How to Add Songs & EPs to Spotify?

As a musician, getting your music onto Spotify can significantly boost your visibility and help you reach a global audience. Whether you’re new to the music industry or an established artist looking to expand your reach, understanding how to add songs to Spotify is crucial. Additionally, knowing what an EP is and how it differs from singles and albums can help you strategize your music releases more effectively.

How to Add Songs to Spotify

Adding songs to Spotify involves a few key steps, especially if you aim to get featured on curated playlists. Here’s a detailed process to get you started:

Step 1: Choose a Music Distribution Service

Spotify doesn't allow artists to upload their music directly to the platform. Instead, you need to go through a music distribution service such as SoundOn, Tunecore, Distrokid, CD Baby, etc. These services act as intermediaries and help you distribute your music to Spotify and other streaming platforms.

Step 2: Prepare Your Music for Distribution

Before you can distribute your music, ensure that your tracks are properly mastered and in the right format. Usually, distribution services require high-quality WAV files. Additionally, prepare the metadata for your tracks, including the artist name, song title, album title (if applicable), and track number.

Step 3: Create Your Release

Log in to your chosen music distribution platform and follow their instructions to upload your tracks. You'll need to enter information about the release, such as the release date, genre, and cover art. Be sure to upload the cover art that meets the specifications provided by the distributor.

Step 4: Submit for Playlist Consideration

One of the significant advantages of distributing through a service is the potential to get featured on Spotify’s editorial playlists. To submit your song for playlist consideration, you usually need to do it at least a week before your release date. For instance, with SoundOn, you can pitch your song to Spotify's editorial team, providing key information and highlighting the details that make your song stand out.

What is an EP (Extended Play)?

An EP, or Extended Play, is a type of musical release that contains more tracks than a single but is shorter than an album. Typically, an EP consists of 4-6 tracks and has a total duration of about 15-30 minutes. EPs are a great way to release music more frequently and keep your audience engaged without the extensive commitment required to produce a full album.

Differences Between Singles, EPs, and Albums

Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the differences:

• Singles: Usually consist of one or two tracks and are often used to promote upcoming albums or simply release music more frequently.
• EPs: Contain more tracks than a single but fewer than an album. They offer more content for listeners without the extensive commitment of producing a full album.
• Albums: Usually consist of 10-15 tracks or even more and can tell a more comprehensive story or showcase more aspects of an artist’s music.

Why Release an EP?

There are several reasons why you might choose to release an EP:

• Testing the Waters: EPs can be a great way to gauge listener interest and test out new musical styles without the investment of a full album.
• Frequency of Releases: Releasing EPs allows you to release music more frequently, keeping your audience engaged and maintaining momentum.
• Cost-Effective: Producing an EP is generally less expensive and time-consuming than creating a full album.

How to Distribute an EP on Spotify

The process for distributing an EP on Spotify is much the same as distributing a single:

1. Choose a music distribution service.
2. Prepare your music with the proper metadata and cover art.
3. Upload your tracks to the service and fill out the necessary information.
4. Submit your EP for playlist consideration if possible.

It's essential to include all necessary information and high-quality cover art to ensure a smooth distribution process.

Promoting Your Song or EP

Once your song or EP is live on Spotify, promotion is key to getting more streams and growing your fan base. Here are some strategies to consider:

Social Media Promotion

Use your social media platforms to announce the release of your song or EP. Share links, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with your audience to build excitement. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are particularly effective for music promotion.

Collaborate with Influencers

Partnering with social media influencers can help you reach a broader audience. Look for influencers who align with your music style and have a significant following.

Leverage Spotify for Artists

Spotify for Artists offers several tools to help you promote your music, gain insights, and connect with fans. Make the most of these features to optimize your Spotify presence.

Utilize Music Blogs and Playlists

Submit your music to various music blogs and independent playlist curators. Getting featured on popular blogs or playlists can significantly boost your streams and exposure.

Register as a SoundOn Artist

If you're looking for an all-in-one platform to handle your distribution and promotion needs, consider registering as a SoundOn artist. SoundOn helps you build a career, find new fans through TikTok, and distribute your music globally. It's an excellent platform for artists at any stage of their career.

Conclusion

Adding songs and EPs to Spotify is an essential step for any musician aiming to reach a global audience. By understanding the process of distribution and leveraging the right tools and platforms, you can effectively promote your music and grow your fan base. Additionally, knowing what an EP is and how it fits into your overall release strategy can help you maintain momentum and consistently engage your listeners.

For artists looking to optimize their music distribution and promotion, SoundOn offers a comprehensive solution to help you navigate the ever-evolving music industry. Get started today and take your music career to the next level!