Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services available today. It has over 356 million active users and offers access to a vast library of songs with more than 70 million available tracks. However, have you ever wondered how your favorite songs end up on Spotify? Let’s take a closer look at how songs get added to Spotify.
The Challenge Of Adding Songs To Spotify
Creating a platform or a service that offers access to millions of songs is not an easy task. There are several challenges that Spotify and other music streaming services have to face. The first challenge lies in licensing and distribution agreements with music labels. The process of acquiring licenses for songs is a complicated one and involves negotiations with record labels, artists, and publishers.
Secondly, the platform has to ensure that the songs are of high quality, and the metadata is accurate such as artist name, track name, album name, album artwork, and more. The addition of incorrect information or duplicates can lead to confusion and frustration among users.
These challenges make it imperative for us to understand how songs get added to Spotify.
Things You Should Prepare For
Before we dive into the different methods of how songs get added to Spotify, several things should be taken care of.
The first thing you need to do is to ensure that you have a verified Spotify account. A verified account will give you priority when it comes to adding new songs to the platform. You can apply for verification on the Spotify for Artists website.
The second thing to take care of is the audio file format. Spotify supports audio files in the following formats: MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, and WAV. Make sure that your audio file is in one of these formats.
Finally, make sure that the song you are submitting is complete and does not violate any copyright laws. It is always best to check with a copyright lawyer before submitting a new song to Spotify.
Via Label Or Distributor
One of the most common methods of adding songs to Spotify is through a record label or a distributor. If you are an artist who has signed up with a record label, the label will take care of the process of getting your songs on Spotify.
Distributors are independent firms that specialize in distributing music to different platforms. They help independent artists and small labels to distribute their music worldwide. You can choose a distributor like CD Baby, TuneCore, or DistroKid to upload your songs on Spotify.
Here are the detailed steps for adding songs to Spotify via Label or Distributor:
1. Choose a record label or a distributor that you want to work with.
2. Create an account with the label or distributor.
3. Upload the audio files of your songs along with the metadata such as artist name, track name, album name, album artwork, and more.
4. The label or distributor will process your submission and ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
5. The label or distributor will then submit your songs to Spotify, and they will go through a verification process.
6. Once verified, the songs will be available on Spotify for streaming.
Pros:
- Working with a record label or distributor can help with the promotion and distribution of your songs worldwide.
- It is an easy process, and the label or distributor takes care of the submission and verification process.
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for independent artists who prefer to retain full control over their music.
- The fees charged by the label or distributor could be high, and it may become challenging to break even.
Direct Submission To Spotify
As a verified artist or a label, you can directly submit your songs to Spotify through Spotify for Artists. Spotify for Artists is a platform that lets artists and labels control their profile on Spotify.
Here are the detailed steps for adding songs to Spotify via Direct Submission:
1. Go to the Spotify for Artists website and log in with your verified account.
2. Navigate to the “Music” tab and click on “Upcoming.“
3. Click on “Add Release” and select the audio files of your songs along with the metadata.
4. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
5. Submit your songs to Spotify.
6. Spotify will process your submission and verify your account.
7. Once verified, the songs will be available on Spotify for streaming.
Pros:
- It is an easy process, and you can retain full control over your music.
- The submission process is quick, and the songs can be live on the platform within a few days.
Cons:
- This method could lead to a risk of multiple accounts if the song already exists on Spotify.
- Setting up an account and verifying your credentials can take time.
Using A Digital Music Distributor
Digital music distributors like Amuse, RepostNetwork, and UnitedMasters offer users an easy way to add their songs to Spotify. These distributors are free to use, and you do not need to pay any fees.
Here are the detailed steps for adding songs to Spotify using a Digital Music Distributor:
1. Choose a digital music distributor that you want to work with.
2. Create an account with the distributor and upload your audio files, along with the metadata.
3. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
4. Submit your songs to the distributor.
5. The distributor will process your submission and ensure that your songs meet the requirements.
6. The distributor will then submit your songs to Spotify.
7. Once verified, the songs will be available on Spotify for streaming.
Pros:
- It is easy and free to use.
- You can retain full control over your music.
Cons:
- There may be limitations to the number of songs you can upload each month.
- You may not get the same level of support compared to working with a record label or distributor.
Why Can’t I Get My Songs On Spotify?
1. Your artist name and song title conflict with existing songs – This could happen if a song with the same name and artist already exists on the platform. The best way to solve this issue is to add essential details like your full name, misspell it a bit, or add some symbols.
2. You have not completed the legal requirements – You may not be able to add your songs to Spotify if you have not completed all the necessary legal requirements. It’s essential to consult a lawyer who can guide you through the process of acquiring the necessary licenses.
3. You do not have a verified account – In case registering and verifying your Spotify account is not done, then you cannot submit any songs to the platform.
Fixes:
– Try adding additional details like your middle name, initials, or symbols to make your artist name and song title unique.
– Work with a copyright lawyer to ensure that all your legal requirements are met.
– Get verified on Spotify to gain access to all the essential features of Spotify for Artists.
Additional Tips
– Ensure that the audio file format is compatible with Spotify.
– Always double-check the metadata before submitting the songs to avoid any inaccuracies.
– Acquiring a license to sample another artist’s song is essential. Not acquiring the relevant license could result in your songs getting removed from Spotify.
FAQs
How much does it cost to add songs to Spotify?
It depends on the method you chose. Distributors like CD Baby or Tunecore may charge a fee for their services, while some platforms like Amuse offer their services free of charge.
Can I upload my songs to Spotify for free?
Yes, you can upload your songs to Spotify for free using platforms like Amuse and UnitedMasters, or via Spotify for Artists.
How long does it take for a song to get verified on Spotify?
Spotify can take up to 7 days to verify your submission. However, it may take longer if there are issues with the audio or metadata.
Do I need to have a large following to get my songs on Spotify?
No, you do not need to have a large following to get your songs on Spotify. You can submit your music via distributors or through Spotify for Artists.
Can I remove my songs from Spotify once they are added?
Yes, you can remove your songs from Spotify at any time. You can do this by contacting Spotify support.
Conclusion
Spotify has made it possible for independent artists and labels to get their songs on the platform. With several methods available, it is now easier than ever to get your music on the platform. As long as you ensure that all the necessary requirements are met, you can get your songs on Spotify and reach millions of new listeners.
