In today's digital age, having your music on streaming platforms like Spotify is pivotal for reaching a wide audience and building a successful music career. But creating a Spotify artist account and knowing where to sell your songs online can be daunting for emerging artists. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to make a Spotify account as an artist and explore the best platforms to sell your music online.
Getting your music on Spotify involves setting up two key accounts: a general Spotify account and a Spotify for Artists account. Here’s how you can do it:
Begin by creating a standard Spotify user account if you do not already have one. Visit the Spotify signup page and fill out the necessary details. You can sign up using your email address, phone number, or social media accounts like Facebook.
Spotify does not accept direct uploads from artists. Instead, you need to use a music distributor to get your tracks on Spotify. Some popular distributors include Tunecore, CD Baby, and SoundOn. Once you have signed up with a distributor, follow their process to upload your music.
After your music is live on Spotify, it’s time to claim your Spotify for Artists profile. Go to the Spotify for Artists website and click on "Get Access." You will need to verify your identity and connect your distributor account. This process may take a few days.
Once your profile is claimed, you can personalize it to reflect your brand. Add a bio, photos, links to social media, and upcoming tour dates. You can also pitch your music to Spotify's playlist curators for a chance to be featured on popular playlists.
Congratulations! You now have a Spotify artist account. But getting your music on Spotify is just the beginning. Let’s explore where you can sell your songs online to maximize your revenue.
Selling your music online is crucial for generating income and expanding your reach. Here are some platforms where you can sell your songs:
Apple Music and iTunes are excellent platforms for selling your music. With millions of users worldwide, these platforms offer significant exposure. Your distributor can help you get your music onto these platforms as well.
Amazon Music allows you to sell your music digitally. It also provides options for selling physical copies like CDs and vinyl. This can be arranged through your distributor or directly through Amazon's music services.
Bandcamp is a favorite among independent artists. It allows you to sell your music directly to your fans while keeping a larger portion of the revenue. You can also offer merchandise and physical copies of your music.
SoundOn offers an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution. By registering as a SoundOn artist, you can sell your music on various digital streaming platforms, including TikTok, and maximize your reach and revenue. Sign up here.
While Google Play Music has transitioned to YouTube Music, it remains an important platform for selling and streaming your music. Your distributor can help facilitate this transition and ensure your music is available on YouTube Music.
Tidal positions itself as a high-quality music streaming service. Tidal users tend to be more passionate about supporting artists, making it a good platform to sell your music and engage with a dedicated fan base.
Don’t underestimate the power of selling music directly from your own website. You can use platforms like WordPress with plugins or Shopify to set up a store. This allows you to retain a larger percentage of the revenue and build a direct relationship with your fans.
Creating a Spotify artist account and knowing where to sell your songs online are crucial steps in advancing your music career. By following the steps outlined in this guide and exploring platforms like SoundOn, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and others, you can effectively distribute and sell your music to a global audience. Remember that success in the music industry requires consistency, creativity, and a well-thought-out strategy for digital distribution and sales.