Do you have tracks stashed away and dream of sharing them with the world? With platforms like Apple Music and Spotify dominating the music streaming market, getting your music on these services can significantly boost your exposure and growth as an artist. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to successfully upload your music to Apple Music and Spotify.
Apple Music is one of the leading music streaming services globally, making it an appealing platform for artists to distribute their music. Here are the steps to upload your music to Apple Music:
Apple Music does not allow direct uploads from independent artists. Instead, you need to use a music distribution service. Some popular options include SoundOn, Tunecore, Distrokid, CD Baby, ONErpm, LANDR, Indiefy, and Amuse. These services act as intermediaries, helping distribute your music to Apple Music and other streaming platforms.
Once you've selected a distribution service, you'll need to create an account. Fill in the necessary details, such as your artist name, email address, and other relevant information. Ensure you provide accurate information to avoid any issues during the distribution process.
Before uploading your tracks, make sure they are of the highest quality. Follow the distributor's guidelines for audio formats and ensure your music files are properly mastered. Also, prepare your album artwork, which should meet the specific requirements of the distribution service and Apple Music.
After preparing your tracks and artwork, you can upload your music to the distributor's platform. You'll need to provide metadata such as song title, album title, genre, and release date. This information will be used by Apple Music to catalog your tracks correctly.
Once you've uploaded your tracks and provided the necessary metadata, your submission will go through a review process by the distributor. This step ensures that your music meets all guidelines and quality standards set by Apple Music.
After your music is approved, the distributor will distribute it to Apple Music and any other selected platforms. It may take a few days or weeks for your music to appear on Apple Music, depending on the distributor's processing time.
Spotify is another dominant music streaming platform where having your tracks available can significantly increase your reach as an artist. Here are the steps to upload your music to Spotify:
Like Apple Music, Spotify does not allow direct uploads from independent artists. You need to use a music distribution service such as SoundOn, Tunecore, Distrokid, CD Baby, ONErpm, LANDR, Indiefy, or Amuse. These services will help you get your music on Spotify and other streaming platforms.
Choose a distributor and sign up for an account. Provide all required details including your artist name and contact information. Some distribution services may offer additional features like promotional tools and royalty tracking, so choose one that fits your needs.
Ensure your music files are of the highest quality. Follow the distributor's guidelines regarding audio formats and ensure your tracks are professionally mastered. Additionally, prepare your album artwork according to the distributor's requirements and Spotify's specifications.
Next, you can upload your tracks to the distributor's platform. You will need to fill in metadata such as song titles, genres, release dates, and any other relevant information. Accurate metadata ensures your music is properly cataloged on Spotify.
Submit your tracks and metadata to the distributor for processing. This step ensures that your music meets all the necessary guidelines and standards set by Spotify. The distributor will handle the technical aspects of getting your music on Spotify.
Once your music is processed and distributed, it will go live on Spotify. Typically, it takes a few days or up to a week for your music to appear on Spotify, depending on the distributor. After your release, you can monitor your performance using analytics provided by the distributor or Spotify for Artists.
SoundOn is an all-in-one platform perfect for independent artists seeking to distribute their music globally. With direct integration with TikTok, exclusive partnerships with CapCut, and an efficient global distribution service, SoundOn helps you build your career and find new fans.
Why settle for less when you can have the best? Join the SoundOn community and take your music career to new heights. Register as a SoundOn artist today!
Uploading your music to platforms like Apple Music and Spotify doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using a reliable distribution service like SoundOn, you can ensure your music reaches the ears of listeners around the world. Happy uploading!