How to Submit Music to Spotify: The Complete Guide for Independent Artists
For independent artists looking to reach a global audience, knowing how to submit music to Spotify is essential. With over 551 million active users across 184 markets, Spotify offers unprecedented opportunities for musicians to share their work and build a fanbase. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your music on Spotify, from choosing the right distributor to promoting your releases and maximizing your streaming potential.
Whether you're releasing your first single or your tenth album, understanding Spotify's submission process can help you navigate the platform effectively and increase your chances of success. Let's dive into the world of music distribution and discover how you can make Spotify work for your career.
Why Spotify Matters for Independent Artists
Before we get into the specifics of how to submit music to Spotify, it's worth understanding why this platform is so important for musicians today:
Massive Audience Reach: With hundreds of millions of active users, Spotify offers exposure that was unimaginable for independent artists just a decade ago.
Discovery Opportunities: Through playlists, algorithmic recommendations, and Spotify for Artists tools, your music can reach listeners who would never have found you otherwise.
Industry Credibility: Having your music on Spotify lends professional legitimacy to your work and makes it easier to be taken seriously by fans, media, and industry professionals.
Revenue Stream: While streaming royalties are often discussed critically, Spotify can become a meaningful source of income as your catalog and listener base grow.
Data and Insights: Spotify provides valuable analytics about who's listening to your music and where, helping you make informed decisions about touring, marketing, and future releases.
Prerequisites for Submitting Music to Spotify
Before you begin the submission process, make sure you have these essentials ready:
High-Quality Audio Files
Spotify requires high-quality audio files for distribution. The platform recommends WAV files with a minimum of 16-bit, 44.1 kHz quality. Many distributors will accept these specifications:
WAV or FLAC files (uncompressed audio)
16-bit depth minimum (24-bit is better)
44.1 kHz sample rate or higher
Stereo files for most music (mono is acceptable for spoken word)
No clipping or distortion in the audio
Artwork Requirements
Your cover art is the visual representation of your music and needs to meet these specifications:
Square JPEG or PNG file (Spotify displays artwork in a 1:1 ratio)
Minimum resolution of 1400 x 1400 pixels (3000 x 3000 pixels is recommended)
Maximum file size of 4MB
No explicit content, URLs, social media handles, or contact information in the artwork
No blurry, pixelated, or low-quality images
Metadata Information
Accurate metadata ensures your music is properly categorized and credited:
Song title and album/EP title (if applicable)
Artist name(s) exactly as you want them to appear
Featured artists clearly identified
Composer and lyricist information
Release date
Genre classification
ISRC codes (International Standard Recording Codes) for each track
UPC/EAN code for the release (provided by most distributors)
Copyright and Rights Clearance
Ensure you have all necessary rights to distribute your music:
You own or have licensed all master recording rights
You have permission for any samples used in your tracks
All co-writers and contributors have agreed to the release
You have publishing information ready if you've registered your songs with a PRO (Performing Rights Organization)
How to Submit Music to Spotify: Step-by-Step Process
Now that you have your materials ready, let's walk through the process of getting your music on Spotify:
Step 1: Choose a Music Distributor
Unlike platforms like SoundCloud or Bandcamp, you cannot upload music directly to Spotify (unless you're using Spotify for Artists' direct upload beta, which is limited to invited artists). Instead, you need to work with a digital music distributor who will deliver your music to Spotify and other streaming platforms.
Here are some popular distributors to consider:
DistroKid: Popular for its simple annual fee model ($19.99/year for unlimited releases), fast turnaround times, and 100% royalty payments to artists.
CD Baby: One of the oldest distributors, offering one-time payment options ($9.95 for singles, $29 for albums) with a 9% commission on royalties.
TuneCore: Charges annual fees ($9.99/year for singles, $29.99 for albums) with no commission on royalties.
Ditto Music: Offers various subscription plans starting at $19/year with no commission.
AWAL: A selective distributor that takes a 15% commission but offers advances and marketing support for qualifying artists.
United Masters: Takes 10% of royalties or offers a subscription model with additional promotional opportunities.
