How to Get Your Song on Spotify & CD Art Dimensions

For emerging artists, understanding how to get a song on Spotify and perfecting the dimensions of CD cover art are crucial steps in building a successful music career. This comprehensive guide will walk you through these essential processes and provide insights into how platforms like SoundOn can support your journey.

How to Get Your Song on Spotify

Spotify is one of the largest global music streaming platforms, offering artists unparalleled exposure. But the process of getting your music on Spotify involves several steps.

Step 1: Choose a Music Distribution Platform

Before your music can be featured on Spotify, you'll need to partner with a music distribution service. Companies like SoundOn, Tunecore, Distrokid, CD Baby, ONErpm, LANDR, Indiefy, and Amuse can help distribute your music to Spotify and other streaming services.

Step 2: Prepare Your Music

Ensure your music is professionally recorded and mixed. High-quality tracks perform better and are more likely to attract listeners and playlist curators. Metadata, including song title, artist name, and genre, should be accurately filled out to avoid any discrepancies upon release.

Step 3: Artwork and Design

Your music’s cover art is often the first impression. Make sure your artwork adheres to Spotify's guidelines: 3000 x 3000 pixels, in JPEG format, and no larger than 4MB. Avoid blurry or pixelated images and ensure the design reflects your music’s vibe.

Step 4: Upload to Your Distributor

Once your track and artwork are ready, you can upload them to your chosen distributor. Platforms like SoundOn provide user-friendly interfaces for uploading music. During this stage, you’ll also set a release date and provide additional track details.

Step 5: Pitch to Playlist Curators

One of the best ways to get noticed on Spotify is through playlists. Use your distributor’s tools to pitch your song to playlist curators. Highlight what makes your track unique and why it would be a great fit for their playlist.

Step 6: Promote Your Release

Once your song is live, promote it across your social media channels and other marketing platforms. Engage with your listeners, encourage them to add your track to their playlists, and consistently drive traffic to your Spotify profile.

Dimensions of CD Cover Art

Even in the digital age, many artists and fans appreciate the tangible nature of CDs. Perfecting the dimensions of CD cover art is essential for a professional product.

Standard CD Cover Dimensions

The standard size for a CD cover is 4.724 inches by 4.724 inches (120mm x 120mm). This square format allows for consistent visual appeal when designing your artwork. It's important to use high-resolution images to ensure clarity when printed.

Extended Artwork

If you’re designing a booklet or any additional artwork, the most common CD booklet size is slightly larger to accommodate printing and binding margins. A typical size is 4.75 inches by 4.75 inches (121mm x 121mm) to allow for correct trimming.

Design Tips

Keep text and important elements well within the edges to avoid them being cut off during printing. It’s best to leave a 0.125-inch (3mm) bleed area around all edges. Use CMYK color mode, as it’s more accurate for printing than RGB, which is used for digital screens.

Relevance to Digital Space

Even with CD art, having cohesive branding across all platforms, including digital platforms like Spotify, can create a strong visual identity. Consider using similar artwork for both your CD covers and digital cover art for consistency.

Conclusion

Navigating the waters of music distribution and branding can seem challenging but understanding the processes to get your song on Spotify and mastering CD cover art dimensions can make a significant difference. Platforms like SoundOn are invaluable resources for both emerging and established artists. Whether you're going digital or keeping it traditional, these steps will guide you towards a professional music career.

Ready to take the next step? Register as a SoundOn artist today and elevate your music career.