How to Publish a Song on Spotify?

Are you an aspiring artist looking to get your music heard on Spotify? With over 345 million monthly active users, Spotify is one of the best platforms to gain exposure and grow your fanbase. This article will guide you through the process of publishing your song on Spotify, touching on music distribution platforms like DistroKid and SoundOn.

Why Publish on Spotify?

Spotify isn't just another streaming service; it's a crucial platform for music discovery and artist promotion. By getting your song on Spotify, you can reach a global audience, increase your streams, and potentially gain more fans. Moreover, Spotify offers curated playlists, which can significantly boost your song's visibility if you manage to get featured on them.

Steps to Publish a Song on Spotify

1. Prepare Your Music

Before you can publish your song on Spotify, ensure that your music is ready for distribution. This includes having a high-quality recording, mixing, and mastering of your track. You should also prepare your cover art according to Spotify's guidelines, which typically require a 3000x3000 pixel image in JPEG or PNG format.

2. Choose a Music Distributor

Spotify does not allow artists to upload songs directly to the platform. Instead, you need to use a music distributor. Some popular distributors include DistroKid and SoundOn. These platforms handle the distribution process, ensuring your music gets onto Spotify and other streaming services.

3. Set Up Your Account

If you're using DistroKid, you'll need to sign up for an account on their website. After setting up your profile, you can start uploading your music for distribution. Similarly, you can register as an artist on SoundOn here and begin the distribution process.

4. Upload Your Music

Once your account is set up, you can upload your song and cover art. Be sure to fill in all necessary details such as the song title, artist name, release date, and genre. Distributors like DistroKid and SoundOn have user-friendly interfaces that make it easier to input this information.

5. Choose Your Release Date

It's crucial to select an appropriate release date for your song. Setting a date at least a few weeks in advance gives you ample time to plan your marketing and promotional strategies. Some distributors offer the option to schedule your release, which can help you align your promotional efforts with the release date.

6. Promote Your Music

Promotion is key to a successful release. Leverage social media platforms like TikTok to create buzz around your song. Engage with your audience by sharing behind-the-scenes content, teasers, and countdowns to the release date. You can also use platforms like SoundOn to tap into exclusive promotional opportunities and reach new fans.

7. Monitor Your Performance

After your song is live on Spotify, monitor its performance using Spotify for Artists. This tool provides insights into your streams, listener demographics, and playlist features. Use this data to refine your marketing strategies and engage with your audience more effectively.

Other Considerations

1. Legal and Copyright Issues

Before uploading your music, ensure that you have the rights to distribute it. This means having proper licenses for any samples or covers used in your track. Ignoring these legalities can lead to your song being removed from Spotify or even legal action.

2. Financial Aspects

Music distribution platforms typically charge a fee for their services. For instance, DistroKid offers annual subscription plans that allow you to upload unlimited songs. On the other hand, SoundOn charges per release but provides additional promotional services. Weigh these options based on your needs and budget.

3. Engage with Playlists

Playlisting can significantly boost your song's visibility. Pitch your song to Spotify's editorial playlists through Spotify for Artists. Additionally, seek out independent playlist curators who cater to your genre. Getting featured on popular playlists can lead to a surge in streams and new fans.

Wrapping Up

Publishing a song on Spotify is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning and execution. By preparing your music, choosing the right distributor like DistroKid or SoundOn, and actively promoting your release, you can maximize your chances of success. Remember to monitor your performance and engage with your audience to build a loyal fanbase.

Ready to take the next step? Sign up as a SoundOn artist today and start your journey to musical success!