As a musician or an artist, getting your music on Spotify has become one of the most popular and essential ways to reach audiences worldwide. Spotify is a streaming platform that lets your audience stream your music all around the world. DistroKid is a distributor that helps artists upload their music onto Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and other popular platforms. Here we will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to upload music on Spotify with DistroKid.
What’s Needed
Before uploading your music to Spotify, you will require some essential things. They are as follows:
1. A DistroKid account.
2. A recording of your music to upload.
3. All music information including artist name, song title, album name, and features.
4. A suitable and clear image for cover art that accurately represents your music.
What Should I Pay Attention To?
Here are some things to keep in mind before uploading your music to Spotify:
1. Ensure that all song and artist information is correctly spelled and clear.
2. Ensure you have the proper rights to use any samples or other music you use in your creations.
3. Make sure that the cover art image is clear and in the correct format.
4. Double-check all information before submitting to avoid errors and potential delays.
Method 1: Use DistroKid Uploader
1. Visit the DistroKid website and log in to your account.
2. Click on the Upload button located on the top right side of your screen.
3. Select the type of release you want to upload – either single, album, or EP.
4. Upload your music by either dragging and dropping the files or selecting them from your computer.
5. Fill in all required information, including the artist’s name, the song title, album name, and features.
6. Upload a clear and suitable image that represents your music and select primary and secondary genre categories for your music.
7. Preview your music, and if everything looks good, click Submit.
Pros
- A quick and easy upload process.
- A variety of music release options to choose from – single, album or EP.
- The ability to upload multiple tracks at once.
Cons
- You have to pay to use DistroKid’s distribution services.
- If you’re not used to uploading music, the process can still be slightly challenging.
Method 2: Spotify For Artists
1. Go to Spotify for Artists and enter your details or sign up for a new account.
2. Select the music you want to upload, the song name, album name, and artist name.
3. Upload your music from your computer or use a third-party distributor to upload it.
4. Preview your music, add the metadata, and select the genre or language of your music.
5. Set a release date, then submit your music.
Pros
- You can access other features on Spotify for Artists, such as real-time statistics about your plays and followers.
- It’s easy to use if you’re already set up with Spotify for Artists.
Cons
- You cannot upload music directly to Spotify using this method; it requires a third-party distributor.
- It may take longer to upload music via this route.
Method 3: Use TuneCore
1. Create an account at TuneCore.
2. Select your release type (album, single, EP).
3. Enter your artist name and album title to commence the upload process.
4. Upload your music tracks from your computer.
5. Next, enter the album price and metadata (including track name, album cover art, writer, and composer information).
6. Preview your album, then press submit.
Pros
- You can customize and control the price of your album and the royalties you receive from your music.
- TuneCore distributes your music across several popular platforms, not just Spotify.
Cons
- TuneCore distribution services require payment, which could be a disadvantage to smaller artists or those just starting.
- You may have to wait for approval and review of your uploaded music before it gets added to Spotify.
Why Can’t I Upload My Music?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to upload your music onto Spotify. Some common ones include:
1. You don’t have proper rights to the music content.
2. Your music files don’t meet the requirements or are in the wrong format.
3. The music’s meta-data is incorrect or incomplete.
Fixes
1. Obtain proper rights and clearance to use any copyrighted material in your creation by working with licensing agencies like BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC.
2. Ensure that your music files meet Spotify’s audio requirements. The format should be in MP3, and the audio must be 16-bit/44.1kHz.
3. Double-check all music metadata regarding the song title, artist name, album title, and artwork.
Suggestions
When submitting your music, ensure you have the necessary data and rights to it. You can refer to the distribution services’ guidelines before proceeding with uploading your music. It is also necessary to promote your music using various channels to gain more listeners and followers.
FAQs
Is DistroKid free to use?
No, DistroKid is not free to use. You need to select a payment method before uploading music.
Can I upload music without a cover art image?
No, according to Spotify’s guidelines, cover art is necessary to accompany each track or album. You will have to upload a suitable image.
How long does it take to upload music on Spotify with Distrokid?
The upload process will take a varying amount of time, depending on your internet speed and file size.
Can I preview my music before submitting it to Spotify?
Yes, whichever method you choose, you can preview your music before submission.
Do I have control over when my music will be published on Spotify?
Yes, whichever method you use, you can set the release date, and once the platform approves it, your music will be available in that timeframe.
Conclusion
Uploading your music onto Spotify with DistroKid is a simple and feasible process. By following the above steps, you should be able to upload your content easily. However, remember to ensure that you have all the necessary information and rights before proceeding.