Amuse: Offers a free tier with a revenue share model and a Pro tier with more features.
When choosing a distributor, consider factors like pricing structure, speed of distribution, additional services offered, and whether they provide access to Spotify for Artists automatically. For a comprehensive comparison of distribution options, check out this guide to independent music distribution platforms.
Step 2: Create an Account and Upload Your Music
Once you've selected a distributor:
Create an account on your chosen distribution platform
Follow their specific upload process (each distributor has a slightly different workflow)
Upload your audio files according to the specifications
Upload your cover artwork
Enter all required metadata carefully (double-check for typos!)
Select Spotify (and other platforms) as your distribution destinations
Most distributors will guide you through this process with clear instructions. Take your time and be thorough—mistakes in this stage can lead to delays or problems with your release.
Step 3: Choose a Release Date
When submitting your music, you'll need to select a release date. Here are some best practices:
Allow at least 2-3 weeks between submission and your desired release date (some distributors recommend 4 weeks for optimal playlist consideration)
Consider releasing on a Friday, which aligns with Spotify's New Music Friday schedule
Avoid major release dates of established artists in your genre if possible
Plan your release date to align with your promotion strategy
The lead time is important not just for technical processing but also to give you an opportunity to pitch to Spotify's editorial team (more on that in the next step).
Step 4: Submit to Spotify for Playlist Consideration
One of the most powerful features for new releases is the ability to pitch directly to Spotify's editorial team for playlist consideration. To do this:
Claim your artist profile on Spotify for Artists (your distributor will typically provide instructions)
Once your release is in the system but before it goes live, you'll see an option to "pitch a song to playlist editors"
Fill out the pitch form completely, including:
Information about the track's genre, mood, and instrumentation
Any cultural relevance or interesting story behind the song
Information about your marketing plans
Details about your audience and previous successes
Submit your pitch at least 7 days before release (earlier is better)
Be authentic and concise in your pitch. Spotify's editors receive thousands of submissions, so make yours stand out by highlighting what makes your music unique without exaggerating.
Step 5: Pay Distribution Fees
Depending on your chosen distributor, you'll need to pay either:
A one-time fee per release (CD Baby model)
An annual subscription fee (DistroKid, TuneCore model)
No upfront fee but a revenue share (Amuse, United Masters free tier)
Make sure you understand the payment structure and any recurring charges before finalizing your distribution.
Step 6: Review and Confirm Your Submission
Before finalizing your submission:
Double-check all metadata for accuracy
Verify that your audio files play correctly
Ensure your artwork meets all requirements
Confirm your selected release date
Review the platforms you've selected for distribution
Once everything looks correct, confirm your submission according to your distributor's process.
Step 7: Wait for Approval and Distribution
After submission, your distributor will:
Review your submission for technical compliance
Deliver your music to Spotify and other selected platforms
Notify you when your music has been accepted by each platform
This process typically takes a few days to a week, though it can be longer during busy periods or if there are issues with your submission.
Maximizing Your Spotify Presence After Submission
Getting your music on Spotify is just the beginning. Here's how to make the most of your presence on the platform:
Claim and Optimize Your Spotify for Artists Profile
Spotify for Artists gives you control over your profile and access to valuable data:
Add a compelling artist bio that tells your story
Upload profile and header images that represent your brand
List upcoming shows and tour dates
Pin important releases to the top of your profile
Add your social media links and official website
Use the Artist Pick feature to highlight releases or playlists
A complete, professional-looking profile makes a strong impression on new listeners and provides important context for your music. Having a dedicated website is also crucial for artists looking to build their brand. Check out these best platforms for building your musician website to create a strong online presence.
Create and Share Spotify Canvas Videos
Canvas is Spotify's looping visual feature that plays while your track is streaming:
Create 3-8 second looping videos for your tracks
Use Canvas to enhance your visual branding
Keep visuals simple but engaging
Update Canvas videos periodically to refresh your presentation
According to Spotify, tracks with Canvas see up to 120% more shares, adds, and clicks to artist profiles.
