To publish music on Spotify, you need a digital distributor since Spotify doesn’t accept direct uploads from artists.
Work with a distributor to get music on Spotify using services like DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby.
This guide covers everything from choosing distributors to promoting your music, uploading podcasts and audiobooks, understanding costs, and maximizing your earnings on the platform.
How Can You Publish Songs On Spotify?
Here are the five simple steps to get your songs on Spotify through a music distributor.
Quick Overview: Publishing Songs on Spotify
- Choose a trusted music distributor
- Upload your music files
- Add artwork and metadata
- Submit for distribution review
- Claim your Spotify Artist profile
Step-By-Step Guide On How To Become A Spotify Artist
Let’s go deep into each step to help you successfully publish your music on Spotify and start earning.
Step 1: Choose Your Music Distributor
These distributors meet our highest standards for quality metadata and anti-infringement measures. Popular options include DistroKid ($22.99/year), TuneCore ($14.99/year), and CD Baby (one-time fee per release).
How to do it: Visit each distributor’s website, compare their pricing plans, check which streaming platforms they distribute to, read user reviews, and sign up for an account. Consider factors like customer support quality, additional features like playlist pitching, and if they offer splits for collaborations.
Step 2: Upload Your Audio Files
Prepare your music in WAV or FLAC format at 44.1 kHz/16-bit minimum. Most distributors accept MP3, but higher quality formats ensure better sound on Spotify.
How to do it: Log into your distributor’s dashboard, click “create new release,” drag and drop your audio files, or browse and select them from your computer. Ensure your files are correctly named and organized before uploading to avoid confusion during the process.
Check out Gen-Z music preferences and see what they are looking for, and get content ideas.
Step 3: Add Artwork and Metadata
Create square artwork (3000×3000 pixels minimum). Include song titles, artist name, genre, release date, and songwriter credits. This information helps listeners discover your music.
How to do it: Use design software like Canva or Photoshop to create your cover art, upload the image file to your distributor’s platform, fill out all required text fields including song title, artist name, album name, genre selections, and set your desired release date through the platform’s calendar picker.
Step 4: Submit for Review
Your distributor reviews submissions for quality and copyright compliance. This process typically takes 1-7 days before your music goes live on Spotify.
How to do it: Double-check all information for accuracy, click the “submit for distribution” button, pay any required fees through the secure payment system, and wait for email confirmation. You’ll receive updates about approval status and can track progress through your distributor’s dashboard.
Step 5: Claim Your Artist Profile
Once live, claim your Spotify for Artists profile to access analytics, customize your profile, and pitch songs to playlist curators.
How to do it: Go to artists.spotify.com , click “get access,” verify your identity by connecting your distributor account or social media, upload a profile photo and bio, add your social media links, and explore the dashboard to access streaming stats and promotional tools.
What Else Can You Publish On Spotify?
Beyond music, Spotify hosts a variety of audio content types that creators can monetize and distribute to millions of listeners worldwide.
1. Podcasts
Podcasts are episodic audio shows covering topics from true crime to business advice, typically released weekly or monthly. A popular example is “The Joe Rogan Experience,” which features long-form conversations with celebrities and experts.
2. Audiobooks
Audiobooks are narrated versions of written books, allowing people to “read” while commuting, exercising, or multitasking. A real-world example is Michelle Obama’s “Becoming,” which became one of Spotify’s most popular audiobooks after its exclusive release.
3. Other Musical Content
This includes DJ mixes, live events, instrumental covers, meditation music, and white noise tracks for sleep and focus. Examples include lo-fi hip-hop playlists and nature sound compilations.
How Do I Upload Podcast Episodes To Spotify?
Here’s how to get your podcast episodes on Spotify using Spotify’s podcast submission process for creators.
Step 1: Create Your Podcast RSS Feed
Generate an RSS feed through podcast hosting platforms like Anchor, Buzzsprout, or Libsyn for episode distribution.
Step 2: Submit to Spotify for Podcasters
Visit the Spotify for Podcasters website and submit your RSS feed for review and approval.
