How Long Does DistroKid Take to Upload to Spotify?

In the realm of music distribution, artists often face the tough decision of choosing the right platform to share their music worldwide. Two of the most popular choices are LANDR and DistroKid. This article will explore the differences between LANDR vs DistroKid and break down the process and timeline for getting your music uploaded to Spotify through DistroKid. Understanding these elements is crucial for any artist looking to reach a broader audience through Spotify.

LANDR vs DistroKid: A Brief Overview

Before diving into the details, it's essential to understand what each platform brings to the table. While both platforms aim to help musicians distribute their music, they offer different services and features.

LANDR

LANDR is known primarily for its AI-driven mastering service, offering quality sound enhancement tools along with distribution services. The platform provides an all-in-one solution for music production, mastering, and distribution, catering to artists who want an efficient and streamlined process. LANDR also offers additional features, such as collaboration tools and music promotion services.

DistroKid

DistroKid focuses solely on music distribution, helping artists get their music onto various streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and many more. The service is known for its affordability, simplicity, and speed, making it a popular choice among independent musicians. DistroKid offers unlimited uploads for a flat annual fee, which is a highlight for artists with a large catalog or consistent release schedule.

Uploading to Spotify with DistroKid: The Process

Getting your music onto Spotify through DistroKid is a straightforward process, designed to be user-friendly and efficient. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create an Account

Before anything else, you'll need to create an account on DistroKid. Choose the plan that best fits your needs, and sign up with your email.

Step 2: Prepare Your Music

Ensure that your tracks are fully mastered and ready for release. You'll also need to have your album artwork and metadata, such as track titles and artist names, prepared in advance.

Step 3: Upload Your Music

DistroKid's interface is intuitive, allowing you to easily upload your music files. Simply drag and drop your tracks onto the platform and fill in the necessary metadata.

Step 4: Select Your Platforms

Choose the streaming platforms where you want your music to be available. Make sure to include Spotify in your selection.

Step 5: Confirm and Submit

Review all your information to ensure accuracy, and then submit your release for distribution.

One of the key strengths of DistroKid is its rapid turnaround time for getting your music onto streaming platforms. So, how long does it take exactly? Generally, it can be as quick as a few hours to a few days. Here's a breakdown of the timeline:

Initial Processing

After you submit your music on DistroKid, there's an initial processing period where the platform checks the files for any potential issues. This step typically takes a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Distribution to DSPs

Once the initial processing is complete, DistroKid distributes your music to the selected digital service providers (DSPs), including Spotify. This phase can take anywhere from 1 to 3 days, depending on the volume of releases and the time of submission.

Spotify's Approval

After DistroKid has sent your music to Spotify, it undergoes Spotify's internal review process. This review can vary but usually takes an additional 2 to 5 days. In total, artists can expect their music to go live on Spotify within 3 to 7 days from the initial upload on DistroKid.

Why Choose DistroKid for Spotify Uploads?

Given its efficiency and simplicity, DistroKid has become a favored choice among independent artists. Some standout benefits include:

• Speed: DistroKid's rapid processing ensures your music reaches listeners quickly.
• Cost-Effective: With a flat annual fee, DistroKid offers unlimited uploads, making it budget-friendly for prolific artists.
• User-Friendly: The platform's interface is easy to navigate, even for those new to music distribution.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Platform

Ultimately, the choice between LANDR vs DistroKid comes down to your specific needs as an artist. If you're looking for a comprehensive tool that includes mastering services, LANDR may be the way to go. However, if your primary goal is fast, affordable, and efficient distribution to platforms like Spotify, DistroKid stands out as an excellent option.

No matter which platform you choose, getting your music heard by a wider audience is the final goal. For artists looking to take control of their distribution and promotion, platforms like SoundOn offer robust solutions tailored to independent musicians.