How to Sell Music on Spotify and iTunes?

For any artist, having a presence on major music platforms like Spotify and iTunes is crucial for both promotion and revenue. In this article, we will walk through the steps to set up an artist Spotify account and discuss how you can sell your music on iTunes.

Setting Up an Artist Spotify Account

Your journey on Spotify begins with setting up a Spotify for Artists account. This allows you to manage your profile, track your stats, and submit your music for playlist consideration.

Step 1: Sign Up

Visit the Spotify for Artists website and click on "Get Access." You will need to log in with a Spotify account. If you don't have one, create a standard Spotify account first; this will be upgraded to a Spotify for Artists account once you’re verified.

Step 2: Claim Your Profile

Once logged in, you'll need to claim your artist profile. Search for your artist name; if your music is already on Spotify, you’ll see your profile. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity and claim your profile.

Step 3: Customize Your Profile

After verification, you can start customizing your profile by adding your bio, social media links, photos, and more. A well-maintained artist profile makes you more appealing to listeners and curators.

Step 4: Upload Your Music

To get your music on Spotify, you’ll need a music distributor such as SoundOn, Tunecore, CD Baby, or others. These platforms will help you distribute your music to Spotify and other digital streaming platforms.

Selling Your Music on iTunes

Selling your music on iTunes involves a slightly different process compared to Spotify. iTunes operates as a store where users can purchase and download individual songs or albums.

Step 1: Choose a Distributor

iTunes doesn't allow independent artists to upload music directly. Instead, you have to go through a digital music distribution service like SoundOn, Amuse, or other listed distributors. These services will help get your music on iTunes.

Step 2: Prepare Your Music

Ensure that your music files are high quality and formatted correctly according to the distributor's requirements. This typically means WAV or FLAC files, accompanied by metadata like track titles, artist names, and album artwork.

Step 3: Upload and Submit Your Music

Follow your chosen distributor's steps to upload your music. You’ll need to provide all necessary metadata, including song titles, composer information, and release date. Once uploaded, submit your music for distribution, and the service will handle the rest.

Step 4: Promote Your Music

After your music goes live on iTunes, it's time to promote. Share your iTunes links on social media, embed them on your website, and encourage your fans to purchase and download your music.

Tips for Maximizing Your Reach and Income

Create Engaging Content

Beyond quality music, create engaging content that connects with your audience. Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to share behind-the-scenes footage, teasers, and music videos.

Leverage Playlists

Submit your music to playlists on various platforms. For Spotify, use the Spotify for Artists tool to pitch your tracks to playlist curators. Getting your songs featured on popular playlists can significantly increase your streaming numbers and followers.

Collaborate with Other Artists

Collaboration is a powerful tool in the music industry. Partner with other artists to reach each other’s fan bases and create music that's mutually beneficial.

Utilize Music Distribution Platforms

Platforms like SoundOn provide extensive marketing and distribution services to help you grow your career and reach new fans. Leveraging these tools can simplify the process of getting your music heard and sold.

Conclusion

Setting up an artist Spotify account and selling your music on iTunes are foundational steps in building your music career. By understanding these processes, you can effectively distribute your music, expand your reach and boost your income. Embrace the resources and tools available to you through platforms like Spotify for Artists and SoundOn to maximize your potential as an artist.