How to put music on Spotify with or without distributors (2024)

The approach for promoting an artist’s work should include music sales and broadcasts, especially for independent musicians. It is essential for this reason to make it simple to upload songs to music streaming or sale platforms. A musician definitely wants their new album to be accessible to fans on the day they have set aside for the release of their new album. Today, we’ll examine how long it takes to upload songs to Spotify and whether doing so is feasible without the aid of distribution agencies.

What you need to know about music distributors

Musicians need to be aware that the majority of music publication is done through a middleman, a so-called music distributor. Now, such a service appears to be one whose workers upload artists’ songs to websites that sell tracks and music streaming services. Of course, a musician may submit their own recordings directly to some websites, but the majority of them do not let this. This is valid for websites that value independent performers, such as Bandcamp. Despite the fact that the website hosts accounts for several well-known producers and performers.

By the way, a substantial percentage of artists who perform as DJs don’t always have their own music, and for a number of reasons, they didn’t originally start working with a producer. But, if a DJ wants to grow their fan base and status in the music industry, they should consider writing and recording their own music. The artist should use a service that enables them to buy tracks from ghost producers if they need to save time and money. As a consequence, a DJ may obtain the commercial rights to an already-made music for a fair price, buy the tune, and distribute it through a distributor. So don’t waste your time, go to our music catalog and buy modern and high-quality ghost production tracks and upgrade your status to a full-fledged artist.

So, distribution on significant and well-liked platforms is only possible through distribution services, which means that an artist must sign up with one of these services, pay for their services, and keep working while the management of the service submit their tunes to music platforms.

By the way, if an artist collaborates with record labels, distributor communication is handled directly by the record label, so the artist doesn’t even have to become involved.

Publishing music on Spotify with distributors

You must register on the website of one of the publishing providers in order to begin the process of publishing your release. There are paid and free services, however it is preferable to utilize a premium service if you want the best support and outcomes that are guaranteed. Please make sure you have all the relevant documentation, including images, artwork, and a release description, as well as all the rights to the music you’re about to give. Start adding songs to the service after paying for it. To prevent misunderstandings, make sure to read the terms of service and the information about the service.

When you have submitted all the necessary content to the service, distribution managers will take over administration of the process. They’ll begin distributing your songs to various music stores (their list is often available on the service website). Keep in mind that you need a Spotify account and to confirm your artist status. This is necessary in order for others to hear your music and for it to be shown on the site.

Take the verification procedure seriously while creating your profile and submitting for verification because the outcome relies on whether you are approved or not. Make sure you have the strongest online presence, press coverage, and other characteristics of an artist since sometimes artists are rejected.

How long does it take the distributor to upload my music to Spotify?

Although there are numerous variables involved, you may still anticipate the general period. First off, a distributor will need to spend several hours to several days reviewing the materials you submitted and getting them ready for publishing if you publish a release on Spotify through them. On the website for the service, there is further information about the terms. Of course, everything relies on the service and the volume of artists it works with.

The moment the distribution service manager submits your release to Spotify for evaluation, the process of verifying whether the music and all other given materials are compliant with the platform’s standards begins. Moreover, they ensure that the song’s copyright is verified. They might all take a few days to a few weeks to complete. After all requirements are met and each process is concluded, the artist’s song will be added to the platform’s collection.

Publishing music on Spotify without distributors

For musicians to upload music directly through their own accounts on the website, the platform started a beta test in 2018. A select group of people, including certain label officials and individual artists, were given access to this test. The platform’s administrators stated on their blog in 2019 that they had no intentions to integrate this functionality when the experiment was finished. They continued by saying that they believe the best strategy is for music distributors to publish songs in their portfolio.

So far and in the foreseeable future, the situation is unaltered, and the only way to access the music collection is through distribution services. They are also free, as we already indicated, so if you have a tight budget or none at all, you may test out free services to learn how the publishing process functions and maybe even see some results. perhaps even good ones. Keep in mind that everything is based on the caliber of your music and how much your fans enjoy it. To gain results, you need work hard and be as productive as you can to advertise your music while spending the least amount of money feasible.

