As an artist, having your music available on Spotify is crucial to reaching a global audience. Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming platforms, with millions of active users worldwide. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create an artist account on Spotify and explain how artists make money on Spotify.
To start sharing your music on Spotify, you need to create an artist account. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Spotify doesn't allow you to upload music directly to their platform. You’ll need to use a music distributor like SoundOn, Tunecore, Distrokid, CD Baby, ONErpm, LANDR, Indiefy, or Amuse. These distributors will handle the process of getting your music onto Spotify and other digital streaming platforms.
Once you’ve chosen a distributor, sign up for an account with them. This process usually involves providing some basic information about yourself and your music.
After your distributor account is set up, you can upload your music. Make sure your audio files and metadata (song title, artist name, album artwork, etc.) are all in place.
Submit your music for distribution. Your distributor will review your submission and, upon approval, will distribute your music to Spotify and other platforms.
Once your music is live on Spotify, you can claim your Spotify for Artists profile. Go to the Spotify for Artists website and follow the instructions to claim and verify your profile. This will give you access to valuable tools and insights to manage and grow your presence on Spotify.
Now that your music is available on Spotify, you might be wondering how you can earn money from it. Here are the primary ways artists make money on Spotify:
The most direct way to earn money on Spotify is through streaming royalties. Every time someone listens to your song, you earn a small amount of money. This revenue is split between the distributor, the music platform, and you, the artist. The more streams your songs get, the more money you make.
Getting your song featured on popular playlists can significantly increase your streams and exposure. Spotify curates numerous playlists, ranging from genre-specific to mood-based. Pitching your songs to these playlists can help you reach a wider audience. SoundOn provides excellent support for pitching your music to top DSPs, giving you a better chance of being featured.
Engaging with your fans is another way to increase your revenue. Spotify for Artists offers tools to connect with your audience by sharing updates, promoting events, and involving your fans in your musical journey. The more engaged your fans are, the more likely they are to stream your music and even purchase concert tickets or merchandise.
Spotify allows artists to link directly to their merchandise stores. By promoting physical products such as t-shirts, vinyl, or other merchandise, you can boost your income. Merchandise sales are a great way to monetize your fanbase outside of streaming revenue.
Spotify’s integration with concert platforms like Ticketmaster and Songkick lets you promote your live performances directly on your profile. Selling tickets to live shows and tours can be a substantial source of revenue for artists, especially those with a dedicated fanbase.
To maximize your earnings on Spotify:
Creating an artist account on Spotify and understanding how to make money from your music can seem daunting, but with the right strategies and tools, you can build a successful career. By working with a reliable distributor like SoundOn, engaging with your fans, and promoting your music effectively, you can maximize your earnings on Spotify and grow your audience.