If you’re an independent artist or band, Spotify is your best option to get your music out to fans and make money. You can’t ‘go viral’ or make a dent in the music industry by sitting on your couch playing video games. You need to put in the work, and that means building a fanbase that supports your artistic decisions.
But how do you do that? This article is going to show you how to upload music to Spotify as an artist so that you can start building an audience for your songs.
What is Spotify?
Spotify is a subscription music streaming service that has over 30 million users worldwide. It’s most popular feature is the play button, which gives you on-demand access to millions of songs. You can listen to Spotify songs on your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
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If you’re looking to make money with your music on Spotify, your best bet is to own your own account and start to build an audience. This guide will help you get started!
How to Upload Music to Spotify?
There are a couple of ways you can go about uploading your music to Spotify. You can use a third-party tool like Wupload, or you can manually upload your tracks using a CSV file. We recommend using Wupload because it’s extremely easy to use and can be automated with one of their many powerful tools.
If you’re uploading music manually, you can do it in a couple of different ways. You can either use the embed code option in your Spotify bio, or you can email your tracks to email protected with the subject line ‘Add me to Spotify’.
Depending on your rights as an artist and how you want to manage your catalogue, you can upload your music as a Standard Track (3 minutes, 30 seconds) or as an Extended Track (5 minutes). Standard Tracks are playable on most devices, including speakers and professional equipment, while Extended Tracks have additional features that are only accessible via premium Spotify accounts.
Create a Spotify Account
If you’ve never uploaded music to Spotify before, the first thing you need to do is sign up for a free account. You can do this at Spotify.com/login
Once you’ve logged in, you’ll see the main screen for Spotify. At the top right, click on your name and then on ‘Settings’. You’ll then see several options, among them ‘My Spotify’. Click on that and you’ll be able to create a new account or log in to your existing account.
If you’ve already created an account and just want to log in, click on ‘Login with Spotify’ in the top right and choose ‘I have an account’. Then, enter your email address and password and you’ll be good to go.
Get an Instagram Account
Now that you have an account with Spotify and Instagram, you need to link the two so that your Instagram account is your Spotify bio. To do this, go to your Instagram account and look for the ‘Bio’ section on your profile page. Click on ‘Add a short bio’ and add your Spotify username.
Your bio is the first thing potential fans see on your profile, so make sure it’s interesting, sexy, and compelling. Keep it short, sweet, and provide context for your music.
Choose a Username for Your Spotify Account
Now that you have an Instagram and Spotify account, it’s time to choose a username for your Spotify account. This is the name that will appear next to your tracks on Spotify, so choose it wisely.
You can either use your chosen Instagram username or an unrelated name of your choice. Just make sure it doesn’t violate any rules or policies on either platform, and is free of vulgarity.
Learn the Lingo: Artist Pages, Songs, Playlists and Albums
Now that you have an Instagram and Spotify account, it’s time to learn the lingo. Here’s a breakdown of the different tabs you’ll see on your dashboard:
Your home page on Spotify is your artist page, and it’s where you’ll promote your music and connect with your fans. Your artist page is also where you can see all the music you’ve ever been featured on, as well as your metrics (plays, likes, comments, etc.) and recent activity.
Your songs are the most important part of your account and are the foundation of your playlist and radio presence on Spotify. You can edit the details of the tracks on your profile page, add links to lyrics and photos, and manage your playlists.
Your playlists are similar to radio stations: they’re collections of your favorite songs curated by you. You can manage your playlists on your profile page, and promote them on your artist page.
Your albums are the final product you’ll release via Spotify, and they’ll show up in your ‘Complete’ section under ‘Solo’. You can also give your albums unique titles and descriptions.
Promote Your Music on Spotify
Now that you have an Instagram and Spotify account, it’s time to promote your music. The best places to do this are on social media and in your email signature.
Keep posting updates about your music and progress on your track, and include links to your songs on Spotify and Instagram. Start a conversation with your followers, and ask them what they think about your music.
If you have a blog, publish new posts about your music and include links to your songs on Spotify and Instagram. Start a conversation with your readers, and ask them what they think about your music.
Set Up an Spotify Artist Page
Your artist page on Spotify is another important part of your Spotify profile. On this page, you’ll see a list of all the songs you’ve ever been featured on, as well as your recent activity. You can promote new music here, and make it easier for your followers to discover your music.
You can promote your Spotify page on social media, in your email signature, and wherever else your fans are likely to see it. If you have a business website, you can also include a link to your Spotify page here.
Research Your Audience
Now that you have an Instagram and Spotify account, it’s time to start researching your audience. The first place to start is your fans.
Find your Instagram followers on Verified account, and look at the ones who’ve followed you back. You can use this list to email them with a link to your music on Spotify, and ask them to give your music a listen.
Next, look at the profiles of the followers who haven’t followed you back. You can also use these people to email with a link to your music on Spotify.
Write Some Copy and Make Some Calls
Now that you have an Instagram and Spotify account, it’s time to start writing some copy and making some calls.
Your bio is the first place you should start. It’s the header for your tracks on Spotify, so make sure it’s interesting, engaging, and compelling.
Next, start writing some blog posts about your music, and include links to your tracks on Spotify. Start a conversation with your readers, and ask them what they think about your music.
You can also make a call to action in your tracks’ descriptions, asking your fans to like, comment, or subscribe to your music.
How to Promote Your Spotify Playlist
The best way to get people to listen to your music on Spotify is to put it on a playlist. Make your own playlists for Spotify and include links to your music and social media accounts, inviting listeners to listen and follow along.
