How to Upload Songs to Spotify?

If you're a musician looking to get your music heard on a global scale, uploading your songs to Spotify is a crucial step. This popular streaming platform can vastly expand your reach and boost your career. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of uploading your songs to Spotify and help you understand the distinction between an EP and an album, ensuring you make the best choice for your music release strategy.

Steps to Upload Your Songs to Spotify

Uploading your music to Spotify involves a few key steps. Here's a comprehensive guide to get you started:

1. Sign Up with a Music Distributor

Spotify does not allow artists to upload music directly to their platform. You need to go through a music distributor to get your songs on Spotify. Distributors like SoundOn, Tunecore, Distrokid, CDbaby, ONErpm, LANDR, Indiefy, and Amuse offer services to help you release your music on Spotify and other streaming platforms.

2. Prepare Your Music Files

Ensure your songs are of high quality and are properly mastered. Most distributors will require your tracks in WAV format. Additionally, prepare your album artwork, which should be a minimum of 3000 x 3000 pixels in JPEG or PNG format.

3. Create an Account with Your Chosen Distributor

After choosing a distributor, create an account on their platform. Platforms like SoundOn offer easy sign-up processes and plenty of resources to help you get started.

4. Upload Your Music and Artwork

Follow the distributor’s instructions to upload your songs and artwork. Make sure to provide accurate metadata, including song titles, artist names, genres, and release dates. This information is crucial as it affects how your music is categorized and discovered on Spotify.

5. Select Release Date and Submit for Distribution

Choose your release date. It's advisable to set a release date a few weeks in advance to allow for promotion and playlist pitching. Once everything is uploaded and set, submit your music for distribution. Your distributor will take it from there and ensure your music is delivered to Spotify and other streaming platforms.

EP vs Album: Understanding the Difference

When planning a music release, it's essential to decide whether to put out an EP or an album. While both have their merits, they serve different purposes and come with unique advantages.

What is an EP?

An EP, or Extended Play, is a musical recording that contains more songs than a single but is shorter than an album. Typically, an EP includes 3 to 6 tracks and lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. EPs are perfect for emerging artists who want to share their music without the commitment of a full album. They are also a great way to keep fans engaged between album releases.

What is an Album?

An album is a more extensive collection of music, usually featuring 10 or more tracks with a total run time of 30 to 80 minutes. Albums are generally released after an artist has gained some recognition and have more resources to dedicate to a longer project. Albums allow artists to explore deeper themes and concepts, providing a more comprehensive listening experience.

Reasons to Choose an EP

• Cost-Effective: Recording an EP is less expensive and time-consuming than an album.
• Frequent Releases: You can keep releasing new content more frequently, keeping your audience engaged.
• Perfect for New Artists: EPs are great for testing the waters and building a fan base.

Reasons to Choose an Album

• Storytelling: Albums provide a broader canvas to tell a story or explore a concept.
• Professionalism: Releasing a full album often signifies a major step in an artist’s career.
• Fan Engagement: Albums create a more immersive experience and often lead to greater fan loyalty.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to release an EP or an album, uploading your songs to Spotify is a pivotal move in your music career. By understanding the different formats and following the necessary steps to get your music distributed, you can make informed decisions that best suit your career goals. If you haven't already, consider signing up with SoundOn to start your distribution journey and reach new heights with your music.