Getting Your Music Heard on Spotify the Right Way

Spotify, being the highest streaming platform, allows artists to connect with a larger audience base. You can use a distribution site to grow on the platform.

Spotify is one of the world’s most popular music streaming platforms with millions of listeners every day. For new artists and songwriters hoping to share their music, it is a powerful tool. However, standing out on the platform is not completely possible without a little help from music marketing. So, if you are wondering how to get your songs on Spotify and what steps to take, you have come to the right place. Let’s discuss Spotify’s preferred music distributors and why they are important. 

Getting your music on Spotify:

    1. Spotify Artist Profile

To begin your journey on Spotify, you need to create a custom artist profile first. This space lets you showcase your music and share key info about yourself. Use high-quality photos and keep your bio short but clear to make your page stand out. Make it both personal and professional. Moreover, do not forget to add links to your social media or website so fans can stay updated with your latest music drops or events. A well-made profile helps build your presence!

    2. Choose a music distribution service

Spotify does not allow artists to upload songs directly, so you will need a music distribution service. These services deliver your tracks to Spotify along with Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more platforms. You will find many options out there, each with different features and prices. So, take your time to research and choose the one that fits your music goals best.

    3. Uploading music

After signing up with a distributor, it is now time to upload your music and artwork. Make sure your tracks meet Spotify’s format and bit rate rules. Follow visual guidelines too, like using images at least 640 x 640 pixels and avoiding explicit content. You can also add a music video to boost promotion.

    4. Release date

When uploading your music, you will need to choose a release date as well. This is when your song will go live on Spotify and other platforms. Pick a date that gives you enough time to promote it and build excitement. If you plan this ahead, it will help you create a strong launch and reach more listeners.

    5. Submit music for distribution

Before submitting, make sure to review your music carefully to ensure it meets your quality standards. Double-check all metadata, like song titles, artist names, and album details. Once you are sure everything is correct, send your music to the distributor. They will then review it and send it to Spotify. However, this approval process may take up to one week.

    6. Promote on Spotify

Once your music is live on Spotify, start promoting it to reach more listeners. You can build your own playlists, team up with other artists, and stay active on social media to connect with fans. You can also use Spotify for Artists to track how your music is doing and manage your growth over time.

    7. Review analytics

Spotify for Artists is a helpful tool that shows details about your streams and your listener base on the platform. You can use this data to track your growth and shape your music promotion strategy. The platform also lets you manage your artist profile, update your bio and images, and submit new songs for release. It is one of the most important resources for building your presence and staying connected with fans.

    8. Leveraging different methods

Spotify gives musicians and artists several ways to promote their music. You can submit your songs to Spotify’s editorial team and get a chance to be featured on official playlists on the platform. You can also create and share your own playlists that help connect with fans. In addition, paid promotions on Spotify can help you reach new listeners and boost your music’s visibility. These tools make it easier to grow your audience base and share your music with people with similar tastes.

    9. Collaborate with others

Working with other artists and collaborators can also help you grow your presence and reach on Spotify. You can try teaming up on remixes or featured tracks with other artists. When it comes to music promotion, you can send your songs to curators who create playlists. This can get your music in front of new listeners and help build your fan base better.

    10. Regular updates

Keeping your Spotify artist profile updated is important as it can hold the interest of your fans and followers on the platform. So, add new songs as soon as they drop, and refresh your photos, videos, and bio often. You can also use Spotify for Artists to share updates and connect with your followers on the streaming platform.

Uploading music on Spotify is a great way to get noticed in the industry, as well as make new fans. If you follow these steps and promote your music well, you will be able to grow your audience and build your music career.

How can you use social media to boost reach?

As an independent artist, using Spotify’s preferred music distributors can help you boost your earnings, grow your audience base, and simplify the entire release process. These trusted partners make it easier to get your music on major platforms like Spotify itself. Here is a look at the major benefits of choosing a top Spotify-approved distributor.

    1. Increased visibility

Getting noticed on Spotify can be challenging. However, a trusted distributor can make a big difference in this process. Top-tier distributors help promote your music to playlist curators and industry leaders. They also take your music to top influencers to give you better chances of being heard. They often have strong ties with the streaming platform and understand how to work with its algorithms and rules. They also help you write clear and accurate metadata, which makes your music easier to find on the internet. So, you can easily improve your visibility with the right distributor, reaching more listeners. You can also give your songs a better shot at landing on popular playlists.

    2. Increased earnings

Top Spotify music distributors help you earn more by sending your music to major platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. They also assist in unlocking extra income through sync licensing and other sources. With the right distributor, you can tap into every available way to make money from your music. They ensure your tracks are widely available and properly set up for payouts. This gives you the best chance to grow your income and expand your reach.

    3. Simplified distribution

If you use top-level label distributors, it can make music distribution easier by handling the technical work for you. They take care of file encoding and metadata creation, which makes sure your music meets the platform’s rules. This also helps your release go smoothly on all major streaming services. Letting professionals manage these steps saves you time and reduces stress. This is how you can focus more on making great music and building your fan base through creative work and strategic promotion.

