How to Upload Songs to Spotify

As an artist in today’s digital age, getting your music on major streaming platforms is crucial for your success. Spotify, one of the world's leading music streaming platforms, offers a vast audience for your songs. This guide will walk you through the steps to upload your songs to Spotify and provide a detailed comparison of two popular music distribution services, CD Baby and TuneCore.

Steps to Upload Songs to Spotify

1. Choose a Music Distributor

Spotify does not allow artists to upload songs directly to their platform. Instead, you need to go through a music distributor. Distributors like SoundOn, CD Baby, and TuneCore will send your music to Spotify and other streaming services while handling key administrative tasks.

2. Prepare Your Music for Upload

Ensure your music files are high-quality WAV or MP3 files. You will also need to have your metadata ready, including song title, artist name, album name, and release date. Additionally, you’ll need cover art that meets Spotify's specifications (usually a 3000x3000 pixel image).

3. Sign Up with a Distributor

Sign up with your chosen music distributor and create an account. Most platforms will have a straightforward sign-up process.

4. Upload Your Music

Follow the distributor's instructions to upload your music files and metadata. This typically involves filling out forms that ask for detailed information about your tracks and uploading the associated files.

5. Pay the Distribution Fee

Most distributors will charge a fee to distribute your music. The cost can vary depending on the services they offer and the duration of the distribution.

6. Submit for Release

Once you’ve uploaded your files and paid the fee, submit your music for release. The distributor will review your submission and send it to Spotify and other platforms. This process can take a few days to a couple of weeks, so plan accordingly.

7. Promote Your Release

Once your music is live on Spotify, promote it on social media, through mailing lists, and via performances. Utilize platforms like TikTok and SoundOn to reach a broader audience and drive more traffic to your Spotify profile.

CD Baby vs. TuneCore: Which Distributor to Choose?

Two of the most popular music distribution services are CD Baby and TuneCore. Both have their unique features and cater to different artist needs. Let’s compare them based on several key factors.

Price

CD Baby: CD Baby charges a one-time fee per release (single, album, or EP). You can choose between their Standard and Pro packages. Services like worldwide distribution, sync licensing, and YouTube monetization are included.

TuneCore: TuneCore operates on a yearly subscription model. You pay an annual fee to keep your music on platforms. They also charge a one-time initial fee per release.

Revenue Share and Payouts

CD Baby: CD Baby takes a 9% commission on digital sales revenue. Your earnings are processed weekly, and you can request payouts anytime.

TuneCore: TuneCore offers artists 100% of their revenue from digital sales. Payouts can be requested at any time, and they are processed daily.

Additional Services

CD Baby: Includes services such as sync licensing, music publishing administration, and expanded distribution options. Their standard package is comprehensive, covering most needs of independent artists.

TuneCore: Provides a robust publishing administration service that helps collect royalties from music streams and other sources worldwide. TuneCore’s platform also offers promotional tools like social media post scheduling and custom video production.

Ease of Use

CD Baby: CD Baby is known for its user-friendly interface and straightforward process for uploading and distributing music.

TuneCore: TuneCore also offers an easy-to-navigate platform, with clear instructions and customer support available for any questions you might have.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between CD Baby and TuneCore will depend on your specific needs as an artist. If you prefer a one-time fee and a comprehensive package, CD Baby might be the way to go. If you’re looking for a subscription model with robust publishing and promotional tools, TuneCore could be your choice.

Remember, regardless of which distributor you choose, the process to upload songs to Spotify through CD Baby or TuneCore will be similar. Preparing your music and marketing it post-release is crucial for your success. Additionally, consider registering with SoundOn to leverage its distribution and promotional benefits, including partnerships with TikTok and CapCut, to further enhance your music career.