How to Publish Music on Spotify: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

With over 217 million listeners worldwide, Spotify is one of the top streaming services for artists looking to get their music out there. But how do you actually get your music on Spotify? The process can seem complicated and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re new to the music industry or a seasoned veteran, this guide will cover all the steps you need to take to get your music published on Spotify.

Research the Spotify Music Publishing Guidelines

Before you begin the process of submitting your music, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions associated with publishing on Spotify. These guidelines outline the rules for using the platform and provide information about royalty payments and copyright issues. This way, you’ll know what to expect before you start the process.

The Spotify Artist Agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of both Spotify and the artist when publishing music. It’s important to read and understand these guidelines before submitting your music. Additionally, it’s important to become familiar with the royalty payment system, which determines how much you’ll be paid for the use of your music.

When it comes to copyright, it’s important to make sure that you own the rights to the music you’re submitting. If you don’t, then you could face legal action from the rightful owner. To protect yourself, it’s recommended that you register your works with a performing rights organization (PRO). This will ensure that you’re properly credited for your work and will also enable you to collect any royalties due to you.

Create a Spotify for Artists Account

Once you’ve read and understood the Spotify Artist Agreement, the next step is to create a Spotify for Artists account. This will give you access to special features and analytics that will help you monitor and manage your music on the platform.

To create an account, you’ll need to sign up using your email address and a password. Once you’ve done this, you can link any existing accounts you may have with other streaming services, such as Apple Music or Deezer. This will allow you to easily manage your music across multiple platforms.

Finally, you’ll need to verify your artist profile. This involves providing proof that you are the creator of the music you’re submitting. You can do this by uploading a photo of yourself or providing a link to an official website or social media page.

Upload Your Music to Spotify

Now that you’ve created your account and verified your artist profile, it’s time to upload your music. Before you do this, it’s important to make sure that your tracks are properly prepared and formatted. This includes ensuring that they are in the correct file format and have been mastered correctly.

Once your tracks are ready, you’ll need to choose a release date. This should be at least two weeks in the future to give you time to promote your music. When you’re ready, you can submit your tracks for review. Once approved, your music will be available for streaming.

Optimize Your Artist Profile

A great way to stand out on Spotify is to optimize your artist profile. This includes adding descriptive metadata to your tracks, such as genre and mood, as well as designing an eye-catching artist image. Additionally, you should connect your social media profiles so that fans can easily find and follow you.

By taking the time to optimize your profile, you’ll be able to reach more listeners and increase your chances of success on the platform.

Promote Your Music on Spotify

Once your music is live on Spotify, you’ll want to start promoting it. One way to do this is to submit your tracks for consideration to playlists. Relevant playlist curators will then decide whether or not to include your music on their list.

You can also run ads and campaigns on Spotify to reach more listeners. Utilizing influencers is another great way to get your music heard. Reach out to influencers who have an audience that would be interested in your music and ask them to share it with their followers.

Conclusion

Publishing your music on Spotify doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can easily get your music out there and start connecting with new listeners. By researching the Spotify Music Publishing Guidelines, creating a Spotify for Artists account, uploading your music, optimizing your artist profile, and promoting your music, you’ll be well on your way to success.

Now that you know the steps to take to get your music published on Spotify, you’re ready to get started. All that’s left to do is take action and get your music out there!