How to upload music to Spotify & cheapest services?
Are you an aspiring musician looking to get your music out to a global audience? Uploading your tracks to Spotify is a fundamental step to achieving that. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of uploading your music to Spotify and discuss the cheapest music streaming services that can help you promote your talents without breaking the bank.
How to Upload Your Music to Spotify
1. Choose a Music Distributor
Spotify does not allow artists to directly upload their music to its platform. Instead, you need to go through a music distributor, such as SoundOn, Tunecore, Distrokid, CD Baby, ONErpm, LANDR, Indiefy, or Amuse. These distributors will handle the submission process for you and ensure that your music is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify.
2. Create High-Quality Tracks
Before you upload your music, it's crucial to ensure that your tracks are of the highest quality. This means properly mastering your recordings to meet the industry's standards. High-quality music will increase your chances of getting playlisted and gaining more streams.
3. Prepare Your Music Metadata
Music metadata includes the details about your track, such as the artist's name, song title, genre, release date, and album artwork. Accurate and complete metadata is essential for a successful upload and for helping listeners discover your music. Make sure your album artwork is at least 3000x3000 pixels in size and follows Spotify's guidelines.
4. Sign Up with a Distributor
Once you've chosen your distributor and prepared your tracks, the next step is to sign up with the distributor. Platforms like SoundOn offer easy registration processes where you can create an account and provide the necessary details about your music. Start your journey by registering as a SoundOn artist today.
5. Upload Your Music
After registering, you can upload your tracks along with the metadata. The distributor will then handle the process of submitting your music to Spotify and other streaming platforms. It typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks for your music to go live on Spotify, so plan your release accordingly.
6. Promote Your Music
Getting your music on Spotify is just the beginning. To maximize your exposure, make sure to promote your music on social media, collaborate with other artists, and leverage Spotify's playlist pitching feature. This can significantly increase your chances of getting featured on curated playlists and reaching a broader audience.
What is the Cheapest Music Streaming Service?
While getting your music on Spotify is important, it's also essential to know about other affordable streaming services that can help you reach more listeners without hefty costs. Here are a few of the cheapest music streaming services available:
1. Spotify
Spotify offers a free tier with ads and various premium plans starting at $9.99 per month. For students, the premium cost is reduced to $4.99 per month, making it accessible for those on a tight budget. The family plan allows up to six members to share the account for $14.99 per month, making it quite economical.
2. Amazon Music
Amazon Music Unlimited starts at $7.99 per month for Prime members, which is a considerable discount compared to non-Prime members who pay $9.99 per month. There's also a single-device plan available for $3.99 per month, limited to one Echo or Fire TV device.
3. Apple Music
Apple Music costs $9.99 per month for individual subscriptions and $4.99 per month for students. The family plan costs $14.99 per month and can be shared with up to six people. Apple Music also occasionally offers free trial periods.
4. SoundOn
As a music distribution platform, SoundOn offers various tools to promote your music on TikTok and other digital streaming platforms. While it is not a streaming service itself, it provides value through distribution and promotional tools. Registering with SoundOn can help you reach new audiences through strategic partnerships and marketing tools.
5. YouTube Music
YouTube Music offers a free tier with ads, and its premium plan costs $9.99 per month. For students, the price drops to $4.99 per month. YouTube Premium, which includes YouTube Music Premium as well as ad-free access to all YouTube videos, costs $11.99 per month.
6. Tidal
Tidal offers a standard plan for $9.99 per month, but its real value lies in the HiFi plan, which provides lossless audio quality for $19.99 per month. Students can get the standard plan for $4.99 per month and the HiFi plan for $9.99 per month.
7. Pandora
Pandora offers a free ad-supported tier, a Plus plan for $4.99 per month, and a Premium plan for $9.99 per month. Family plans are available at $14.99 per month for up to six members. Pandora's lower tiers can be a cost-effective way to enjoy music streaming.
Conclusion
Uploading your music to Spotify and other streaming platforms is an essential step in promoting your music career. By following the guidelines above and using reliable distributors like SoundOn, you can successfully reach a wider audience. Additionally, exploring affordable streaming services ensures that your music is accessible to a broader audience. Whether you're a student looking for budget-friendly options or an artist aiming to promote your work, there's a streaming service that fits your needs.