Create and Share Spotify Codes
Spotify Codes are scannable images (similar to QR codes) that link directly to your music:
Generate codes for albums, singles, or your artist profile
Include these codes on physical merchandise, posters, business cards, and social media
Use them in email signatures and digital marketing materials
Spotify Codes make it easy for fans to access your music directly without having to search.
Create Artist Playlists
Curating playlists helps engage your audience and showcase your musical taste:
Create playlists featuring your music alongside complementary artists
Make themed playlists that reflect your influences or current favorites
Update playlists regularly to keep followers engaged
Share stories about why you selected certain tracks
Artist playlists help fans discover more about you while potentially introducing your music to followers of other artists you include.
Promoting Your Spotify Releases
Strategic promotion can significantly increase your streams and followers:
Pre-Save Campaigns
Before your release goes live:
Use services like Feature.fm, Show.co, or ToneDen to create pre-save campaigns
Promote the pre-save link across all your channels
Offer incentives for fans who pre-save (exclusive content, merch discounts, etc.)
Track pre-save numbers to gauge initial interest
Pre-saves help boost your day-one numbers, which can improve algorithmic performance.
Social Media Promotion
Leverage your social platforms:
Create teaser content leading up to release day
Share Spotify Canvas snippets on Instagram and TikTok
Post Spotify links with compelling visuals
Create shareable audiograms using tools like Headliner
Engage with fans who comment about your music
Run targeted ads to potential listeners
Consistent, creative social media content keeps your release visible and encourages sharing.
Playlist Pitching Beyond Spotify Editorial
While Spotify's editorial playlists are valuable, don't overlook other playlist opportunities:
Research and pitch to independent playlist curators in your genre
Use services like SubmitHub, Playlist Push, or Playlist Supply to reach curators
Engage authentically with playlist communities rather than sending mass pitches
Consider playlist placement exchanges with similar artists
Track which playlists drive the most streams using Spotify for Artists analytics
Independent playlists can sometimes provide more consistent, long-term streams than editorial playlists, which often feature tracks for a limited time.
Collaborate with Other Artists
Collaboration expands your reach:
Feature on other artists' tracks or invite them to feature on yours
Create collaborative playlists with complementary artists
Cross-promote releases on each other's social channels
Organize joint livestreams or listening parties
When you collaborate, you gain access to each other's audiences, creating win-win opportunities for growth.
Understanding Spotify Royalties and Monetization
To make the most of your Spotify presence financially:
How Spotify Royalties Work
Spotify's payment system is complex:
Spotify pays rights holders (not directly to artists in most cases) based on their share of total streams in a given period
The per-stream rate varies widely (typically between $0.003 and $0.005) depending on factors like:
The listener's country and subscription type
The total number of streams in that period
Your distribution and publishing agreements
Royalties are split between recording rights (typically paid via your distributor) and publishing rights (paid through your publisher or PRO)
Understanding this system helps set realistic expectations about streaming income.
