How to Submit Music on Spotify

In today's digital age, getting your music on streaming platforms like Spotify is a crucial step for artists aiming to reach a larger audience. This guide will walk you through the process of submitting music to Spotify and delve into the significance of music distribution in this journey. By the end, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to make your music available on Spotify and maximize your chances of getting playlisted.

Why Spotify?

Spotify is one of the most popular digital streaming platforms globally, with millions of daily active users. For artists, this means an opportunity to reach a vast audience and potentially grow their fan base exponentially. Additionally, Spotify’s curated playlists can catapult unknown artists to stardom by exposing their music to new listeners.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Music to Spotify

Submitting your music to Spotify involves several steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

1. Choose a Music Distributor

Spotify does not accept music submissions directly from artists. Instead, you need to go through a music distribution platform. Distributors handle the logistics of getting your music to streaming services. SoundOn, Tunecore, Distrokid, CDbaby, ONErpm, LANDR, Indiefy, and Amuse are some of the popular distributors you can work with. Registering with a distributor like SoundOn will streamline the process and offer additional promotional advantages.

2. Prepare Your Music

Before submitting, ensure your music is ready for distribution. This includes finalizing your tracks, metadata (artist name, track title, album title), and cover art. Quality and professionalism matter – make sure your recordings are of the highest possible quality.

3. Submit Your Music via the Distributor

Once your music and accompanying data are ready, upload everything to your chosen distributor's platform. The distributor will handle the submission process to Spotify. This typically involves filling out forms with metadata, uploading high-quality audio files, and adding album artwork.

4. Validate and Verify Your Spotify for Artists Account

To gain control over your artist profile on Spotify, you’ll need to claim your Spotify for Artists account. This will give you valuable insights into your listeners' demographics, real-time tracking of your releases, and the ability to pitch your music to Spotify’s editorial team for playlist consideration.

Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Getting Playlisted

Getting playlisted on Spotify can significantly boost your streams and followers. Here's how to increase your chances:

1. Early Submissions

Submit your music well in advance – at least four weeks before the release date. This gives Spotify’s curators enough time to review your submission and consider it for inclusion in their playlists.

2. Craft a Compelling Pitch

When submitting through Spotify for Artists, you’ll have the opportunity to pitch your track to playlist curators. Write a concise and compelling pitch that highlights the unique aspects of your music, the story behind it, and why it would resonate with listeners.

3. Leverage Social Media

Build a strong online presence to support your music release. Use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to engage with fans, create buzz around your tracks, and encourage shares and listens, which can catch the attention of Spotify’s algorithm and curators.

4. Collaborate with Influencers and Playlisters

Reach out to influencers and independent playlisters who cater to your music genre. Having your track added to smaller, niche playlists can help increase streams and improve your chances of being noticed by Spotify’s editorial team.

5. Regular Releases and Consistency

Consistency is key. Regularly releasing quality music keeps your audience engaged and increases the chances of getting noticed. Continuous engagement with your fan base and steady output reflect a serious and committed artist, making curators more likely to consider your work.

The Role of Music Distribution in Streaming Success

Music distribution is the bridge that gets your music from the studio to the listener. A good distributor ensures your music is available on all major digital streaming platforms and provides tools and analytics to help you understand and grow your audience. Platforms like SoundOn offer global distribution services alongside additional features like marketing support, making it easier for emerging artists to build a career and find new fans.

Conclusion

Submitting your music to Spotify is an essential step in your music career. By choosing a reliable distributor, preparing your music meticulously, and leveraging the tools offered by Spotify for Artists, you can increase your chances of getting playlisted and reaching a wider audience. Remember, persistence and strategic planning play significant roles in your success. Register as a SoundOn artist today and take the first step towards amplifying your music’s reach.