next big question is can you add music to Spotify playlists? Spotify playlists are here to help. If you’re learning how to produce music on Spotify, any musician releasing music should prioritize getting it onto well-known Spotify playlists. There are three types of these playlists:
Spotify-curated playlists, independent playlists, and playlists from major labels. Pitching your music to the first two is relatively easy. Still, unfortunately, the major label ones are almost impossible to catch.
Through your Spotify for Artists page, you can submit your music for the official Spotify playlist. Three to six weeks prior to its scheduled release, upload your song to Spotify before sending it to the playlist editors. Upon the track’s upload, go to your Spotify for Artist profile.
Then, at the top of the page, click on the “Upcoming” tab and you will have to fill out a detailed form that will allow you to promote your track to the curators. After that, all you need to do is wait.
Independent playlists, which casual users and community members create, are another excellent resource that Spotify provides. These playlists are technically unofficial, but many have tens of thousands of subscribers. Sending your track to these curators and tastemakers after it has been publicly released can greatly increase the number of plays.
You can pitch your music directly to curators. Still, to do so you need to research and find out which curators are available for cooperation. These curators’ official job title is an editor if you’re searching on LinkedIn or other websites like it. From there, you can write them a brief email or message outlining your track.
This is something we can help you with. A platform for music promotion called SoundCampaign links Spotify curators and artists. Using this platform, you can get the tools you need to connect with the playlist curators who will eventually feature your track. These professional curators will carefully analyze your track ahead of time while also providing helpful feedback about your song. The procedure is straightforward: simply go to the SoundCampaign website, click the “Create campaign” button, fill out your information, and launch your campaign! We encourage you to create a bright artistic future!
by artists for artists