EP vs Album: How to Upload to Spotify

In today’s digital music landscape, understanding the distinctions between different types of releases, such as EPs and albums, is crucial for every artist aiming to promote their music effectively. Additionally, knowing how to upload your music to platforms like Spotify can significantly boost your visibility. Let's dive into the essential differences between an EP and an album and guide you on how to upload your music to Spotify.

What Is an EP?

An EP, or Extended Play, is a musical release that is longer than a single but shorter than an album. Typically, an EP contains about 3 to 6 tracks and has a total length of about 15 to 30 minutes. Artists often release EPs to give their audience a taste of their music style or to keep their listeners engaged between album releases. EPs are also less financially demanding to produce compared to full-length albums.

What Is an Album?

An album, on the other hand, is a more substantial release featuring a larger collection of songs. Albums generally contain 7 or more tracks and can run from 30 minutes to over an hour in length. Albums usually represent a more comprehensive body of work and often encompass a thematic or conceptual continuity across the tracks. Due to the larger number of songs and longer playtime, albums typically take longer and are more expensive to produce than EPs.

Choosing Between EP and Album

Deciding whether to release an EP or an album depends on various factors, including your career stage, budget, and artistic vision. EPs are ideal for emerging artists wanting to introduce themselves to new listeners without the extensive commitment of creating a full album. For established artists or those who have a robust following, releasing an album can showcase their musical evolution and provide a more in-depth experience for their fans.

How to Upload Songs to Spotify

Now that we've covered the basics of EPs and albums, let's look at how you can upload your music to Spotify. The process involves several steps, but partnering with a reliable music distribution platform like SoundOn can streamline the process significantly.

Step 1: Prepare Your Music

Ensure that your tracks are properly mixed and mastered. High-quality audio files (preferably WAV or FLAC) are essential for maintaining your music's integrity on streaming platforms. Also, gather your metadata, including track titles, album art, and other relevant information.

Step 2: Choose a Distribution Platform

You cannot upload music directly to Spotify as an independent artist. Instead, you need to use a music distribution service. While there are several distributors like Distrokid, CD Baby, and TuneCore, we recommend using SoundOn for its comprehensive distribution and marketing support.

Step 3: Create Your Account

Sign up for an account with your chosen distribution platform. You will need to provide details about yourself or your band, including contact information and payment details for receiving royalties.

Step 4: Upload Your Tracks

Once your account is set up, follow the distributor’s instructions to upload your tracks. This process typically involves uploading your audio files, album art, and entering your metadata. Be meticulous during this step as accurate information ensures smooth processing and correct representation on Spotify.

Step 5: Set a Release Date

Decide when you want to release your music. It's generally a good idea to choose a release date at least four weeks in the future to allow time for promotion and playlist pitching. Some distribution platforms offer tools to help pitch your music to Spotify's editorial playlists.

Step 6: Review and Submit

After uploading your tracks and setting your release date, review all the details carefully before submitting. Make sure there are no errors in the metadata and that all the information is accurate.

Step 7: Promote Your Release

Once your music is submitted, start promoting your release. Utilize social media platforms, create a pre-save campaign on Spotify, and reach out to music blogs and influencers to build anticipation. Engaging effectively with your audience before the release date can significantly boost your streams and followers.

Benefit from SoundOn's Features

Choosing SoundOn as your distributor not only gets your songs on Spotify but also provides extensive marketing and distribution support. SoundOn offers features like detailed analytics, social media integration, and promotion through its partnership with platforms like TikTok, giving your music the exposure it needs to succeed.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to release an EP or an album, understanding the differences and knowing how to effectively distribute your music can make a big difference in your music career. Uploading your songs to Spotify through a reputable distributor like SoundOn ensures that your music reaches a wider audience while providing you with the tools to maximize your promotional efforts. Now that you have the knowledge, it’s time to share your music with the world and grow your fanbase.