Table of Contents
Introduction
Spotify is the world’s most popular music streaming platform with over 456 million monthly active users. As an artist, getting your music on Spotify is essential for reaching new fans and growing your audience.
The process can seem daunting, but it’s actually straightforward if you follow these steps:
Select a Music Distributor
The first step is choosing a music distribution service to get your songs onto Spotify. Some top options include:
- DistroKid – $19.99/year, unlimited uploads
- CD Baby – $9.95 per single, $49 album
- Tunecore – $9.99 per single, $29.99 album
These distributors will deliver your music to Spotify and other streaming platforms, collect royalties, and pay you your earnings. Compare services to find one that best fits your needs and budget.
Prepare Your Music
Before uploading, ensure your tracks are properly mastered and formatted:
- Audio Quality: Spotify requires a bitrate of at least 256 kbps
- File Format: Submit .WAV, .AIFF, or .MP3 files
- Metadata: Include song title, artist name, album, genre, etc.
- Cover Art: Upload a high-quality 3000×3000 JPEG or PNG image
Providing complete and accurate metadata will help get your music discovered in searches.
Upload Your Music
Follow your distributor’s process to upload your tracks. Most will have you:
- Create an account
- Enter release details (artist name, album title, track info, artwork, etc.)
- Upload audio files
- Preview and publish
It usually takes 1-2 weeks after publishing for your music to appear on Spotify.
Create a Spotify Artist Profile
Spotify allows artists to customize their presence with verified profiles. Here you can:
- Add a bio, photos, playlists, and announcements
- Analyze listener data
- Promote new releases
Claim your artist profile through Spotify for Artists once your music is live.
Promote Your Spotify Release
To maximize streams, engage in promotion around your release:
Utilize Playlists
- Pitch playlists – Reach out to curators to be included on popular playlists
- Create playlists – Make your own featuring your songs to share with fans
Run Ads
- Spotify Marquee – Promoted recommendations to interested listeners
- Audio/Video Ads – Pay to reach more fans who’ll like your music
- Let your followers know your music is on Spotify
- Share links to your artist profile, songs, and playlists
Track Your Progress
Leverage data within Spotify for Artists to see:
- Number of listeners
- Countries reached
- Playlist additions
- Top streaming tracks
Monitor your growth and find out what’s resonating to guide your future releases.
Conclusion
Distributing your music to Spotify provides impactful exposure to new audiences of music fans. With the proper set-up and promotion, you can expand your reach as an artist and boost streams. Use this platform as part of your overall career strategy for success.
