Getting your song on Spotify (or any major streaming service) involves a few key steps, usually through a music distributor or aggregator. Here’s a breakdown of how to do it:
1. Choose a Music Distributor
- Unlike social media platforms, Spotify doesn’t let artists upload music directly. You need to use a music distributor or aggregator that has partnerships with Spotify and other digital streaming platforms.
- Some popular distributors include:
- DistroKid: Low-cost, annual subscription, allows unlimited uploads.
- TuneCore: Pay-per-release model, good for artists with fewer releases.
- CD Baby: One-time fee per release, which includes distribution to many platforms.
- Amuse: Offers free distribution with an upgrade option for advanced features.
- AWAL: Application-based, focusing on independent artists they believe can succeed.
- Symphonic and LANDR also offer digital distribution with various extra services.
- Now, of course, comparing all the music distributors is pretty hard and the best one for you might not be the one for someone else. This is why I made it easy to compare all the music distributors.
2. Prepare Your Music and Metadata
- Audio Files: Make sure your track is in a high-quality format like WAV (16-bit, 44.1 kHz) to meet Spotify’s standards.
- Cover Art: Your album or single cover should be a square image, usually 3000×3000 pixels, in formats like JPEG or PNG. Avoid low-quality, blurry, or pixelated images.
- Metadata: This includes your artist name, song title, release date, genre, and any other necessary details. Make sure your metadata is accurate to avoid issues with your release.
3. Sign Up and Upload Your Music to the Distributor
- Create an Account: Register with your chosen distributor, and choose the distribution plan that best fits your needs.
- Upload Music: Once signed in, upload your music files, cover art, and fill in all metadata fields. Your distributor may also ask for additional details like:
- Track credits (producer, featured artists)
- Explicit content marking (if applicable)
- Release date (you can choose to set a future release date)
- Territories: Decide where you want your music to be available (typically, you can choose global distribution by default).
4. Pay Distribution Fees
- Some distributors charge per song or album upload, while others use a yearly subscription model.
- Be aware of any additional fees that may apply to specific services, such as expedited distribution or additional platform placements.
5. Set a Release Date
- Distributors typically recommend setting a release date at least 2-4 weeks in advance. This gives time for your music to be processed and also allows you to pitch it to Spotify for playlist consideration.
- The lead time is also helpful if you’re planning a marketing campaign leading up to the release date.
6. Pitch Your Song for Spotify Playlists (Optional)
- Once your song is uploaded and scheduled, you can submit it for Spotify playlist consideration through Spotify for Artists. You’ll need a Spotify for Artists account to do this (which is free to set up if your song is already on Spotify).
- To pitch your song:
- Sign in to Spotify for Artists.
- Go to Upcoming Releases and select the song you want to pitch.
- Provide details about the song, like the genre, mood, language, and the instruments used. This helps Spotify’s editorial team match it with relevant playlists.
7. Promote Your Release
- Before your song goes live, start promoting it on social media, email newsletters, or websites to build anticipation.
- Once the song is live on Spotify, encourage fans to follow your profile, stream the song, and add it to their playlists. The more engagement you get, the more likely it is that Spotify’s algorithm will start recommending your music.
8. Track Your Performance on Spotify for Artists
- After your release, use Spotify for Artists to monitor streaming data, listener demographics, and other metrics. This insight can help you adjust your marketing strategy and plan future releases.
By following these steps, your song will be available on Spotify, and you’ll be able to start building your audience, earn royalties, and track your progress on the platform!
