Spotify has a list of preferred partners when it comes to music distribution. But what does it mean for artists? In this article we tell you exactly which companies are part of Spotify’s preferred partners and why it should matter to you as an artist who wants to release music through Spotify.
These companies will handle the licensing and distribution to Spotify and other streaming services, and pay you the royalties you earn when listeners stream.
What are Spotify preferred partners?
A Spotify Preferred Partner is a distributor recognized by Spotify for meeting its high standards for metadata quality, copyright compliance, and anti-infringement measures. This designation signals to artists and labels that these distributors are reliable, efficient, and aligned with Spotify’s requirements for handling music submissions. These providers also offer instant access to the “Spotify for Artists” feature for all their users.
The program is designed to ensure that music uploaded to Spotify is properly vetted, includes accurate metadata, and avoids ownership disputes. Preferred distributors streamline the process of getting music onto Spotify, allowing musicians to track their performance metrics and audience insights.
What does Spotify ‘preferred partner’ status mean?
Spotify’s preferred partner Status is a designation granted to music distribution companies that meet Spotify’s criteria for quality, compliance, and efficiency. This status ensures that the distributors are trusted to handle essential aspects of delivering music to the platform, including metadata accuracy, copyright integrity, and proper royalty distribution.These 5 areas are the key features of Spotify’s preferred partner program:
- Focus on anti-infringement
Spotify ensures that preferred distributors help combat fraudulent content or improper use of copyrighted material, fostering a safer environment for artists. - Reliable metadata management
Preferred distributors ensure that all music submitted to Spotify includes correct metadata. Accurate metadata is crucial for correctly attributing songs to artists and ensuring they are discoverable on the platform. - Compliance with copyright standards
Spotify partners with distributors that uphold high standards in verifying ownership and copyright information to avoid disputes or wrongful claims. - Seamless integration with spotify for artists
Artists using preferred distributors gain direct access to Spotify for Artists, a tool that provides real-time streaming data, audience insights, and promotional tools. - Enhanced support and reliability
These distributors are known for providing reliable services with minimal issues related to delivery, processing, or royalty payments.
Who are the Spotify preferred partners for artists?
- Amuse
- RouteNote
- LANDR
- DistroKid
- CD Baby
- SoundOn
- Too Lost
- MUGO
- recordJet
- VIEENT
- Vydia
- ONErpm
- Record Union
- EmuBands
Advantages of using a Spotify Recommended partner
For artists, using a Spotify preferred partner ensures smooth uploads, faster resolution of potential issues, and confidence that their music meets Spotify’s professional standards. It simplifies the often-complicated process of music distribution, allowing artists to focus on creating rather than navigating technical challenges. Spotify ‘preferred partner’ status matters to artists because it provides a streamlined, trusted path to getting their music onto Spotify, ensuring quality, accuracy, and monetization opportunities. Here’s why it’s significant:
1. Metadata Accuracy and Discoverability
Preferred distributors are recognized for ensuring precise metadata—such as song title, artist name, and genre—which is crucial for making music discoverable on Spotify. This increases the chances of being placed on playlists, found through searches, or recommended to listeners.
2. Access to Spotify for Artists
Working with a Spotify Preferred Distributor gives artists instant access to Spotify for Artists, a tool that provides:
- Real-time streaming analytics.
- Demographic insights about listeners.
- Playlist notifications and promotional tools.
These insights help artists plan marketing strategies and connect more effectively with their audience.
3. Faster and More Reliable Processing
Spotify trusts Preferred Distributors to deliver music quickly and with fewer errors. This reduces delays and ensures music reaches the platform promptly, crucial for aligning releases with marketing campaigns.
4. Copyright Protection
Preferred partners meet Spotify’s stringent copyright compliance standards, reducing the risk of ownership disputes and ensuring artists receive royalties for their work.
5. Enhanced Monetization
By working with a preferred distributor, artists can monetize streams effectively. These distributors also help identify fraudulent activity (e.g., improper claims on tracks) and protect artists’ revenue.
6. Trusted Reputation
The preferred status ensures artists are working with a professional distributor vetted by Spotify. This trust can reduce stress and provide confidence in the distribution process.
What are Spotify recommended partners for artists?
Additionally, Spotify has a secondary “Recommended” list for distributors that meet quality standards but are not as tightly integrated with the platform as the Spotify preferred partners.
Who are the Spotify recommended partners for artists?
- TuneCore
- Proton
- Venice Music
Who are the Spotify preferred partners for labels?
Spotify similarly works with preferred labels for music distribution.
- The Orchard
- Believe
- FUGA
- InnerCat Music Group
- ZVONKO Digital
- Soulspazm
- ampsuite
- Next Plus / Next pro (by SoundCloud)
- IDOL
- Kontor New Media
- ZEBRALUTION
- e-Muzyka
- Symphonic
- Secretly Distribution
- Cinq Music Distribution
- Syntax Creative
- dig dis!
- Redeye Worldwide
- Black Hole Reocrdings
- Downtown Artist & Label Services
- Altafonte
- Absolute Label Services
- Feiyr
- Label Engine
- EWWAY
- Proton
- Identity Music Ltd.
- MUSICADDERS
- Euphoria
- Xelon Digital
- Kartel Music Group
- Bquate Music
- Revelator
- iGroove
- Republic of Music
- DANMARK
- Uniqueopia GMBH
- Independent Digital
- Qanawat Music
- Jamvana
- Ingrooves
- Almus Music
- Cargo Records UK
- Agora Digital Music
- Rebeat Digital
- Sundesire Media Worx
- [integral]
- ALOADED
- TAKWENE
Of course, non-preferred music distributors still have access to Spotify (monetization). Also read about Apple Music preferred music distributors and Youtube Music preferred music distributors.
