Streaming has taken the world by storm, and people are always searching for the latest tunes to add to their playlists. Having your music on Spotify is a major milestone as it could land you a bigger audience and help you grow as an artist.
Spotify is a music streaming platform that allows users to listen to music, create playlists, and explore new artists. With over 356 million active users, the platform offers a great opportunity for musicians to create and share their work with the world. Here in this post, you will learn how to get your own music on Spotify.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get Your Music on Spotify
The music industry is constantly evolving, and streaming is changing how people consume music. By having your music on Spotify, you not only increase your chances of reaching a wider audience, but you also earn from streams and royalties. Some of the benefits of having your music on Spotify are:
- Access to a wider audience.
- Increased revenue streams.
- Opener for collaborations with other artists or labels.
- Easy to share with fans.
- Valuable data that you can use to build your brand.
Method 1: Via a Music Distributor
Getting your music on Spotify through a music distributor is a straightforward process. This is because distributors have direct access to music on all streaming platforms, including Spotify. Here are the steps to follow:
- Choose a music distributor. There are various music distributors to choose from, including CD Baby, TuneCore, and DistroKid.
- Create an account with your preferred music distributor.
- Choose the music you want to distribute on Spotify. This could be a single track, an album, or an EP.
- Submit your music to the distributor, along with any necessary information, such as the artist name and the release date.
- Once you submit your music, wait for the distributor to process it and submit it to Spotify.
- It usually takes up to a week for your music to be live on Spotify.
Pros:
- Distributors handle the technical and legal aspects of music distribution.
- You get access to other streaming platforms like Apple Music, Tidal, and Deezer.
- Distributors offer additional services such as licensing and royalty collection.
Cons:
- You have to pay a yearly or one-time fee to use the service.
- Distributors take a cut of your revenue.
- You don’t have complete control over how your music is distributed.
Method 2: Join a Record Label
If you’re looking to get signed as an artist or band, joining a record label could be a great option. Record labels have direct access to streaming platforms like Spotify and can help you get your music out there. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Find a record label that aligns with your music style and values.
- Reach out to the label with your demos or portfolio.
- Wait for a response. It may take some time for labels to review your music.
- If the label likes your music, they will offer you a contract and help you get your music on Spotify.
Pros:
- You get experienced professionals to handle the technical and legal aspects of music distribution.
- Record labels provide you with financial support, marketing, and exposure to new audiences.
- You may have access to additional support such as music videos, album artwork, and promotional materials.
Cons:
- Labels take a cut of your revenue, and you may have to pay back any advances granted to you before you start making money.
- You lose creative control over your music.
- Labels can drop you if your music doesn’t perform well or if they have a change in their business model.
Method 3: Distribute Your Music Yourself
As an independent artist, it’s also possible to get your music on Spotify by distributing it yourself. Here are the steps to follow:
- Create a Spotify account if you don’t already have one.
- Sign up for Spotify for artists.
- Upload your music to Spotify using Spotify for artists.
- Fill out all relevant information, such as the artist name, album title, and release date.
- Submit your music to Spotify.
- Your music will be reviewed to ensure it meets Spotify’s standard.
Pros:
- You have complete control over your music and how it is distributed and promoted.
- You get to keep all your revenue.
- You have access to real-time data to track your audience and revenue.
Cons:
- You take on all legal and technical aspects of music distribution on your own.
- You have limited exposure and may have to grow your audience from scratch.
- It can be time-consuming, and you may have to wear multiple hats to ensure your music is successful.
What to Do If You Can’t Get Your Music on Spotify
If you’re having trouble getting your music on Spotify, there are a few things you can do:
- Contact Spotify support to find out why your music isn’t being accepted.
- Double-check that you have all the information required by Spotify, such as your artist name, album artwork, and song title.
- Make sure your music is up to Spotify’s standard in terms of quality and content.
- Consider going through a music distributor or record label to help you distribute your music.
Bonus Tip: Promoting Your Music on Spotify
Once your music is on Spotify, the next step is to promote it to your audience. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Create playlists that include your music and share them on your social media pages.
- Collaborate with other artists and create a playlist that includes your music.
- Release videos for your music that can be shared on platforms like YouTube and Instagram.
- Tag your music with relevant keywords to make it more searchable on Spotify.
- Engage with your fans through social media and promote your music using relevant hashtags.
5 FAQs About Getting Your Music on Spotify
Q1: How long does it take for my music to be live on Spotify?
A: It typically takes up to a week for your music to be live on Spotify.
Q2: How do I make money from my music on Spotify?
A: You earn revenue from streams on Spotify. The amount you earn depends on your streaming numbers and your contract with your distributor or record label.
Q3: Can I edit my music after it’s been distributed on Spotify?
A: Yes, you can edit your music on Spotify using the Spotify for Artists platform.
Q4: Do I need to have a professional recording to get my music on Spotify?
A: You don’t need a professional recording to get your music on Spotify, but it needs to meet Spotify’s standards in terms of quality.
Q5: Can I get my music on Spotify for free?
A: No, you need to pay a yearly or one-time fee to music distributors. If you distribute it yourself, you don’t have to pay a distribution fee.
Final Thoughts
Getting your music on Spotify is an important step for any musician who wants their music to reach a wider audience. As an artist, you can choose to go through a music distributor, join a record label, or distribute the music yourself. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and you should weigh them carefully before making a decision. No matter the route you take, promoting your music on Spotify is key to building your audience and growing as an artist.