How Do Record Distributors Publish to Spotify?

The landscape of the music industry has transformed dramatically with the advent of digital streaming platforms like Spotify. For artists aiming to maximize their reach, getting their music on Spotify is crucial. This is where record distributors come in, playing an indispensable role in the process of uploading and managing music on platforms like Spotify. But what exactly are record distributors, and how do they publish music to Spotify? Let's dive in.

Understanding Record Distributors

At its core, a record distributor is a company that works as the intermediary between the artists (or their representatives) and the music streaming platforms, retail outlets, and other media. Their primary function is to get music to an audience, and in today's world, this usually means digital distribution.

Record distributors work with several platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. They help artists by not only distributing their music but also often handling rights management, royalty collection, and marketing campaigns to enhance the music's reach.

How to Publish to Spotify

Publishing music on Spotify involves several critical steps, all of which are managed by record distributors. Here is a step-by-step guide to understanding this process:

1. Choose a Reliable Record Distributor

The first and most critical step is selecting a reliable record distributor. Various companies offer distribution services, including SoundOn, Tunecore, Distrokid, CD Baby, ONErpm, LANDR, and Indiefy. When choosing a distributor, it is important to consider factors such as their reputation, fees, and the additional services they offer. SoundOn is an excellent choice for artists looking to build a career and find new fans through platforms like TikTok and their exclusive partners.

2. Prepare Your Music Files

Ensure that your music files meet the required specifications set by the distributor and streaming platforms like Spotify. Typically, you will need high-quality audio files, album artwork, and metadata information (like song titles, album names, and artist names).

3. Submit Your Music

Once you have prepared your files, the next step is to submit them to the chosen record distributor. This process usually involves uploading the audio files, artwork, and filling out the necessary metadata information on the distributor's platform.

4. Review and Verification

After submission, the distributor will review your content to ensure it meets all the guidelines. This review process helps in maintaining the quality and legality of the music being distributed. If any issues are found, you'll be notified to make the necessary adjustments.

5. Distribution to Spotify

Once everything is in order, the distributor will proceed to distribute your music to Spotify and other selected platforms. This process can take anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks, depending on various factors such as the distributor's procedures and Spotify's own review process.

6. Monitoring and Promotion

After your music is live on Spotify, the work doesn't stop there. You need to actively monitor its performance and engage in promotional activities to maximize your reach. Many distributors, including SoundOn, offer tools and analytics to help artists track their performance and plan effective promotional strategies.

Why Use Record Distributors?

While it's technically possible to upload your music to Spotify independently, using a record distributor offers several advantages:

Professional Expertise

Distributors have the expertise to ensure your music meets all necessary guidelines and is presented professionally. They handle the intricate details of distribution, allowing you to focus more on your artistry.

Broader Reach

Distributors often have established relationships with multiple streaming platforms and retail outlets, enabling a broader reach for your music. This means your music isn't limited to Spotify but can also be available on other significant platforms, maximizing your potential audience.

Additional Services

Many distributors offer additional services such as marketing support, playlist pitching, and royalty collection. These services can be incredibly beneficial in promoting your music and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your work.

Conclusion

Getting your music on Spotify is an essential step for any artist looking to make a mark in today's digital music landscape. Record distributors play a critical role in this process, offering the tools, expertise, and support necessary to ensure your music is presented professionally and reaches the widest possible audience. By choosing a reliable distributor like SoundOn, you can focus on what you do best—creating music—while leaving the complexities of distribution to the professionals.