How to Publish Music on Spotify?

Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming platforms worldwide, offering musicians a vast audience to share their music. Whether you're an emerging artist or an experienced musician, getting your music on Spotify can significantly enhance your visibility and fan base. This guide will walk you through the steps to publish your music on Spotify and provide a comparison between two prominent distribution platforms - TuneCore and CD Baby.

Steps to Publish Your Music on Spotify

Publishing your music on Spotify involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Choose a Music Distributor

Spotify doesn't allow artists to upload music directly. You'll need a music distributor to get your tracks on Spotify. Distributors like SoundOn, TuneCore, and CD Baby act as intermediaries, uploading your music to streaming platforms, and handling royalties on your behalf.

2. Prepare Your Music for Distribution

Before you can submit your music, you need to ensure that it’s ready for distribution. This includes finalizing your track, creating cover art, and organizing your metadata, such as song titles, artist names, and genres.

3. Set Up Your Artist Profile

Having a Spotify for Artists account allows you to manage your profile, access listener data, and submit your music for playlist consideration. Make sure your artist profile is complete and visually attractive.

4. Upload Your Music

Once your music and profile are ready, you can upload your tracks via the music distributor. You will be asked to provide information about the release date, territories where your music will be available, and more.

5. Promote Your Music

To maximize your reach, engage in promotional activities such as sharing your Spotify link on social media, pitching your music to influencers, or creating a marketing campaign on platforms like TikTok. Working with a platform like SoundOn can help streamline music promotion efforts.

TuneCore vs CD Baby: Which Distributor to Choose?

When it comes to choosing a distributor to get your music on Spotify, TuneCore and CD Baby are two of the most well-known options. Below is a comparison to help you decide which service might suit your needs better.

Pricing

TuneCore: TuneCore charges an annual fee per album or single. This could be more cost-effective for artists with a large number of tracks as they can benefit from keeping 100% of their revenue.

CD Baby: CD Baby charges a one-time fee per album or single, making it a less stressful option for those who may not want annual commitments. They also retain a small percentage of your revenue.

Services and Distribution

TuneCore: TuneCore is known for its broad distribution network, reaching over 150 digital stores. They offer additional services such as publishing administration and YouTube monetization.

CD Baby: CD Baby also distributes music to numerous digital platforms and offers various promotional tools and a publishing administration service. They are known for their support for physical sales, including CDs and vinyl records.

Ease of Use

TuneCore: TuneCore has a straightforward and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for artists to upload and manage their music.

CD Baby: CD Baby's platform is also easy to navigate, offering a comprehensive guide to ensure that artists can efficiently utilize their services.

Customer Support

TuneCore: TuneCore provides robust customer service, including email support and a comprehensive help center.

CD Baby: CD Baby is often praised for its excellent customer support, offering email and phone support to artists.

Note: While choosing a distributor, consider your long-term plan for music distribution, your budget, and the additional services offered by each platform. You might also want to explore SoundOn, which offers unique promotional opportunities through TikTok and other partners.

Conclusion

Publishing your music on Spotify can open the door to a global audience and provide opportunities for growth as an artist. By following the steps outlined and making an informed choice between distributors like TuneCore and CD Baby, or exploring platforms like SoundOn, you can ensure your music reaches listeners effectively. Start your journey today and let your music resonate across Spotify's vast landscape!