Maximizing Your Revenue Potential
Beyond basic streaming royalties:
Ensure your songs are properly registered with performing rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC
Consider joining a publishing administrator like Songtrust or CD Baby Pro to collect global publishing royalties
Focus on building a catalog of music rather than single releases
Target high-value markets where royalty rates are better
Use Spotify as one part of a diversified income strategy that includes merchandise, live performances, and direct fan support
While individual stream values are small, they can accumulate significantly over time with a growing catalog and audience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting Music to Spotify
Learn from others' errors to ensure a smooth submission process:
Technical and Metadata Errors
Submitting low-quality audio files or compressed MP3s instead of WAV/FLAC
Inconsistent artist name spelling across releases
Missing or incorrect featured artist credits
Typos in track titles or album names
Incorrect genre classification
Missing composer/songwriter information
Strategic Mistakes
Not allowing enough lead time before release date
Failing to plan promotion around the release
Releasing too much music too quickly without proper promotion for each release
Not utilizing pre-save campaigns
Ignoring the importance of cover art quality
Missing the opportunity to pitch to editorial playlists
Writing vague or hyperbolic playlist pitch descriptions
Legal and Rights Issues
Using uncleared samples
Not having proper agreements with all contributors
Releasing cover songs without mechanical licenses
Using artwork you don't have rights to
Distributing through multiple distributors simultaneously
Advanced Spotify Strategies for Growing Artists
Once you've mastered the basics, consider these advanced approaches:
Release Strategies for Algorithm Optimization
Spotify's algorithm responds to listener behavior:
Consider releasing singles before albums to build momentum
Space releases consistently rather than dumping all your music at once
Release music on Fridays to align with New Music Friday and weekly playlist updates
Study your Spotify for Artists data to identify which types of releases perform best
Test different release approaches (e.g., singles vs. EPs) and measure results
Encourage fans to follow your profile, not just save tracks
Leveraging Spotify Ads and Marquee
For artists with marketing budgets:
Explore Spotify Ad Studio to create audio ads targeting specific listener demographics
Apply for Marquee campaigns (through Spotify for Artists) to promote new releases to relevant listeners
Set clear goals and measure ROI for ad campaigns
Test different messaging and audience targeting
Combine Spotify advertising with off-platform promotion for maximum impact
Building Long-term Listener Relationships
Focus on converting casual listeners to dedicated fans:
Use Spotify's "Artist Pick" feature to direct listeners to your latest release or merchandise
Update your profile regularly with fresh content and information
Analyze listener data to plan tours in your strongest markets
Create "This Is" playlists that showcase your best work for new listeners
Engage with fans who share your music on social media
Consider exclusive Spotify Singles or other platform-specific content
FAQs About Submitting Music to Spotify
How much does it cost to put music on Spotify?
Spotify doesn't charge artists directly, but you'll need to pay a distributor. Costs vary from $0 (with revenue-sharing distributors like Amuse's free tier) to around $20-50 per year for unlimited releases (DistroKid) or $9.99-$29.99 per single/album (TuneCore, CD Baby).
How long does it take for music to appear on Spotify after submission?
Most distributors deliver to Spotify within 1-7 business days after you submit. However, it's recommended to schedule releases 2-4 weeks in advance to allow time for playlist pitching and pre-release promotion.
Can I upload music directly to Spotify without a distributor?
Currently, Spotify's direct upload feature is only available to select artists by invitation. The vast majority of independent artists need to use a third-party distributor to get music on Spotify.
What happens if I need to change something after my music is live?
Minor metadata corrections (fixing typos, adding contributors) can usually be made through your distributor, though there may be fees involved. Major changes like replacing audio files typically require taking down the release and re-uploading it, which means losing all streams and playlist placements.
How many streams do I need to make money on Spotify?
There's no minimum threshold to earn royalties, but the amounts for low stream counts are minimal. For reference, 1,000 streams might generate around $3-5 in royalties. Many artists don't see meaningful income until they're consistently generating hundreds of thousands or millions of streams.
Can I see who is listening to my music on Spotify?
Spotify for Artists provides demographic data about your listeners (age ranges, gender breakdown, location) and information about how they discovered your music, but you cannot see individual listener identities due to privacy regulations.
Conclusion: Your Spotify Journey Starts Now
Submitting music to Spotify is a crucial step in building your career as an independent artist in today's music industry. While the process might seem technical at first, it becomes routine with practice. Remember that distribution is just the beginning—your promotion strategy, consistency, and engagement with fans will ultimately determine your success on the platform.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll not only get your music onto Spotify but also position yourself to make the most of the platform's vast potential for discovery, fan-building, and eventually, revenue generation. The digital music landscape continues to evolve, but Spotify remains an essential component of any serious artist's distribution strategy.
Start with quality music, present it professionally, promote it strategically, and use the data Spotify provides to refine your approach over time. With persistence and smart marketing, you can build a sustainable presence on the world's most influential streaming platform.
Ready to take your music career to the next level? Begin by preparing your next release with these guidelines in mind, and watch as your Spotify presence grows with each strategic submission.