What is the Cheapest Music Streaming Service?

As a musician or music enthusiast, staying updated on the best and most affordable music streaming services is crucial. Besides affordability, knowing how to upload music to popular platforms like Spotify can significantly boost your reach and earnings. In this guide, we will dive into the cheapest music streaming service available and provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to upload your music to Spotify.

The Importance of Music Streaming Services

Music streaming services have revolutionized the way people access and enjoy music. These platforms allow users to stream and discover millions of songs from various artists all around the world. As an artist, getting your music on these platforms is crucial for reaching a wider audience and growing your fan base. Furthermore, these platforms often share revenue generated from ads and subscriptions, providing an additional income stream for musicians. But with so many options, which is the cheapest music streaming service?

Cheapest Music Streaming Services in 2025

1. Spotify

Spotify continues to be one of the most popular music streaming services globally. While not the cheapest, Spotify offers various plans to suit different budgets. Their free plan allows users to stream music with ads, while their premium plans start at $9.99 per month with additional benefits like offline listening and ad-free streaming.

2. SoundOn

SoundOn is an emerging platform that provides affordable music distribution options. While not a direct competitor of streaming services, SoundOn helps you get your music on various digital platforms, including Spotify. Its competitive pricing makes it an excellent choice for independent artists looking to distribute their music without breaking the bank. You can register as a SoundOn artist and start distributing your music today!

3. Amazon Music

Amazon Music offers a competitive streaming service with plans starting as low as $7.99 per month for Prime members, and $9.99 for non-Prime members. It comes with a vast library and offers ad-free listening, making it a cost-effective option for many.

4. Apple Music

Apple Music also offers competitive pricing with an individual plan starting at $9.99 per month. It provides high-quality streaming and a vast library, ideal for avid music listeners.

5. Pandora

Pandora offers a free ad-supported plan and several premium options starting at $4.99 per month. Despite being more affordable, Pandora's premium plans offer ad-free listening and offline playback options.

6. YouTube Music

YouTube Music provides an affordable subscription plan starting at $9.99 per month. It includes ad-free streaming, offline playback, and access to YouTube's vast music video library. For existing YouTube Premium members, this service comes bundled for no extra cost.

How Do I Upload Music to Spotify?

Uploading music to Spotify is a great way to reach millions of potential listeners. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Choose a Music Distributor

To upload your music to Spotify, you'll need to work with a music distributor. Distributors like SoundOn, TuneCore, DistroKid, among others, can help get your music on Spotify and other streaming platforms. For an affordable and efficient service, register as a SoundOn artist to distribute your tracks globally.

2. Create Your Music

Before uploading, ensure your music is of high quality and properly mastered. Poor quality or unfinished tracks can lead to a bad listening experience for your audience.

3. Gather Your Metadata

Metadata includes information like the song title, artist name, album title, release date, and genre. Accurate metadata ensures your music is correctly categorized and easily discoverable on Spotify.

4. Submit Your Music

Once you've chosen a distributor and gathered your metadata, you can upload your tracks. Log into your distributor's platform, fill out the necessary information, and submit your music.

5. Await Approval

After submission, your distributor will review your music and metadata before forwarding it to Spotify. This process can take a few days to a few weeks. Once approved, your music will be available on Spotify and other streaming platforms distributed by your service provider.

6. Promote Your Music

Getting your music on Spotify is just the start. Effective promotion is key to reaching a wider audience and gaining more streams. Utilize social media, email lists, and collaborate with other artists to maximize your reach. You can also take advantage of SoundOn’s marketing tools to promote your music efficiently.

Conclusion

Choosing the cheapest music streaming service depends on your needs and budget. Platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music offer a range of plans to suit different preferences. For independent artists looking to distribute their music affordably, SoundOn provides a valuable service to get your tracks on major streaming platforms.

Uploading music to Spotify involves choosing a distributor, creating high-quality tracks, gathering metadata, and submitting your music for approval. With the right strategy and promotion, you can grow your audience and succeed in the music industry. Consider registering as a SoundOn artist to leverage their excellent distribution and marketing services.

Ready to take your music career to the next level? Sign up with SoundOn today!