To provide a clearer perspective on the situation, we’ve included a chart below ranking the top ten streaming platforms. Our recommendation is to make your music available on as many of these platforms as possible. In this context, we’d like to guide you specifically on how to upload music to Spotify, currently the third most popular streaming site with an impressive 30.4 million monthly unique users. By adding your music to Spotify, your outreach could significantly improve.
Without further delay, let’s explore the process of upload music to Spotify.
5 Different Ways To Upload Music To Spotify As An Artists
Uploading music to Spotify as an independent artist may initially seem daunting, primarily because Spotify lacks a straightforward “upload” option for regular users. To make your music available on Spotify, you need to utilize a Digital Service Provider (DSP). Essentially, a DSP, or Digital Service Provider, is a company dedicated to distributing media, like your music, across various streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, and Pandora.
While DSPs are effective for getting your music out there, there’s a catch—you often have to pay a fee. The positive side, however, is that you’ll earn royalties each time your song is played on any streaming platform where you upload it. Royalties are the payments you receive based on the number of streams (plays) your song accumulates.
Related Search:- Spotify Royalty Calculator 2024
To make things more budget-friendly, we’ve also included information about a free DSP in this article. While this might seem like an excellent choice, it’s crucial to consider some factors when deciding which DSP suits you.
Certain DSPs operate on an invitation-only basis, while others require you to submit an application that may be either accepted or denied. Fortunately, the competition for these DSPs isn’t extensive, increasing your chances of acceptance. Some DSPs accept a wide range of music, and approval is typically based on the quality of your music or its existing audience.
To simplify your search for the right DSP, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite platforms. By using these websites to upload your track to Spotify, you not only address that specific platform but also gain exposure on several others.
In summary, navigating the process of uploading your music to Spotify involves understanding the role of DSPs, considering fees and royalties, and choosing the right platform for your music.
RouteNote
RouteNote stands out as the sole DSP on this roster that facilitates the free submission of original music to Spotify.
Additionally, this DSP extends its reach by distributing your music to 19 other platforms.
While the platform boasts significant advantages, such as free distribution, it does come with a caveat: you retain only 85% of the profits generated by each track. However, if you desire to claim 100% of the royalties for your track, you have the option to do so by paying a fee.
Importantly, you can exercise this option at any time. This flexibility proves advantageous, especially when a particular track is performing well. In such cases, you can choose to pay the fee and maximize the returns on that specific track, while continuing to upload other tracks that may not be as successful without incurring additional costs.
Ultimately, RouteNote emerges as a compelling choice, particularly if you are amenable to relinquishing 15% of your track proceeds.
TuneCore
TuneCore Distribution
- Affordable fee for music distribution.
- Various packages available.
TuneCore not only uploads to Spotify but also distributes to: iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, eMusic, Simfy, Deezer, Rhapsody, X-Box Live, MixRadio, MUVE Music, and more.
- Retain all rights to your music.
- Keep 100% of music royalties.
- Access to Apple Music Trend Reports.
- Monthly music sales reports.
- Custom cover art provided.
- Free media player included.
- Applies to any song you choose to post.
The only drawback is the need to pay for the service.
Considered worthwhile for the benefits offered.
- Single release: $9.99 USD.
- 2 or more songs: $29.99 USD.
- Annual renewal for the fee.
LANDR
- LANDR is a versatile platform that goes beyond simply uploading music to Spotify.
- It offers a mastering service to prepare your music for distribution.
- Monthly subscription options are available with no posting limits for most packages.
- Yearly price breakdowns are provided, with cheaper options also available.
- A “mp3 only” membership is offered for as low as $1 a month, with a 10-track limit.
- LANDR’s cost-effectiveness is highlighted due to its low prices and unlimited monthly posting.
- The mastering services are automated, utilizing a complex algorithm instead of a human sound engineer.
- While some may be concerned about the lack of a human touch, many users have praised LANDR’s mastering services.
- The first two songs to be mastered are free, allowing users to assess the service before committing.
- LANDR focuses solely on music distribution and mastering, offering no promotion services.
- If your goal is to get your music on platforms like Spotify without additional promotion, LANDR might be the ideal choice.
AWAL
- AWAL stands for “Artists Without A Label,” offering artists label-like benefits without surrendering music rights.
- Music distribution to Spotify and various platforms is fee-free, but AWAL takes a 15% cut of royalties.
- Application and acceptance process is required, though less stringent compared to traditional labels, as AWAL focuses on distributing diverse music styles.
- AWAL provides additional resources, including A&R and marketing assistance, campaign support for music promotion, and playlist promotion.
- Landing tracks on community playlists can significantly boost plays and visibility.
