How to distribute to Spotify

Spotify is one of the most influential music streaming platforms in the world, offering artists an unparalleled opportunity to reach a global audience. Distributing your music on Spotify can help you gain new fans, generate revenue, and boost your music career. This guide will walk you through the process of getting your music on Spotify, from selecting a distributor to promoting your releases effectively.

Step 1: Choose a Music Distributor

Spotify does not allow artists to upload music directly to the platform. Instead, you need to use a music distributor or aggregator. These services help you get your music on Spotify as well as other streaming platforms like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. Here are some popular distributors to consider:

• DistroKid: Known for its simplicity and affordable pricing, DistroKid offers unlimited uploads for a yearly fee.
• TuneCore: Provides a comprehensive distribution service with additional features like publishing administration and sync licensing.
• CD Baby: Offers a pay-per-release model and includes various promotional tools.
• AWAL: An invite-only distributor that offers more personalized support and advanced promotional tools.
• Ditto Music: Provides distribution services along with tools for social media promotion and chart registration.

Step 2: Prepare Your Music and Metadata

Before submitting your music to a distributor, ensure that your tracks and metadata are ready. Here's what you need:

Audio Files

• Format: High-quality WAV files (16-bit, 44.1 kHz) are preferred.
• Mastering: Ensure your tracks are professionally mastered for optimal sound quality.

Metadata

• Track Titles: Correct and consistent naming for each track.
• Artist Name: Make sure your artist name is consistent across all platforms.
• Album Art: High-resolution cover art (minimum 3000 x 3000 pixels) in JPG or PNG format.
• Release Date: Decide on a release date at least four weeks in advance to allow for pre-release marketing.
• Genre: Choose appropriate genres and subgenres for your music.
• ISRC Codes: International Standard Recording Codes for tracking and royalty purposes (usually provided by the distributor).

Step 3: Submit Your Music to the Distributor

Once your music and metadata are prepared, you can submit them to your chosen distributor. Here’s a general outline of the process:

1. Create an Account: Sign up for an account with your chosen distributor.
2. Upload Tracks: Upload your audio files and metadata.
3. Select Platforms: Choose the platforms where you want your music to be distributed (make sure Spotify is selected).
4. Set Release Date: Specify your release date and any pre-order options.
5. Submit: Review all the details and submit your music for distribution.

Step 4: Claim Your Spotify for Artists Profile

Once your music is live on Spotify, you can claim your Spotify for Artists profile. This allows you to manage your artist presence, track your performance metrics, and utilize promotional tools. Here’s how to claim your profile:

1. Go to Spotify for Artists: Visit the Spotify for Artists website.
2. Log In: Log in with your Spotify account or create a new one.
3. Claim Your Profile: Search for your artist name and follow the verification process.
4. Customize Your Profile: Add a bio, photos, social media links, and more to personalize your profile.

Step 5: Promote Your Music

Promotion is crucial to maximize your reach on Spotify. Here are some effective strategies:

Pitch to Playlists

Use Spotify for Artists to pitch your new releases to Spotify’s editorial playlists. Getting featured can significantly boost your streams and visibility.

Create Your Own Playlists

Curate playlists featuring your music along with tracks from other artists in your genre. Share these playlists with your fans to increase engagement.

Social Media Promotion

Promote your Spotify releases on your social media channels. Use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to share links, behind-the-scenes content, and announcements.

Collaborate with Influencers

Partner with social media influencers and bloggers to promote your music. Influencers can help you reach a broader audience and drive streams on Spotify.

Use Spotify Codes

Spotify Codes are scannable tags that make it easy for users to find your music. Share Spotify Codes on your promotional materials, social media, and website.

Engage with Your Fans

Regularly engage with your fans by responding to comments, hosting Q&A sessions, and sharing updates. Building a loyal fan base can lead to more streams and sustained success.

Conclusion

Distributing your music on Spotify involves careful planning, preparation, and promotion. By following this guide, you can ensure your music is professionally distributed, your artist profile is optimized, and your promotional efforts are effective. With persistence and dedication, you can leverage Spotify's vast platform to grow your audience and advance your music career.