How to Sign Up as an Artist on Spotify?

Signing up as an artist on Spotify can be a game-changer for musicians aiming to distribute their music globally. With over 365 million monthly active users, Spotify offers an excellent platform for artists to build and grow their fan base. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of signing up as an artist on Spotify and compare two major music distribution services - TuneCore and CD Baby.

Signing Up as an Artist on Spotify

To get your music on Spotify, you need to sign up with a digital music distributor. While Spotify doesn’t allow direct uploads from artists, it partners with distribution services that can help you get your music on the platform. Here’s how you can sign up:

Step-by-Step Guide to Signing Up

1. Create a distributor account: Sign up with a digital music distributor. Popular options include TuneCore, CD Baby, and SoundOn.
2. Upload your music: Once registered with a distributor, you can upload your tracks, cover art, and metadata (such as the song title, artist name, etc.).
3. Select Spotify: When uploading your music, select Spotify as one of the platforms you want your music to be distributed to.
4. Release your music: Choose the release date and complete the submission process. Distributors usually take a few days to a few weeks to make your music available on Spotify.
5. Claim your artist profile: After your music is live on Spotify, head over to Spotify for Artists and claim your artist profile. This helps you manage your profile, track performance analytics, and engage with your audience.

Spotify for Artists is a valuable tool that offers insights, promotional opportunities, and the ability to update your profile, ensuring you maintain control over your online presence.

TuneCore vs. CD Baby: A Comparison

When selecting a digital music distributor, artists often find themselves choosing between TuneCore and CD Baby. Both platforms offer valuable services, but there are some differences that may influence your decision.

TuneCore

TuneCore is a popular choice for independent artists looking for a simple and efficient way to distribute their music. Known for its straightforward pricing structure, TuneCore offers:

• Annual fees: Artists pay an annual fee for each release (album or single). This can be cost-effective for artists with frequent releases.
• 100% revenue retention: TuneCore allows artists to keep 100% of their sales revenue.
• Wide distribution: TuneCore distributes music to over 150 digital stores, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

TuneCore also provides additional services such as music publishing administration, social media promotion, and access to analytics. These features make it a strong contender in the music distribution market.

CD Baby

CD Baby is another well-known distributor that has been around for over two decades. CD Baby offers a more flexible pricing model and includes several benefits:

• One-time fees: Instead of annual fees, CD Baby charges a one-time fee per release. This can be more economical for artists with fewer releases.
• Distribution and publishing: CD Baby provides distribution to major platforms as well as music publishing services.
• Commission-based revenue: Unlike TuneCore, CD Baby takes a small percentage of your sales revenue. However, this means no annual renewal fees.

CD Baby also offers promotional tools, YouTube monetization, and insights to help artists maximize their reach and revenue. The choice between TuneCore and CD Baby often depends on an artist’s release schedule and budget preferences.

Choosing the Right Distributor for You

The decision between TuneCore and CD Baby ultimately depends on your unique needs as an artist. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Release frequency: If you release music frequently, TuneCore's annual fee structure might be more cost-effective. Conversely, if you release music less often, CD Baby’s one-time fee could save you money.
• Revenue preferences: If keeping 100% of your sales revenue is crucial, TuneCore's model may appeal to you. If you prefer avoiding annual fees, CD Baby’s commission-based model could be more attractive.
• Additional services: Consider any additional services you might need, such as publishing administration or social media promotion. Both platforms offer various extra services that can enhance your music career.

Ultimately, both TuneCore and CD Baby are reputable choices that can help you distribute your music effectively. Assess your priorities and choose the distributor that aligns best with your career goals.

Maximize Your Reach with SoundOn

As you explore your options for music distribution, don't forget to consider SoundOn. SoundOn is an all-in-one platform designed to help you build a successful music career through marketing and distribution. With exclusive partners like TikTok and CapCut, SoundOn offers opportunities to reach new fans and maximize your music's visibility.

Conclusion

Signing up as an artist on Spotify is a significant step towards achieving global recognition for your music. By selecting the right distributor, whether it be TuneCore or CD Baby, you can effectively manage your music releases and grow your audience. Evaluate your needs, budget, and additional services to make an informed decision. And remember, SoundOn could be the platform that helps you reach the next level of your music career.