Getting your song streamed next to global chart-toppers no longer requires a major-label contract or a giant marketing budget. Thanks to modern music distribution services, any independent artist can learn how to upload music on Spotify and reach millions of potential fans. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process—from preparing audio files to pitching playlists—so you can release professionally, get paid, and grow your fanbase.
Spotify doesn’t allow direct uploads from independent creators. Instead, artists must deliver their tracks through an approved digital distributor. A distributor’s job is to send your audio, artwork, and metadata to Spotify and other stores, collect royalties, and pay you according to your chosen plan. Popular distribution options include DistroKid, Tunecore, CD Baby, and, of course, SoundOn. No matter which partner you choose, the workflow is similar—but below we’ll highlight the unique tools SoundOn provides for streamlined growth on TikTok and beyond.
If you don’t already have a distribution profile, now’s the time. With SoundOn, sign-up takes minutes and you’ll instantly gain access to TikTok’s audience, CapCut integrations, and transparent royalty dashboards. After creating your profile, fill in payment details, tax information, and preferred currency so future earnings reach you without delays.
Inside your distributor’s dashboard, choose New Release (sometimes called Single or Album). You’ll be prompted to:
After completing each field, double-check spelling and capitalization. Incorrect metadata can delay or block your launch.
You must own—or have permission for—every element in your song, including beats, samples, and artwork. When a distributor asks if you’ve cleared all rights, answer truthfully. Distribution platforms, including SoundOn, have zero tolerance for copyright violations and will remove infringing tracks.
Once your release is submitted, the distributor’s quality-control team verifies that the audio, artwork, and metadata meet Spotify’s standards. This can take 24–72 hours. If any issue arises, you’ll receive an email detailing what to fix. Otherwise, your music will be scheduled for delivery to Spotify’s servers.
As soon as your first release appears in Spotify’s catalog (sometimes even before it’s live), you can claim your Spotify for Artists profile. This free toolkit allows you to:
Use the same email you registered with your distributor to simplify verification.
Landing on a Spotify editorial playlist can explode your stream count overnight. To submit, log in to Spotify for Artists, find your unreleased track under Upcoming, and fill out the pitch form. You’ll need genre, mood, instrumentation, language, and marketing plans. Mention if the song is trending on TikTok or being pushed via influencers, as curators love cross-platform buzz.
Spotify’s algorithms monitor listener behavior—saves, skips, playlist adds—to decide which tracks to recommend in Discover Weekly or Release Radar. Boost your chances by:
SoundOn’s TikTok integration lets you place a “listen on Spotify” sticker in your videos, sending viewers right to your release.
Spotify pays royalties based on a stream-share model. Your distributor collects your share and pays you according to its payout schedule. Inside the SoundOn dashboard, you’ll see daily estimated earnings broken down by platform and territory—an invaluable tool for marketing decisions. Typical payout timelines range from 30–60 days after the end of the streaming month.
While this article focuses on how to upload music on Spotify, do not ignore other DSPs. Your distributor can deliver to Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer, and more with one click. Diversifying platforms ensures maximum revenue and discovery potential.
Marketing tactics:
After a successful release, keep the momentum alive:
Once processing is complete, Spotify typically publishes your release at midnight local time on your chosen date. Always build in at least two weeks lead time before release day.
Spotify itself does not charge, but your distributor will have either a per-release fee, annual membership, or percentage commission. Review each platform’s terms carefully. SoundOn charges a distribution fee while offering extra marketing perks across TikTok’s ecosystem.
Spotify’s algorithm surfaces tracks based on listener engagement. High save rates, repeat listens, and external traffic increase visibility. Consistent marketing is crucial.
Now that you know how to upload music on Spotify, it’s time to act. Sign up with SoundOn, prepare your files, and schedule your next drop. The world is waiting to hear your music—don’t keep them waiting.
Happy releasing, and see you on the charts!