    4. Updated with the latest trends

The music industry keeps changing and updating itself. So, staying updated is the answer to staying ahead. In 2022, Spotify introduced ‘Discovery Mode’. This is where artists can pay for more exposure on the platform. A reputed distributor helps you keep up with such changes and take advantage of new tools. They guide you through updates and help you grow in a fast-moving world.

    5. Valuable insights

Top Spotify music distributors also give you helpful insights from your streaming data. You can see which songs, such as originals or covers, are doing well. You will also have the data on where your listeners are based and how people are finding your music. This data helps you make better choices about your releases and how you promote them. It is one of the most essential tools for shaping your music strategy and growing your audience.

What are the top music distribution services?

For independent new musicians, music distribution services offer a way to release songs on streaming platforms. Many also provide extras like physical copies, detailed statistics, and new marketing tools. Some even help promote your music on top Spotify playlists. Here is a quick look at each service’s features to help you choose the right fit for your music.

    1. Distrokid

DistroKid is a great choice for artists who want full control over their music and earnings. For a yearly fee of $20, musicians can upload unlimited songs without paying extra fees or giving up a cut of their revenue. This makes it an affordable and flexible option for independent artists looking to release music regularly. One of the standout benefits is that the distribution platform does not take any commission. Artists can keep 100% of what they earn. The platform is also working on launching SMS message marketing tools, which could help artists promote their music more directly in the future. However, DistroKid does not offer much in terms of marketing support or playlist placements. So, artists will need to manage promotion and exposure on their own. If you are confident in handling your own promotion and want a low-cost way to release music often, DistroKid is a strong option with solid distribution features.

    2. AWAL

AWAL is a strong option for emerging artists who want to get their music on top Spotify playlists. One of its biggest perks is that it does not charge any upfront fees to upload your music to streaming platforms. This makes it accessible for artists on a budget. Instead, AWAL takes a 15% commission from your earnings. In return, you get access to some of the most advanced analytics tools available. This helps you understand your audience and track your progress in detail. AWAL also offers proper support for playlist placements, giving your music a better chance to reach new listeners. However, it is important to note that AWAL does not accept every artist. You must apply and be approved to join the platform. If you are accepted, AWAL can be a powerful partner in helping you grow your career and gain visibility without any upfront cost.

    3. Ditto Music

Ditto Music is a popular choice for independent artists who want to release music on streaming platforms without giving up a cut of their earnings. Similar to DistroKid, Ditto Music uses a yearly subscription model. This allows unlimited uploads of original or cover songs for just $19 per year. This is slightly cheaper than DistroKid. Artists can keep 100% of their royalties, making it a cost-effective solution for those who plan to release music frequently. One of Ditto Music’s well-liked features is its detailed revenue and analytics reporting. This helps artists track performance and understand their listeners. These tools give you a clear view of your income and streaming statistics, which helps you make informed decisions. However, Ditto Music does not offer much when it comes to marketing support or playlist promotion. So, artists need to handle exposure and outreach on their own. If you are focused on savings and insights, Ditto Music offers great value for growing your music independently.

    4. Tunecore

Tunecore is a trusted and easy-to-use music distribution service, ideal for artists who want full control over their earnings. It charges no commission, so you keep 100% of the money your music generates. One of its key strengths is the detailed revenue and analytics reports it provides. This helps you track streams, income, and audience engagement across platforms. Its pricing is a bit higher than some alternatives, which is $30 for the first year and $50 annually after that. However, many artists find the service’s simplicity and reliability worth the cost. Tunecore is especially useful for those who want clear insights and a smooth distribution process. Although it may not be the cheapest option, its user-friendly platform and helpful features make it a solid pick for independent artists focused on growing their music career with strong data and no revenue cuts.

    5. LANDR

LANDR sets itself apart in the music distribution space by offering an automated mastering service along with distribution. This makes the platform a proper choice for artists who want both in one place. If you are already a LANDR Mastering subscriber, you can distribute your digital music to all major streaming platforms at no extra cost. This adds great value to your distribution process. 

LANDR does not take a commission on your earnings. This allows you to keep 100% of your revenue. Another positive note is the support for getting your music featured on Spotify playlists. This can help boost visibility and attract new fans. However, it is worth noting that LANDR currently does not offer a way to release cover songs, which may be limiting for some artists. Pricing of the distribution platform is affordable, where basic plans start at just $1 per month ($12 per year). The full distribution access comes with the $3 per month distribution plan ($36 per year). Overall, LANDR is a great option for artists who want mastering, distribution, and playlist exposure in a simple and budget-friendly package.

In summary, using a top Spotify distributor helps independent artists earn more and reach more listeners. With access to current trends and key insights, you can keep your music competitive and fresh. So, choose a trusted distributor to grow your career and succeed in today’s fast-changing music scene.