- AWAL may offer funding opportunities through its A&R team for artists with perceived potential.
- Protection against piracy is assured, offering peace of mind to emerging artists.
- Despite the 15% royalty cut, AWAL’s comprehensive benefits make it a valuable platform for artists.
Believe Digital
Similarities between Believe and AWAL:
- Application and acceptance process required to use the service.
Differences between Believe and other DSPs:
- Supports fewer artists compared to other digital service providers (DSPs).
- Negotiates individualized profit cuts instead of having a fixed rate.
Application and deal process with Believe:
- Believe personally reaches out to accepted artists.
- Tailors a specific deal for each artist.
- Ensures music is uploaded to Spotify and other platforms.
Artist support and services provided by Believe:
- Operates similar to an artist management agency.
- Artists retain the rights to their tracks.
- Local product managers assist in track promotion.
- Pitching music to playlists, labels, and international campaigns.
- Handles trade marketing, branding, and licensing.
- Facilitates brand partnerships for artists.
Target audience for Believe:
- Suited for those seeking more than just music distribution on Spotify.
- Recommended for artists with broader goals in mind.
How to Upload Music to Spotify on an Android/iOS/Desktop
To Upload Music to Spotify, Follow these Steps:-
- Open the Spotify app.
- Find and click on your profile picture at the upper part of the screen.
- Access the Settings option from the displayed drop-down menu.
- Look for “Local Files” in the list of available choices.
- Activate the “Show Local Files” toggle switch. Spotify will automatically present a default list of folders for music importation.
- Choose “Add Source” and designate the local folder where your music is saved.
- Navigate to “Your Library” on the left-hand side of the desktop app.
- The “Local Files” section should now be visible in this section.
A New Way To Get Your Music On Spotify
Ever since the introduction of Spotify for Artists, a prominent request from users has been the capability to directly upload their music to Spotify. You’ve consistently emphasized the importance of simplifying the process of sharing your creations with the world. Over the recent months, Spotify has been actively testing an upload tool within Spotify for Artists, underscoring our commitment to making the distribution of new music to your audience straightforward. Spotify is now extending an invitation to more artists to join the beta testing phase.
Spotify collaborated with a select group of independent artists and labels, including Noname, Michael Brun, VIAA, and Hot Shade, to ensure that the platform prioritized your requirements. Their valuable input played a crucial role in shaping this feature, and we are eager to witness how a broader spectrum of artists will utilize it.
Interested?
Currently, the option to upload through Spotify for Artists is limited to a select group of US-based independent artists who have received invitations. However, spotify thrilled about expanding these spotify features to include more artists, labels, and teams in the future.
In the upcoming months, spotify inviting more individuals to participate. Be sure to subscribe to Spotify mailing list to stay informed about any upcoming announcements. It’s important to note that you don’t have to wait for an invitation to release your music—there are various other methods to get your music on Spotify. To learn more, consult the Spotify for Artists guide.
Conclusion
By now, you should be familiar with the process of uploading your music to Spotify and selecting the appropriate Digital Service Provider (DSP) for music distribution.
Before concluding, let’s review key considerations when opting for a DSP to facilitate your music’s presence on Spotify.
Firstly, stay informed about your royalties. Does the DSP deduct a percentage, or are there fees involved to ensure you receive the full 100% of your royalties? This aspect is crucial and requires careful attention.
Secondly, define your expectations from the DSP. Are you primarily interested in distributing your music across various streaming platforms, or do you seek additional services like content promotion or track mastering from the DSP?
Furthermore, contemplate your future needs and select a provider that aligns with your evolving requirements.
Conduct thorough research. We strongly recommend exploring the websites of various providers before making your decision.
Choosing the right DSP is pivotal for your growth as an artist, so make your selection judiciously.
Now, we invite you to share your experiences. Are you currently uploading your music to Spotify? Do you have any DSPs in mind that you would recommend and that we might not have discussed? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below!
FAQs
Ques. Can you upload your own music to Spotify?
Ans. To transfer your music files from your mobile device to Spotify, navigate to Settings and enable the option to display audio files from your device. On desktop, access your profile at the top right corner, go to Settings, and activate the option to show local files. Afterwards, turn on the “Show songs from” feature and click “Add a source” to complete the process.
Ques. How much does it cost to upload music to Spotify?
Ans. Spotify doesn’t impose any fees on artists for uploading songs, but they mandate the use of a distributor, who may charge a fee for their services. Distributors often bundle additional services with their distribution, leading to an overall higher cost for their offerings.
Ques. Is it free to upload music to Spotify?
Ans. Creating an artist page on Spotify is completely free for everyone. There are no charges for the service; you just need to gain recognition! Feel free to upload your own music to the platform.
