how to put music in spotify: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

So, you’ve created some amazing music and now want to share it with the world. What better way to do that than by putting it on Spotify? With millions of active listeners, Spotify is one of the best platforms for musicians to showcase their talent and grow their fan base. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a newbie, this guide will walk you through every step of how to put music in spotify the process.

Why Put Your Music on Spotify?

Spotify isn’t just a music streaming platform—it’s a gateway to reaching millions of listeners across the globe. When your music is on Spotify, it becomes discoverable through playlists, algorithms, and listener searches. Plus, it offers valuable analytics to help you understand your audience. If you’re dreaming of taking your music career to the next level, Spotify is an essential tool.

Step 1 – Create Your Music

Before we dive into how to put music on Spotify, let’s start with the basics—your music. Your songs should be ready for release, which means they’re recorded, mixed, and mastered. If you’re just starting out, don’t worry! There are many affordable tools and services to help you create high-quality tracks.

Pro Tip: Make sure your music stands out. Use unique beats, lyrics, and melodies to make a lasting impression on listeners.

Step 2 – Choose a Digital Distributor

Unlike uploading a video to YouTube, you can’t directly upload music to Spotify as an independent artist. You need a digital distributor to do this for you. Distributors act as the middleman, delivering your music to streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and others.

Some popular distributors include:

DistroKid
TuneCore
CD Baby
Amuse

When choosing a distributor, look at factors like pricing, royalties, and additional services they offer.

Step 3 – Set Up Your Spotify for Artists Account

Once your music is uploaded through a distributor, you’ll want to claim your Spotify for Artists account. This tool lets you manage your profile, see listener stats, and even pitch your songs to playlists.

Here’s how to set it up:

Go to Spotify for Artists.
Sign in with your Spotify account or create a new one.
Claim your artist profile by searching for your name or using the link your distributor provides.

With your Spotify for Artists account, you can also customize your profile with a bio, photos, and links to your social media.

Step 4 – Prepare Your Release

Getting your music on Spotify isn’t just about uploading tracks. You’ll need to think about how to present your release. This includes choosing a release date, adding cover art, and writing a compelling description.

Cover art is especially important. It’s the first thing listeners see, so make it professional and eye-catching. If you’re not a designer, platforms like Canva can help you create stunning visuals.

Step 5 – Submit Your Music to Spotify Playlists

Playlists are a huge part of Spotify’s ecosystem. Being featured on a popular playlist can skyrocket your streams and introduce your music to new audiences.

Here’s how to pitch your song to playlists:

Log in to your Spotify for Artists account.
Go to the “Upcoming” tab under Music.
Select the track you want to pitch and fill out the form with details about your song’s genre, mood, and instruments.

Make your pitch as detailed as possible to improve your chances of being selected.

Step 6 – Promote Your Music

Once your music is live on Spotify, it’s time to promote it! Share your Spotify link on social media, email it to your fans, and ask friends to add your tracks to their playlists.

Other tips for promotion:

Collaborate with other artists.
Run social media ads targeting your audience.
Create behind-the-scenes content about your music-making process.

Step 7 – Engage with Your Audience

Interacting with your listeners is key to building a loyal fan base. Reply to comments, thank your fans for streaming your music, and stay active on platforms where your audience hangs out.

Spotify for Artists also allows you to track your listeners’ demographics, so you can tailor your engagement strategies.

Step 8 – Keep Releasing Music

One of the best ways to grow on Spotify is to stay consistent. Regular releases keep your listeners engaged and increase your chances of being discovered.

Consider releasing singles instead of full albums if you’re just starting out. Singles allow you to focus your promotional efforts and keep your audience excited about what’s next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take for my music to go live on Spotify?
It usually takes 3-5 business days after uploading your music through a distributor. However, to ensure everything goes smoothly, upload your music at least two weeks before your planned release date.

Q: Do I need to pay to put my music on Spotify?
Most digital distributors charge a fee, either as a yearly subscription or a percentage of your royalties. Some, like Amuse, offer free plans with limited features.

Q: Can I upload covers or remixes to Spotify?
Yes, but you’ll need the necessary licenses. Many distributors can help you secure these.

Conclusion
Putting your music on Spotify is a rewarding journey that requires some effort and planning. By following these steps, you’ll not only learn how to put music on Spotify but also set yourself up for success. Remember, consistency and engagement are key. Keep creating, promoting, and interacting with your listeners, and your music career will flourish.

Now it’s your turn—go ahead and put your music on Spotify. The world is waiting to hear your sound!

For further reading, explore these related articles:

For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit DMT Records Pvt. Ltd..