Also, don’t hesitate to collaborate with other artists you admire and appreciate on Spotify. This will earn you listeners and new friends in the music community.
How to Make Money as an Artist on Spotify
If you’re looking to make money with your music on Spotify, you have a few options. You can earn money through charging for private premium Spotify plays, advertising on Spotify, or selling merchandise.
But the best way to make money as an artist on Spotify is through live performances.
Make your profile visible
Show your face. Your Spotify bio is very helpful, but it has very little to do with what you’re doing as an artist on Spotify. Your profile page is where you capture your fans and where you make your music and activity visible, so make it as attractive as possible.
Get your music on Spotify
You can’t just copy and paste your songs into Spotify. You need to get your music on Spotify by using a tool like WeTransfer. WeTransfer is a file transfer and distribution service that allows you to easily upload your music to Spotify.
To use WeTransfer, simply click the “upload” button and select the songs you want to send to Spotify. You can then send the link to your WeTransfer file to your manager, record label, or an agent.
You can also send links to your songs to friends, followers, and family so that they can listen too.
Spotify is the best platform for artists who want to get discovered
If you’re a solo artist or band, your best bet for getting discovered on Spotify is through playlists. Create a variety of different types of playlists, such as Genres, Aesthetics, Influences, and Tastes.
Include a few of your favorite songs, as well as songs you think your followers would enjoy. You can even make collaboration playlists with other artists you admire and respect.
If you create engaging, interesting, and fun playlists, people will flock to discover new music through them.
How much does it cost to upload music to Spotify?
There are three plans available for artists on Spotify. The Basic plan is free, but you will be limited to only uploading 30 seconds of tracks per month, as well as limiting your track/artwork to 3.
The Premium plan is $9.99 per month and allows you to play as many tracks as you want, as well as includes access to Spotify’s 10 million tracks library.
The Premium plan is the best option if you’re an independent artist or band trying to get discovered.
If you have a label or management, one option is to go with the Premium plan, but also have them work with Spotify to get your music on their Discover Weekly playlist.
How to submit your music to Spotify
You can submit your music to Spotify using the “Add New” button on their website, or by using the Spotify app.
To add your music, simply click the “Add New” button, and then upload your songs. You can also drag and drop songs into the “Add New” box.
You can also add your music to Spotify using their web interface.
The art of networking
Networking is the practice of connecting or affiliating with other people (usually through business or other interests) for mutual benefit.
One of the best ways to get your music on Spotify is by networking with other artists.
Networking is a great way to meet people, and it’s especially helpful when you’re trying to make a name for yourself in a new industry.
Stay Active and Build a Following
Don’t just sit on your hands waiting for people to discover you.
You need to constantly be engaging with your audience and answering their questions, as well as giving them reasons to support your art.
How to get your music on Spotify
If you have a full-length album or a selection of singles you’d like to see on Spotify, it’s best to start by getting your music onto the platform.
Here are a few ways to do that:
- Use a service like Soundcloud or Bandcamp and upload your music to those platforms.
- Contact Digital Music Services and Licensing to get your music cleared for streaming.
- Settle with your record label or management company to get your copyright releases.
- Send files to your manager, label, or agent to get your music on Spotify.
Spotify is the best platform for artists who want to get discovered
If you’re a solo artist or band, your best bet for getting discovered on Spotify is through playlists. Create a variety of different types of playlists, such as Genres, Aesthetics, Influences, and Tastes.
Include a few of your favorite songs, as well as songs you think your followers would enjoy. You can also make collaboration playlists with other artists you admire and respect.
If you create engaging, interesting, and fun playlists, people will flock to discover new music through them.
How much does it cost to upload music to Spotify?
There are three plans available for artists on Spotify. The Basic plan is free, but you will be limited to only uploading 30 seconds of tracks per month, as well as limiting your track/artwork to 3.
The Premium plan is $9.99 per month and allows you to play as many tracks as you want, as well as includes access to Spotify’s 10 million tracks library.
The Premium plan is the best option if you’re an independent artist or band trying to get discovered.
If you have a label or management, one option is to go with the Premium plan, but also have them work with Spotify to get your music on their Discover Weekly playlist.
How to promote your Spotify playlist
The best way to get people to listen to your music on Spotify is to put it on a playlist. Make your own playlists for Spotify and include links to your music and social media accounts, inviting listeners to listen and follow along.
Also, don’t hesitate to collaborate with other artists you admire and appreciate on Spotify. This will earn you listeners and new friends in the music community.
How to make money as an artist on Spotify
If you’re looking to make money with your music on Spotify, you have a few options. You can earn money through charging for private premium Spotify plays, advertising on Spotify, or selling merchandise.
But the best way to make money as an artist on Spotify is through live performances.
Make your profile visible
Show your face. Your Spotify bio is very helpful, but it has very little to do with what you’re doing as an artist on Spotify. Your profile page is where you capture your fans and where you make your music and activity visible, so make it as attractive as possible.
Optimise your playlists
Your playlists on Spotify are a reflection of you and your music. Make them attractive and fun to listen and you’ll attract more listeners.
Summing Up
Spotify is changing the music industry. The streaming service has become the leading source of on-demand music, and as an artist you can capitalise on that popularity by uploading your music to Spotify and starting to build an audience.
If you’re an independent artist or band, Spotify is your best option to get your music out to fans and make money. You can’t ‘go viral’ or make a dent in the music industry by sitting