Step 3: Upload Episode Audio Files
Use your hosting platform to upload MP3 files with proper episode titles, descriptions, and artwork.
Step 4: Add Episode Metadata
Include episode titles, descriptions, publish dates, and relevant tags for better discoverability on Spotify.
Step 5: Publish and Promote
Schedule episodes for release and promote through social media and your existing audience channels.
How Much Does It Cost To Publish On Spotify?
1. Music: Most distributors charge $20-50 annually or $10-50 per single release for music distribution services.
2. Podcasts: Free to upload through Spotify for Podcasters or podcast hosting services (some charge monthly fees).
3. Audiobooks: Requires specialized distributors; costs vary from $25 to $100 per title, depending on length and complexity.
How Much Does Spotify Pay Per Stream?
Spotify pays differently for different types of content:
1. Music: Spotify paid out over $8 billion to rights holders, including artists, labels, and publishers, averaging $0.003-0.005 per stream for artists.
2. Podcasts: Spotify doesn’t pay per stream; revenue comes from sponsorships, ads, and listener support programs.
3. Audiobooks: Payment varies by distribution agreement, typically ranging from 10-70% of net sales in percentage-based royalties.
Spotify artists earn a good amount of money based on their content type and with smart promotional techniques.
How Do I Promote My Music?
Uploading music alone isn’t enough! Let’s see how you can promote your music to increase its earning potential:
1. Pitch to Spotify Editorial Playlists
Submit unreleased tracks through Spotify for Artists 7+ days before release for playlist consideration opportunities.
2. Create Your Playlists
Build themed playlists featuring your music alongside similar artists to increase discovery and engagement.
3. Collaborate with Playlist Curators
Reach out to independent playlist curators in your genre for potential playlist placement opportunities.
4. Use Social Media Integration
Share Spotify links on Instagram Stories, TikTok, and Twitter to drive traffic from social platforms.
5. Engage with Spotify Canvas
Upload short video loops (3-8 seconds) that play while your song streams for enhanced visual experience.
How To Sell Music On Spotify?
Publishing refers to distributing your music for streaming, while selling involves generating revenue through streams, merchandise, and fan engagement.
Step 1: Set Up Spotify for Artists
Verify your profile to access revenue analytics, fan insights, and promotional tools for better monetization.
Step 2: Enable Artist Fundraising Features
Use features like tip jars and fan funding to generate direct revenue from listeners.
Step 3: Sell Merchandise Through Profile
Link merchandise stores directly to your Spotify profile for a seamless fan purchasing experience.
Step 4: Offer Exclusive Content
Create exclusive releases or early access content for your most dedicated fans and supporters.
Step 5: Build Email Lists
Use Spotify Canvas and profile links to drive traffic to email signups for direct marketing.
Check out Drake’s Most Streamed Songs On Spotify and see how these artists are lighting up on Spotify!
Related Read:
Conclusion – Choose A Distributor, Upload, And Start Earning
Publishing music on Spotify opens doors to millions of listeners worldwide and potential revenue streams. Spotify confirmed making a record $10 billion+ in music industry payments for 2024, showing the platform’s commitment to supporting artists.
Choose a reliable distributor, prepare high-quality audio files, optimize your metadata, and actively promote your releases. Success on Spotify requires consistent releases, audience engagement, and strategic promotion.
Start your musical journey today by selecting a distributor and uploading your first track to reach new fans globally.
Liked this article? Check out more about Spotify on Spotify Wrapped 2025.
FAQs
Free options include Amuse and some DistroKid alternatives, though paid services like DistroKid ($22.99/year) offer better features and faster processing times.
You cannot directly request songs on Spotify. Artists must upload through distributors, and users can suggest missing music through Spotify’s community forums.
Publishing isn’t free for most artists. While some distributors offer free plans, most charge fees ranging from $10 to $ 50 per release or for annual subscriptions.
AI-generated music can be uploaded if you own the rights and comply with Spotify’s content policies regarding originality and copyright.
Spotify requires proper licensing for all content. Artists must own or have rights to their music, and using copyrighted material without permission violates the terms.