On the other hand, a yearly subscription doesn’t cost that much, and the advantages are considerably bigger. Thus, we advise utilizing a premium service. You have a higher chance of achieving success in this manner. And keep in mind that you must continue to develop, search for fresh inspiration, and follow trends if you want to succeed in the music business.

How to put music on Spotify with or without distributors (2024)

FAQs

Can I upload music to Spotify without a distributor? ›

Because it isn't possible for you to directly upload your music to Spotify anymore, you'll need to go through a music distributor like Amuse in order to get your music out there and start earning money from your tracks.

Are music distributors necessary? ›

It's an essential part of every modern artist's music release strategy. So if you're an artist or label looking to get your music out there via music distribution, you'll need a music distributor.

How to distribute your music without a distributor? ›

One option is to use a digital music distribution service that offers a free plan, such as DistroKid or Amuse. These services allow you to upload your music to multiple streaming platforms, including Spotify, without a fee.

Are Spotify distributors free? ›

You can distribute unlimited music releases to Spotify for free with RouteNote.

How much does it cost to distribute a song on Spotify? ›

How much does it cost to put songs on Spotify? TuneCore has made it easy, cheap, and fast to put your music on the most popular streaming services and stores worldwide. Submit your music on Spotify with TuneCore starting at $19.99/year with our Unlimited Distribution plans.

How do independent artists upload to Spotify? ›

To get your music files on to Spotify, independent artists will have to use a Digital Service Provider (DSP). A DSP is a platform which focuses on distributing media to streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora and more.

How much does Spotify pay per stream? ›

Spotify pays artists a certain amount for each stream, but the rate varies. It typically ranges from about $0.003 to $0.005 per stream. The exact amount can depend on the type of subscription you have (Premium or Free), where you are listening from, and the specific agreements Spotify has with artists or their labels​.

What is the best music distributor to use? ›

The Best Music Distribution Services in 2024
  • 1) Amuse. ...
  • 2) Distrokid. ...
  • 3) CD Baby. ...
  • 4) Tunecore. ...
  • 5) Ditto. ...
  • 6) Record Union. ...
  • 7) AWAL. ...
  • 8) United Masters.

Do music distributors cost money? ›

Depending on the service, the distributor charges a flat per-song/album fee, an annual recurring subscription toll, or a percentage-based commission of up to 15%.

How do I put out music on Spotify? ›

How to Upload Music to Spotify?
  1. Sign up for a free iMusician account to get your music on Spotify. ...
  2. Click 'Start a Release' within your iMusician Dashboard to create your single, EP or album you want to upload to Spotify. ...
  3. Upload your music files and artwork to put your songs on Spotify.

Can you stream your own music on Spotify to make money? ›

Here are some ways you can make money from Spotify: As an artist: Understanding how to make money on Spotify as an artist involves earning money through royalties for the streaming of their music on Spotify. Spotify pays an average of $0.003 to $0.0084 per stream.

Why does Spotify require a distributor? ›

Spotify does not permit artists to transfer audio files directly to their platform. Thus, you need to pick an audial music distribution service. This organization will administer the activity of conveying your music to digital outlets such as Apple Music and Amazon Music, in addition to music on Spotify.

What distributor should I use for Spotify? ›

DistroKid. DistroKid is the easiest way for musicians to get music into Spotify and more. Upload as much as you want, keep 100% of your royalties.

Can I upload my songs directly to Spotify? ›

At first glance, uploading music to Spotify as an independent artist can seem overwhelming. This is because Spotify has no “upload” option available to the common user. In order to get your music onto Spotify, you have to use something called a “DSP”. DSP stands for Digital Service Provider.

Do you need a label to upload to Spotify? ›

When you've decided you want to release your music by yourself without a label, you'll need a Spotify aggregator or Spotify distributor to upload to Spotify. However, the services offered vary greatly, as do the costs. There are many different Spotify distributors available that upload your music to Spotify directly.

Can you make money on Spotify without a label? ›

However, artists and songwriters do not receive direct payments from Spotify. Instead, these payments are made to the entities that hold the rights to the music, such as record labels, music distributors, aggregators, or collecting societies (you, as the artist, choose which of these you want to work with.)

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