How to Submit Music to Spotify?

Are you an independent artist looking to get your music heard by millions on Spotify? Understanding the process of song distribution and how to submit music to Spotify is crucial for amplifying your reach and growing your fan base. This article will guide you through the steps needed to efficiently get your music onto Spotify, as well as the essentials of song distribution.

What is Song Distribution?

Song distribution refers to the process of getting your music to various platforms where listeners can stream or download it. This includes digital streaming platforms (DSPs) like Spotify, Apple Music, and others. Proper distribution is fundamental for any artist who wants to gain visibility, increase streams, and ultimately earn revenue from their music.

Getting Started with Spotify Submission

Before you delve into the actual submission process, ensure that your music is ready for distribution. This includes having your tracks professionally mixed and mastered, as well as possessing the necessary metadata like song titles, artist names, and album art. If you haven’t done so already, sign up with a music distribution platform like SoundOn to facilitate the process.

Step 1: Choose a Music Distributor

Unlike artists signed to major labels, independent artists typically require a digital distributor to get their music on streaming platforms. Various distribution platforms, such as SoundOn, Tunecore, and Distrokid, can help you achieve this. Once you’ve chosen your distributor, create an account and follow the instructions provided to upload and distribute your music.

Step 2: Prepare Your Music for Submission

Before submitting your music, double-check that all necessary elements are in place:

• High-quality audio files (preferably WAV or FLAC)
• Metadata (song titles, artist names, and genre)
• Album artwork (minimum size of 3000 x 3000 pixels)

Ensuring that everything is precise and professional will improve your chances of a successful submission.

Step 3: Upload Your Music

Log in to your chosen distributor's platform, and follow these general steps:

• Navigate to the 'Upload' section
• Select your audio files and fill in the necessary metadata
• Upload your album artwork
• Choose your release date and specify any pre-release or distribution options
• Submit your release for approval

The distribution platform will then handle the rest, submitting your music to Spotify and other DSPs on your behalf.

Utilizing Spotify for Artists

After submitting your music via your distributor, register for a Spotify for Artists account. This invaluable tool allows you to manage your artist profile, track your music's performance, and pitch your songs to Spotify playlist curators.

Step 4: Claim Your Spotify for Artists Profile

To claim your profile:

• Go to the Spotify for Artists website
• Log in with your Spotify account or create a new one
• Search for your artist name, and verify your identity as the artist

Once verified, you’ll gain access to a suite of tools to enhance your presence on Spotify.

Step 5: Pitching Your Music to Spotify Playlists

One of the most powerful features of Spotify for Artists is the ability to pitch your unreleased tracks to Spotify’s playlist curators. To do this:

• Sign in to Spotify for Artists
• Fill in all the detailed information about your track (genre, mood, instruments, etc.)
• Submit your pitch at least 7 days before your release date

The more comprehensive and detailed your submission, the higher the chances your song will be considered for playlisting.

Maximizing Your Reach

Besides submitting and pitching your music, there are several other strategies you can employ to maximize your reach on Spotify:

• Promote on Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to hype your upcoming release.
• Engage with Fans: Respond to comments, create interactive posts, and foster a community around your music.
• Collaborate with Influencers: Work with social media influencers to promote your music to their followers.

Integrating these strategies can significantly enhance your visibility and engagement on Spotify.

Conclusion

Understanding how to submit music to Spotify and mastering the process of song distribution are pivotal for any independent artist. By following the outlined steps, engaging with Spotify for Artists, and utilizing various promotional strategies, you can effectively boost your presence on Spotify. For an efficient and comprehensive distribution experience, consider signing up with SoundOn and start your journey towards successful music distribution today.