How to Submit Music to Spotify: The Complete Guide for Independent Artists
For independent artists looking to reach a global audience, learning how to submit your music to Spotify is an essential skill in today's digital music landscape. With over 489 million active users across 180+ markets worldwide, Spotify offers unprecedented opportunities for artists to connect with listeners, build a fanbase, and potentially earn income from their music.
Whether you're releasing your first single or you're a seasoned musician with multiple albums, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about submitting your music to Spotify—from preparing your tracks to maximizing your presence on the platform.
Why Spotify Matters for Independent Artists
Before diving into the submission process, let's understand why Spotify has become such a crucial platform for musicians:
Massive audience reach: With nearly half a billion active users, Spotify provides access to listeners worldwide.
Discovery opportunities: Through playlists, algorithmic recommendations, and Spotify for Artists tools, independent musicians can reach new fans.
Revenue stream: While streaming royalties are often debated, Spotify provides a legitimate income source for many artists.
Career legitimacy: Having your music on major platforms like Spotify adds credibility to your musical career.
Marketing hub: Spotify for Artists provides valuable data and marketing tools to help grow your audience.
Two Ways to Get Your Music on Spotify
There are two primary methods to submit your music to Spotify:
1. Using a Digital Music Distributor
The most common and recommended approach for independent artists is to use a digital music distributor. These services act as intermediaries between you and streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and others.
Popular digital distributors include:
DistroKid - Annual subscription model with unlimited releases
TuneCore - Pay per release with 100% royalties
CD Baby - One-time fee per release
Ditto Music - Annual subscription with unlimited releases
Amuse - Free basic distribution with paid pro options
UnitedMasters - Subscription or revenue share options
Each distributor has different fee structures, royalty splits, and additional services. For a detailed comparison of these options, check out this guide on independent music distribution options for indie artists.
2. Getting Signed to a Label
The second method is getting signed to a record label that will handle distribution for you. While this route may provide additional support and resources, it's less common for truly independent artists just starting out.
For this guide, we'll focus on the distributor route, as it's the most accessible path for independent musicians.
Step-by-Step Guide to Submit Music to Spotify via a Distributor
Step 1: Prepare Your Music
Before you can submit anything, make sure your music meets Spotify's technical requirements:
Audio quality: WAV files (16-bit/44.1kHz) are recommended for optimal sound quality
Metadata: Prepare accurate information about your tracks (title, artist name, composer, etc.)
Album artwork: High-resolution (minimum 3000 x 3000 pixels) JPEG or PNG file
UPC/EAN code: Most distributors will provide this, but you should understand what it is
ISRC codes: International Standard Recording Codes for each track (distributors typically provide these)
Additionally, ensure your music doesn't violate any copyright laws and that you own or have properly licensed all content.
Step 2: Choose a Digital Distributor
When selecting a distributor, consider these factors:
Cost structure: Annual subscription vs. per-release fees
Royalty splits: Some take a percentage, others offer 100% royalties to artists
Speed of distribution: How quickly your music will appear on platforms
Additional services: Marketing tools, analytics, playlist pitching, etc.
Payment thresholds and frequency: How and when you'll receive your earnings
For beginners, DistroKid and Amuse are often recommended due to their user-friendly interfaces and straightforward pricing.
Step 3: Create an Account and Upload Your Music
Once you've chosen a distributor:
Sign up for an account on their platform
Complete your artist profile with biographical information
Set up payment information to receive royalties
Upload your audio files, artwork, and metadata
Select your release date (plan at least 2-3 weeks ahead for proper promotion)
Choose your distribution platforms (select Spotify and any others you want)
Review all information for accuracy
Complete payment (if required by your distributor)
Submit your release
Step 4: Set Up Spotify for Artists
Spotify for Artists is a free platform that gives you control over your artist profile and provides valuable analytics. To set it up:
Visit artists.spotify.com and create an account
Claim your artist profile (you'll need to verify you're the rightful owner)
Complete your profile with a bio, photos, social links, and other information
Explore the dashboard to familiarize yourself with available tools
Ideally, set up Spotify for Artists before your music is released, as this allows you to access pre-release marketing tools like Canvas and playlist pitching.
Pitching to Spotify Playlists
One of the most powerful ways to gain traction on Spotify is through playlist placement. There are three main types of playlists:
1. Editorial Playlists
These are curated by Spotify's editorial team and can significantly boost your visibility. To pitch to editorial playlists:
Log in to Spotify for Artists
Select the unreleased song you want to pitch (must be at least 7 days before release date)
Click "Pitch a song"
Fill out the pitch form with detailed information about your track, including:
Genre and subgenre
Mood
Instruments featured
Song story and inspiration
Any promotional plans
Submit your pitch (limit one song per release)
Tips for effective editorial pitches:
Submit at least 3-4 weeks before release date
Be specific and authentic in your descriptions
Highlight what makes your track unique
Mention any marketing plans or momentum you already have
2. Algorithmic Playlists
These are automatically generated based on listening habits and include:
Discover Weekly
Release Radar
Daily Mixes
Radio
To improve your chances of appearing in algorithmic playlists:
Encourage followers to save your music to their libraries
Build a consistent release schedule
Generate pre-save campaigns before releases
Focus on building genuine listener engagement
3. User-Generated Playlists
These are created by Spotify users, including influential curators with large followings. To get on user playlists:
Research playlists that feature similar artists
Follow curators on social media and build relationships
Send professional, personalized outreach emails
Consider playlist pitching services (though be cautious of scams)
Create and share your own playlists that include your music alongside similar artists
Optimizing Your Spotify Presence
Getting your music on Spotify is just the beginning. To maximize your success on the platform:
Complete Your Artist Profile
Profile photo: Use a high-quality, professional image
Bio: Write an engaging, keyword-rich biography
Artist pick: Feature your latest release or personal recommendation
Social links: Connect all your social media platforms
Upcoming shows: List your concert dates (connects with Songkick)
Merch: Link to your merchandise (via approved partners)
Utilize Spotify's Marketing Tools
Canvas: Add 8-second visual loops to your tracks
Promo Cards: Create shareable graphics for social media
Marquee: Sponsored recommendations for new releases (for eligible artists)
Spotify Codes: Generate scannable codes that link directly to your music
Fundraising links: Connect to platforms like Cash App, PayPal, or GoFundMe
Analyze and Adapt with Spotify Analytics
Spotify for Artists provides valuable data about your listeners. Use this information to:
Identify where your fans are located for tour planning
Understand which songs are performing best
See which playlists are driving your streams
Track listener demographics
Monitor how listeners discover your music
Regularly review these analytics to refine your marketing strategy and better connect with your audience.
