Guide
How to Get Your Music on Spotify
You cannot upload to Spotify yourself. A distributor does it for you. Here is the whole path, from finished song to Spotify listeners to your next show.
The short version
- Spotify does not accept direct uploads from artists. You need a distributor.
- A distributor delivers your music to Spotify and collects your streaming royalties.
- You keep your masters. You do not need a record label.
- Submit at least two weeks before release so you can pitch playlists.
- Your Spotify listeners show where your audience lives. That is where you book.
The steps
- Finish and master the track. Spotify plays what you send it, so send it finished.
- Pick a distributor. It delivers your music to Spotify and the other platforms, and collects your royalties.
- Upload with your release date at least two weeks out. Use the time to pitch Spotify editorial playlists and to line up your own promotion.
- Claim your Spotify for Artists profile. That is where you see who is listening and where they are.
- Release, then read the map. Your listener cities are your booking list. Nice Set turns that listener geography into ranked venue picks.
After you are on Spotify
Playlist pitching is how new listeners find you. Pitch every release, even if you have been turned down before.
Your listener geography is the most useful number Spotify gives you. A city with hundreds of listeners is a room you can fill.
Nice Set reads where your listeners actually are and ranks the venues in those cities. You pitch the venue from the site and track every pitch.
Questions artists ask
Can I upload music to Spotify directly?
No. Spotify does not accept direct uploads from artists. A distributor delivers your music to Spotify.
Do I need a label to get on Spotify?
No. A distributor puts your music on Spotify without a label deal. You keep your masters.
How long does it take to get on Spotify?
Distribution usually takes days to two weeks. Submit at least two weeks before your release date so you can pitch playlists.
How do I get more Spotify listeners?
Release consistently, pitch playlists, promote every release, and play the cities where your listeners already are.
Apply for distribution
Get on Spotify, then play the cities already listening.