In today’s digital age, getting your music on popular streaming platforms like Spotify is essential for any artist aiming to expand their reach and grow their fan base. But how do you get your own music on Spotify, and what’s the best website to sell your music? This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process and choose the right platform for your needs.
Spotify boasts millions of active users globally, making it a premier platform for music streaming. Artists featured on Spotify playlists have the unique opportunity to reach new audiences, increase their fan base, and boost their streaming income. Given its massive user base and highly curated playlists, getting your music on Spotify is an excellent way to gain visibility and promote your music.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your music on Spotify:
Before you think about distribution, make sure you have high-quality recordings. Whether you record in a professional studio or a home setup, the quality of your music will dramatically affect listener retention and playlist placements.
Spotify does not allow artists to upload their music directly to the platform. Instead, you’ll need a music distributor. Several platforms can help you distribute your music, including SoundOn, Tunecore, Distrokid, CD Baby, ONErpm, LANDR, Indiefy, and Amuse. Each has its submission process, fee structures, and additional services such as marketing and royalty collection. SoundOn offers comprehensive support for artists looking to expand their reach through TikTok and other exclusive partners.
Once you’ve chosen a distributor, you’ll need to prepare your tracks. This includes having your audio files in the correct format, usually MP3 or WAV, and ensuring your metadata (track title, artist name, album name, release date, etc.) is complete and accurate.
Using the chosen distributor’s platform, upload your music and enter all necessary details. Don’t forget to submit your album art, as this is crucial for visual appeal on streaming platforms. Ensure your artwork meets Spotify's guidelines.
One of the best ways to get noticed on Spotify is through playlist placements. Most distributors will offer a feature to pitch your music to Spotify’s editorial team. Properly filling in the key details about your track, its genre, mood, and other characteristics can make a big difference in your chances of getting playlisted.
After your music goes live on Spotify, it’s time to promote it. Share your Spotify link on social media, embed Spotify players on your website, and engage with your fans to encourage streaming and sharing. The more traffic your track generates organically, the higher the chances it might organically get picked up by Spotify’s algorithmic playlists like Discover Weekly.
In addition to Spotify, selling your music directly to your fans can provide another revenue stream. Here are some of the best websites to sell your music online:
Bandcamp is one of the most artist-friendly platforms, allowing you to sell your music directly to fans. You can set your pricing, offer merchandise, and even provide limited-time offers or special editions to encourage sales. Bandcamp takes a small commission on sales but offers a robust platform for independent artists.
SoundOn is an excellent platform not only for distributing your music but also for selling it through exclusive partnership programs. With a focus on helping artists build a career by leveraging TikTok and other key partners, SoundOn provides extensive tools and analytics to help you succeed.
Sellfy allows artists to create an online store to sell music and other digital products. Sellfy is highly customizable and can be integrated with various payment gateways, making it easy for fans to purchase your music directly from your store.
Shopify is a comprehensive e-commerce platform that allows you to create a fully customized online store. While not music-specific, it offers a wide range of tools for marketing, selling, and managing your music sales. With the ability to integrate with other platforms and sell physical and digital products, Shopify is a versatile option for musicians.
Getting your own music on Spotify is a crucial step in today’s music industry, opening the door to millions of potential new fans. Coupled with platforms like SoundOn, you can distribute and sell your music effectively, making use of modern digital tools to achieve your musical dreams. By following these steps, you can ensure your music gets the visibility and reach it deserves.
Ready to get started? Consider registering as an artist on SoundOn to take advantage of their comprehensive distribution and promotion services. Happy music-making!