You’re about to release a song on Spotify, but before you do, make sure you’ve got everything in order. You’ll need to prep your audio files, set up a Spotify for Artists account, and create metadata that accurately represents your music. Don’t even think about publishing until you’ve partnered with a reputable aggregator and reviewed their guidelines. Once that’s all squared away, you can shift your focus to promotion – but don’t get ahead of yourself just yet. There’s a lot to consider, and getting it right from the start will make all the difference in your song’s success.
Prepare Audio Files
All of your songs need to be converted into a suitable digital format before you can upload them to Spotify.
You’ll need to ensure that your audio files meet Spotify’s requirements, which typically include a 16-bit or 24-bit WAV or FLAC file with a sample rate of 44.1 kHz.
You can use software like Audacity (https://www.audacityteam.org/) or Adobe Audition to convert your files.
Make sure to also check the file size and compression, as Spotify has specific guidelines for these.
If you’re working with a producer or audio engineer, ask them to provide the files in the correct format.
Take the time to review and verify your files to guarantee a smooth upload process.
Double-check the formatting to ensure your music sounds its best.
Set Up Spotify Account
Now that your audio files are ready, you can focus on creating a Spotify account to upload and manage your music.
You’ll need to go to the Spotify for Artists website and click on “Get Started”. Fill out the registration form with your email address, password, and other basic information.
Verify your email address by clicking on the link sent by Spotify. Once your account is created, you’ll need to apply for a Spotify for Artists profile, which requires a verified artist or label account.
This will give you access to Spotify’s dashboard, where you can manage your music, track your analytics, and more.
Make sure to read and agree to Spotify’s terms and conditions to complete the setup process.
Create Song Metadata
The next crucial step in releasing your songs on Spotify is creating song metadata. You’ll need to gather and input essential information about your tracks. Start by writing or collecting titles, artist names, and composer details.
Include genres, moods, and keywords that accurately describe your music, helping listeners discover it. Also, add your song’s tempo, time signature, and explicit content indicators, if applicable.
Furthermore, prepare an album or single artwork that represents your music’s visual identity. Keep your metadata organized and easily accessible.
Accurate metadata ensures your music appears correctly on Spotify and improves its discoverability. Double-check for consistency and typos, and ensure the information aligns with your artist brand and style.
Publish Your Music
Prepare your songs for distribution by publishing them through a reputable music aggregator or distributor, such as DistroKid, CD Baby, or Tunecore (check out https://deviantnoise.net/education/music-business/tunecore-review/ for more info).
This step is crucial in getting your music to Spotify. You’ll need to create an account with the aggregator, upload your music, and provide the necessary metadata.
Make sure your songs meet the aggregator’s formatting and content guidelines to avoid any issues. You’ll also need to pay a fee, which varies depending on the aggregator and the services you choose.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your music will be sent to Spotify and other music streaming platforms. Your aggregator will handle the technical aspects of delivering your music to these platforms, making it easy for you to get your music heard by a wider audience.
Promote Your Release
With your songs published and on their way to Spotify, it’s time to focus on getting the word out.
You’ll want to create a buzz around your release to get people excited and eager to listen. Share updates on social media, and consider running ads to reach a wider audience.
Reach out to music bloggers and influencers (list of music bloggers – https://audiohype.io/resources/best-music-blogs/) in your genre to see if they’d be interested in reviewing or featuring your music. You can also use email marketing to let your subscribers know about your new release.
Make sure to include a clear call-to-action, such as “listen now on Spotify,” to drive traffic to your music.
Final Thoughts
You’ve completed the releasing songs on Spotify checklist! Now that your music is live, keep track of its performance through Spotify for Artists. Analyze the data to refine your strategy for future releases. Continuously promote your music and engage with your audience to build a loyal fanbase. As you release more songs, you’ll increase your visibility, drive more streams, and grow your music career. Stay focused, and you’ll achieve success on Spotify.