If you’ve recorded your music, have all the files ready to go, and are looking for ways to build an audience and get it playing through people’s headphones and speakers, the fundamental thing to do is upload it to a few streaming services.
One of the most popular services, and one you’ve likely thought of first, is Spotify. Getting your songs on Spotify might feel like a big task, but it’s actually a fairly simple process. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to upload your songs to Spotify, walking you through everything you need to know step-by-step without any faff.
If it’s your debut track or album, getting it on Spotify is a huge step to gaining a following, so we’ll also show you how to market your music effectively. If you have a few demos, housing them in one place on a streaming service will allow potential fans to see the kind of creativity you’re capable of. From picking a distributor to sorting your artwork and release date, we’ll help you get it all done smoothly.
It’s also worth noting that the same process applies to podcasts – so if you’re a podcaster looking to publish your first episode or series, this guide will help you too.
If you’re looking to lay down tracks, you should check out our previous guide to recording music before you dive into this article, as it will give you the building blocks you need to create and release your songs. With that said, let’s look at the simple steps to uploading and distributing your music through Spotify.
Key takeaways
Here’s a quick summary of the steps to upload your music to Spotify:
- Choose a distributor – Pick a digital distribution service that suits your needs and budget.
- Create an account – Sign up and set up your artist profile through the chosen platform.
- Prepare your files – Upload a high-quality WAV file and artwork that meets Spotify’s guidelines.
- Add release details – Fill in your track info, including title, genre, credits, and release date.
- Upload and submit – Let your distributor send everything to Spotify for you.
- Promote your release – Use social media, playlist pitching, and your Spotify profile to spread the word.
How to upload songs to Spotify
1. Choose a distribution service
To upload your music to Spotify, you’ll need a digital distribution service. These platforms deliver your tracks to Spotify and other streaming sites. Look for one that suits your budget, is easy to use, and offers useful extras like royalty management or promotional tools. There is a whole range of online music distribution services out there, such as DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, Ditto Music, and lots more.
Once you’ve chosen a service, set up an account. From there, you’ll upload your music, add the details, and choose your release date. It’s a simple step that gets your music ready for the world to hear.
2. Prepare your files
Before you upload your track, make sure your files meet Spotify’s technical requirements. Most distributors will ask for a WAV file, which should be at least 16-bit and 44.1 kHz to ensure high-quality audio. MP3s usually aren’t accepted, so exporting in WAV format from your DAW is the safest bet.
Your track should also be fully mixed and mastered. Spotify won’t adjust your audio, so what you upload is exactly what listeners will hear. Keep an eye on your volume levels, too, as overly loud tracks may be compressed and lose clarity.
If you’re looking to optimise the fidelity of your song for Spotify, pay attention to the LUF (loudness target). Spotify normalises music to -14LUFs and they advise you to keep tracks below -1dB TP (True Max) for the best possible audio performance.
You’ll also need artwork for your release. This should be a square image, at least 3000 x 3000 pixels, in a JPEG or PNG format. Avoid using any logos, social media handles, or web links, as these can lead to your submission being rejected.
3. Upload!
Once your files are ready, it’s time to upload your track through your chosen distributor. Each platform has its own upload process, but they all follow the same basic steps. You’ll add your audio file, cover art, track title, and artist name, then fill in release details like genre, language, and credits.
Your distributor will then deliver everything to Spotify and other platforms on your behalf. It’s all handled behind the scenes, so you don’t need to do anything else. Just double-check your details before confirming to avoid any hold-ups.
Why distribute to Spotify as an artist?
Spotify is one of the biggest music platforms in the world, making it a go-to choice for artists who want to reach a wider audience. With millions of listeners using the app every day, getting your music on Spotify means you’re presenting it to an audience who are ready and waiting to listen.
But it’s not just about the numbers. Spotify also gives artists powerful tools to grow their presence. You can customise your artist profile, pitch new releases to playlist editors, and see real-time data on how your music is performing. This means you’re not just uploading a song; you’re building your career with insights that help guide your next move.
If you’re serious about getting your music heard, Spotify is one of the best places to start. It’s accessible, artist-friendly, and packed with features that help you get noticed and stay in control of your music journey.
Our tips for marketing your music or podcast
Uploading your track is just the start. To build an audience and keep your music moving, you’ll need to put some time into promotion. Social media is a great place to begin. Share snippets of your song, behind-the-scenes clips from the recording process, or even stories about what inspired the track. Be consistent and authentic. People connect with the artist as much as the music.
Playlist pitching is another smart move. Most distributors let you submit upcoming tracks to Spotify’s playlist editors. If your song gets placed, even on a smaller playlist, it can lead to more streams and fresh ears. You can also build your own playlists, mixing your songs with similar artists to help new listeners discover you naturally.
Make the most of your Spotify for Artists profile, too. Add a clear bio, links to your socials, high-quality photos, and any tour or release info. Keeping this up to date helps you look professional and trustworthy.
And while this guide focuses on music, if you ever venture into podcasting, Spotify has great tools for uploading and managing episodes. Whatever your content, promoting it properly gives it the best chance to grow. A bit of effort after release can go a long way.
How to upload music to Spotify locally
If you want to listen to your own music files on Spotify without making them public, you can do that using the local files feature. This option is only available to Spotify Premium subscribers and is great for personal listening on both desktop and mobile.
To start on the desktop, open the Spotify app and go to Settings. Scroll down to the Local Files section and turn it on. Then, choose the folders on your computer where your music is stored. Once added, you’ll find your local tracks in the Your Library section under Local Files.
To listen on mobile, both your phone and desktop must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Make sure the local files you want are in a playlist. Open that playlist on your phone and switch the download toggle on. The songs will then sync and become available offline.
This feature is handy if you have unreleased demos, rare tracks, or personal recordings you’d like to keep in one place and want to listen back to them on the move. It won’t distribute your music to other users, but it’s a simple way to enjoy your own files across your devices using Spotify’s familiar interface.
FAQs
Can you upload your own songs to Spotify?
You can upload your own songs to Spotify, but only through a digital distributor. Spotify doesn’t accept direct uploads from artists. Instead, platforms like DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby distribute your music to Spotify and other streaming services on your behalf.
Is it free to upload songs on Spotify?
Uploading songs to Spotify is not completely free because it requires a digital distributor. Most distributors charge a fee: a one-time payment, an annual subscription, or a percentage of royalties. Some offer limited free options with restrictions.
How do I submit songs to Spotify?
To submit songs to Spotify, you need to go through a digital distributor. Once your music is distributed, you can use Spotify for Artists to claim your profile and pitch unreleased tracks to Spotify’s editorial playlists. This boosts your visibility on the platform.
Final thoughts
Knowing how to upload songs to Spotify is a very useful, yet fairly uncomplicated, tool to have as a music artist. With the right distribution service, properly prepared files, and a clear idea of your release details, you’ll be ready to share your tracks with the world!
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