Building Your Spotify Following
Growing your Spotify following requires consistent effort across multiple channels:
Cross-Promote Across Platforms
Share Spotify links on all social media platforms
Embed Spotify players on your musician website
Include Spotify links in YouTube descriptions
Add Spotify follow buttons to your email newsletters
Create content specifically about your Spotify releases
Collaborate and Network
Collaborate with other artists to tap into their audience
Create collaborative playlists with peers in your genre
Engage with music communities related to your style
Support other artists by sharing their music (and they might return the favor)
Release Strategy
Consistent releases: Regular new music keeps your profile active
Pre-save campaigns: Build momentum before release day
Release radar targeting: Friday releases maximize your chance of appearing in Release Radar
Content calendar: Plan promotion before, during, and after release
Understanding Spotify Royalties
Spotify pays royalties based on a complex formula that considers:
Total Spotify revenue in each market
Your share of overall streams in that market
Agreements with rights holders (labels, publishers, distributors)
Premium vs. free tier listeners
On average, Spotify pays between $0.003 and $0.005 per stream, though this varies widely based on the factors above.
To maximize your Spotify earnings:
Focus on growing your monthly listeners and followers
Aim for playlist placements that match your target audience
Encourage fans to add your music to their personal libraries
Register with a performing rights organization (PRO) to collect all royalties
Consider Spotify's direct tipping feature (where available)
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting to Spotify
As you navigate the Spotify submission process, watch out for these pitfalls:
Rushing the release: Not allowing enough lead time for proper promotion
Poor metadata: Inconsistent artist names, misspellings, or incorrect genre tags
Low-quality artwork: Unprofessional or low-resolution images
Ignoring pre-release promotion: Failing to build anticipation before your music drops
Missing playlist pitching windows: Submitting too late for editorial consideration
Inconsistent artist profile: Different profile pictures or bios across platforms
Copyright issues: Using uncleared samples or covers without proper licensing
Paying for fake streams: This violates Spotify's terms and can get your music removed
Advanced Spotify Strategies for Independent Artists
Once you've mastered the basics, consider these advanced tactics:
Spotify Ad Studio
For artists with some budget, Spotify Ad Studio allows you to create audio ads that target specific listener demographics. Starting at just $250, these campaigns can help introduce your music to relevant audiences.
Collaborative Releases
Featuring other artists or being featured can expose you to established fanbases. Look for collaboration opportunities within your network or reach out to artists with similar audience sizes.
Spotify Codes in Physical Products
Include Spotify codes on merchandise, physical albums, posters, and business cards to bridge the gap between offline encounters and online streaming.
Seasonal and Themed Content
Create music that aligns with holidays, seasons, or current events to increase your chances of placement on timely playlists.
Podcast Features
With Spotify's emphasis on podcasts, getting your music featured in popular shows can drive significant traffic to your profile.
FAQs About Submitting Music to Spotify
How much does it cost to put music on Spotify?
Spotify doesn't charge artists directly. Instead, you'll pay your chosen distributor, with costs ranging from free (Amuse basic) to around $20-50 annually (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 require 1-3 weeks lead time, though some offer expedited options. Always plan for at least 3-4 weeks to allow time for playlist pitching and pre-release marketing.
Can I upload directly to Spotify without a distributor?
No, independent artists cannot upload directly to Spotify. You must use a distributor or have a record label handle distribution for you.
How many streams do you need to make money on Spotify?
With average per-stream rates of $0.003-0.005, you'd need approximately 200,000-350,000 streams to earn $1,000. However, this varies widely based on listener location, subscription type, and other factors.
Can I change my music after it's been uploaded to Spotify?
Minor metadata changes can usually be made through your distributor, but replacing audio files typically requires removing and re-uploading the release, which means losing any stream count and playlist placements.
How do I get verified on Spotify?
The blue verification checkmark comes automatically when you claim your artist profile through Spotify for Artists. There's no separate verification process.
Conclusion: Your Spotify Journey Begins
Submitting your music to Spotify is an essential step in building your career as an independent artist. While the platform offers unprecedented opportunities for discovery and audience building, success rarely happens overnight.
The most successful independent artists on Spotify combine quality music with strategic promotion, consistent engagement, and patience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be well-positioned to make the most of what Spotify has to offer.
Remember that Spotify is just one component of a comprehensive music career. For maximum impact, integrate your Spotify strategy with other elements like live performances, merchandise, social media, and your own musician website.
With persistence, creativity, and strategic thinking, you can build a meaningful presence on Spotify that supports your broader goals as an independent artist.