How to Become a Spotify Artist?

In today's music industry, gaining visibility and establishing a presence on digital streaming platforms like Spotify is crucial for any aspiring artist. The process of becoming a Spotify artist involves several steps, including music distribution, marketing, and leveraging various tools and platforms. In this article, we will guide you through the key steps on how to become a Spotify artist and examine how Routenote plays a role in music distribution.

1. Create and Prepare Your Music

The first step in becoming a Spotify artist is to create high-quality music. This means investing time in songwriting, recording, and producing your tracks to ensure they meet the industry standards. Collaborate with experienced producers and audio engineers to refine your sound. Before distributing your music, ensure your tracks are professionally mixed and mastered.

2. Choose a Music Distribution Platform

Once your music is ready, the next step is to choose a music distribution platform to get your tracks on Spotify. Music distribution platforms help you upload your music to Spotify and other digital streaming platforms. Among the popular music distributors, Routenote is one option you can consider.

What is Routenote?

Routenote is a music distribution service that allows artists to distribute their music to multiple digital platforms, including Spotify. It offers both free and paid plans, providing flexibility for artists at different stages of their careers. While Routenote is a popular choice, it is crucial to explore other options and compare their features and services.

Another notable platform to consider is SoundOn. This all-in-one platform offers marketing and distribution services, helping artists build their careers and find new fans through TikTok, exclusive partners like CapCut, and other digital streaming platforms.

3. Distributing Your Music

After selecting a music distribution platform, the next step is to upload your tracks. This involves creating an account, entering your release details, uploading your audio files, and adding album artwork. The distribution platform will then deliver your music to Spotify and other streaming services on your behalf.

When using Routenote, artists can choose between the free plan with a revenue share model or the premium plan, which offers greater control and higher royalties. Make sure to understand the terms and conditions of the distribution service you choose and select the one that aligns with your goals.

4. Build Your Spotify Profile

Once your music is live on Spotify, it's time to create an engaging artist profile. Sign up for Spotify for Artists, a free tool that enables you to manage your artist profile, track performance analytics, and gain insights into your audience. Ensure your profile is complete with a professional artist bio, high-quality images, and links to your social media accounts.

5. Promote Your Music

Promotion is key to gaining visibility and attracting listeners to your music. Utilize various strategies to promote your tracks on Spotify:

• Social Media: Share your music on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Engage with your audience and encourage them to stream and share your tracks.
• Playlist Pitching: Pitch your songs to Spotify's editorial playlists and user-generated playlists. Getting placed on popular playlists can significantly boost your streams.
• Collaborations: Collaborate with other artists to reach new audiences and cross-promote your music.
• Advertising: Invest in targeted ads on social media and music platforms to reach potential listeners.

6. Engage with Your Audience

Building a loyal fanbase requires consistent engagement with your audience. Respond to comments, messages, and interact with fans on social media. Use Spotify for Artists to understand your audience's demographics and preferences, and tailor your content and promotions accordingly. Host livestreams, Q&A sessions, and share behind-the-scenes content to connect with your listeners on a personal level.

7. Monitor Your Progress

Regularly monitor your progress using Spotify for Artists and other analytics tools. Pay attention to streaming numbers, listener demographics, and playlist placements. Use this data to refine your marketing strategies and make informed decisions about your future releases.

Conclusion

Becoming a Spotify artist involves a combination of creating high-quality music, choosing the right distribution platform, promoting your tracks, and engaging with your audience. Platforms like SoundOn and Routenote offer valuable services for music distribution, and selecting the right one can significantly impact your success on Spotify. By following these steps and leveraging the tools and platforms available, you can build a successful career as a Spotify artist.