How to Post My Music on Spotify?

For independent artists, getting your music on Spotify can be a game-changer. With millions of active users, Spotify offers massive exposure and the potential to grow your fanbase significantly. In this article, we will guide you on how to post your music on Spotify and compare two popular music distribution services: TuneCore and CD Baby.

Posting Your Music on Spotify

To get your music on Spotify, you need to work with a digital music distributor. Distributors are the intermediaries that provide your music to streaming platforms, handle metadata, and ensure that you receive your royalties. Here are the steps to post your music on Spotify:

Choose a Distributor

The first step is to choose a music distributor. There are several options available, including SoundOn, TuneCore, CD Baby, and others. Make sure to pick one that fits your specific needs regarding pricing, features, and customer support.

Create an Account

Once you've selected a distributor, create an account on their platform. You'll need to provide some personal details and set up payment options for receiving your royalties.

Upload Your Music

Next, you'll upload your music files (typically in .wav or .flac format), along with cover art, song title, genre, release date, and other pertinent information. Distributors also require you to fill out metadata, which is essential for your track's discoverability on Spotify.

Release Your Music

After you've uploaded your music and filled out all the necessary details, you can set a release date. Some distributors allow you to schedule your release in advance, which is useful for coordinated marketing efforts.

Get Playlisted

To maximize exposure, pitch your music to Spotify's editorial playlists. Being featured on a curated playlist can significantly increase your song's streams and overall visibility.

Promote Your Release

Once your music is live on Spotify, promote it through your social media channels, email newsletters, and other marketing avenues. Also, consider utilizing SoundOn for further distribution and promotion through TikTok and other platforms.

TuneCore vs. CD Baby: A Comparison

When it comes to choosing a music distributor, TuneCore and CD Baby are two of the most well-known options. Both have their unique strengths and are widely used by independent artists. Here's a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision:

Pricing

TuneCore: TuneCore charges an annual fee for distributing your music. The cost is $9.99 per single per year and $29.99 per album for the first year, with renewal costs being slightly lower.

CD Baby: CD Baby charges a one-time fee for distribution. Singles cost $9.95, and albums cost $29.95 for standard distribution. CD Baby also offers a Pro option, which includes more services for a higher fee.

Revenue Split

TuneCore: Artists keep 100% of their digital sales and streaming revenue. TuneCore does not take a cut from your royalties.

CD Baby: CD Baby takes a 9% commission on your streaming and download revenue. This is deducted before you receive your earnings.

Additional Services

TuneCore: TuneCore offers additional services like music publishing administration, sync licensing, and social media management tools.

CD Baby: CD Baby provides enhanced services such as CD and vinyl distribution, sync licensing, manufacturing, and music publishing. CD Baby's Pro option also includes global royalty collection.

Ease of Use

TuneCore: TuneCore's platform is intuitive and user-friendly. The dashboard provides easy access to your sales reports, distribution services, and additional marketing tools.

CD Baby: CD Baby also offers a straightforward platform, though some users find it slightly less intuitive compared to TuneCore. However, CD Baby's extensive resources and customer support make up for it.

Customer Support

TuneCore: TuneCore offers customer support via email and live chat. They also have a comprehensive help center with articles and tutorials.

CD Baby: CD Baby provides customer support through email, phone, and chat. Their support team is known for being responsive and helpful, and they also offer a detailed help center.

Distribution Reach

Both TuneCore and CD Baby provide wide distribution reach to all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and many others.

Conclusion

Both TuneCore and CD Baby are excellent options for distributing your music on Spotify and other streaming platforms. Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific needs and budget. With TuneCore, you get to keep 100% of your revenue but pay annual fees, whereas CD Baby offers a one-time fee but takes a small percentage of your earnings.

If you're looking for additional support with marketing and promotion, consider signing up with SoundOn. SoundOn provides comprehensive distribution services through platforms like TikTok, exclusive partners (CapCut), and other digital streaming platforms, helping you find new fans and build a successful music career.

Whichever platform you choose, ensure that you create a strategic release plan and actively engage with your audience to maximize your music's success on Spotify.