How to Put Your Song on iTunes & Spotify

As an aspiring artist, getting your music heard by a wider audience is one of the most crucial steps in building your career. With major digital streaming platforms like Spotify and iTunes, you have the opportunity to reach millions of potential fans worldwide. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of putting your song on iTunes and Spotify, including choosing a Spotify distributor, and the steps you need to follow to get your music online.

Why You Need a Distributor

Digital streaming platforms like Spotify and iTunes do not allow independent artists to upload their music directly. Instead, you'll need to go through a music distributor. A distributor acts as an intermediary, taking your music and distributing it to various platforms, as well as handling important details like payouts and metadata. This helps ensure your music is professionally managed and reaches a broad audience.

There are several distributors you can choose from, including SoundOn, as well as competitors like Tunecore, Distrokid, CD Baby, and LANDR. It's important to research and select a distributor that best suits your needs in terms of pricing, services, and royalties.

Steps to Distribute Your Music on Spotify

Here are the steps you need to follow to get your song onto Spotify:

1. Choose a Spotify Distributor

First, you need to select a Spotify distributor. As mentioned, platforms like SoundOn can help you distribute your music not only on Spotify but also on other digital streaming platforms. Register as a SoundOn artist to take advantage of their comprehensive marketing and distribution services.

2. Prepare Your Music

Make sure your music is ready for distribution. This includes:

• High-quality audio files (WAV or MP3)
• Album art with the correct dimensions
• Metadata such as song titles, artist name, and album information

3. Upload Your Music

Once your music is prepared, you will need to upload it to your chosen distributor’s platform. This usually involves filling out forms with your metadata, uploading your audio files and artwork, and setting a release date.

4. Submit for Review

After uploading, your music will typically undergo a review process by the distributor to ensure everything is in order. This can take a few days to a week. Some distributors offer expedited review for an additional fee.

5. Monitor Your Release

Once your music is live on Spotify, use your distributor's tools or Spotify for Artists to monitor your streams, audience demographics, and promotional opportunities. Engage with your audience by sharing your music on social media and other marketing channels.

Steps to Put Your Song on iTunes

Getting your song on iTunes involves similar steps to Spotify, with slight variations:

1. Choose a Distributor

Select a distributor that supports distribution to iTunes, such as SoundOn. Register and set up your account.

2. Prepare Your Music

Ensure your audio files, album art, and metadata are prepared, just like for Spotify. Make sure your album art meets Apple's specifications for iTunes.

3. Upload and Submit

Upload your music and metadata to your distributor's platform, then submit it for review. Make sure to select iTunes as one of the platforms for distribution.

4. Set a Release Date

Choose a release date for your music. This is particularly important if you’re planning a coordinated release campaign across multiple platforms.

5. Monitor and Promote

Once your music is live on iTunes, use tools like Apple Music for Artists to track your performance. Promote your music through social media, email lists, and other marketing channels to maximize your reach.

Conclusion

Distributing your music on Spotify and iTunes requires careful planning and the right support from a reliable distributor. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your music is professionally managed and reaches a broader audience. Remember, platforms like SoundOn offer comprehensive services to help you build your career and find new fans through global distribution.

Getting your music onto major platforms is just the beginning. Continuous promotion, engaging with your audience, and releasing high-quality content will help you grow and establish your presence in the competitive music industry.