How Long Does DistroKid Take to Upload to Spotify?

If you're an artist looking to get your music on Spotify, you're probably familiar with music distribution platforms like DistroKid. One of the most common questions that arise is, "How long does DistroKid take to upload to Spotify?" Understanding the process and timeline can help you plan your releases more effectively and strategize your promotional efforts. Let’s dive deep into this topic and also touch upon how DistroKid manages replacing audio of distributed works.

The Timeline for DistroKid Uploads to Spotify

When you upload your music via DistroKid, there's a multi-step process that your track goes through before it appears on Spotify. Generally, the timeline can vary based on several factors, but typically, DistroKid advises allowing a minimum of 1-2 days for your music to go live on Spotify. However, this is a rough estimate and the actual time may be influenced by:

• Quality checks: Spotify conducts thorough quality and compliance checks to ensure that the content aligns with their guidelines. Any issues found might delay the release.
• Metadata verification: All the information you provide, such as song titles, artists' names, and album art, must be accurately cross-referenced and approved.
• Holidays and peak periods: During high traffic times such as holidays, there may be longer wait times due to the increased volume of uploads.

Expediting the Process

If you are on a tight schedule and need your track to go live by a specific date, it's crucial to plan your submissions well in advance. Here are some tips to ensure a smoother and faster upload process:

1. Submit early: Aim to upload your music at least 4 weeks before your desired release date. This provides ample time to handle any unforeseen issues.
2. Triple-check your info: Make sure all metadata is accurate and meets Spotify's guidelines to avoid any delays caused by errors or omissions.
3. Communicate with the platform: DistroKid offers a feature called "Release Date" which you can use to specify your intended release date. Take advantage of this feature to align your upload with your promotional plans.

Replacing Audio of Distributed Work

What happens if you need to change the audio of a track that's already been distributed? With DistroKid, it's possible to replace the audio of a previously released track. This feature can be helpful if you've made adjustments to your track or need to correct an error. Here’s how you can do it:

Steps to Replace Audio

1. Login to your DistroKid account: Navigate to the track you wish to update.
2. Select the "Edit" option: Here, you will find an option to replace the audio file.
3. Upload the new audio: Ensure the new file meets all guidelines and is of the correct format.
4. Submit any changes: After uploading, you may need to review and confirm other metadata before saving the changes.

Bear in mind that after you submit a new audio file, it will need to go through the same review process as the original upload. This means it could take an additional 1-2 days before the changes are reflected on Spotify.

Benefits of Using DistroKid

Despite some of the waiting times involved, DistroKid remains a popular choice among independent artists for several reasons:

• Unlimited uploads: With a single annual fee, artists can upload and distribute as many tracks as they want.
• Speed: Among distribution platforms, DistroKid is known for its relatively quick submission process.
• User-friendly interface: The platform is easy to use, making it accessible for artists at all levels.

Explore Other Distribution Options

While DistroKid is a solid choice, it's worth exploring other options to find the best fit for your needs. Platforms like Tunecore, CDbaby, ONErpm, Indiefy, and Amuse also offer unique features and services. However, for an all-in-one platform that simplifies your marketing and distribution and helps you connect with new fans through TikTok and other digital streaming platforms, consider SoundOn. SoundOn provides a comprehensive service designed to support and propel your music career.

Conclusion

Understanding the timeline for uploading your music to Spotify through DistroKid, coupled with knowing how to replace audio when necessary, is essential for managing your music releases effectively. By planning ahead and ensuring accuracy in your submissions, you can make the process as seamless as possible. And, if you're looking for a platform that offers additional marketing benefits, check out SoundOn.