Okay, so you have some great tracks recorded and you’re ready for the world to hear them, but as an independent artist you also want to start growing a fan base and recouping some of your expenses. What’s your first move? Even before you start marketing your music, you’ll have to get songs onto a music streaming platform like Spotify. Why Spotify? Advanced technology, mobile apps, and shareability are big factors, but the truth is with its 100 million monthly active users Spotify is expansive–everyone knows Spotify. Let’s talk about the quickest way to get your music to where your fans can find it.
Many musicians and producers are surprised to learn that Spotify doesn’t allow them to upload tracks directly onto the platform. So unless you’re signed to a record label that is handling your licensing and distribution, you’ll have to choose a distributor that meets your standards for quality metadata, royalty payment, and anti-infringement measures, then upload your music there first. One of Spotify’s preferred distributors is also the quickest way to get your music on the platform. It’s called DistroKid.
DistroKid Features for Spotify
DistroKid is an all-in-one digital distribution service for your music that does much more than just upload songs. Sure, DistroKid makes it easy to get your songs uploaded to Spotify, but you can also plan campaigns and manage your releases on Spotify, as well as maximize your reach with minimal effort, but you get more. DistroKid saves you time and hassle by walking you through how to get instantly verified with Spotify for Artists. Once you’re verified, you get:
- A personal dashboard of statistics that you can't get anywhere else
- The ability to update your Spotify artist pic and bio
- An open door to pitch your new releases to Spotify’s editorial team
- Access to the Spotify team to answer any of your questions
- A blue verified checkmark so your listeners know your account is legit
Here’s a rundown of some of the most important DistroKid features for Spotify:
Easy Upload Process - DistroKid makes the process of getting your music on Spotify quick and straightforward. Just upload your song; fill in the descriptions and details; and select Spotify as a store. From there, DistroKid handles all the rest, ensuring your song appears on Spotify without any hassle.
Unlimited Uploads - Your distributor shouldn’t slow you down. With DistroKid, you can upload as many songs and albums as you want, helping you keep your Spotify profile updated with new music. Plus, you don’t have to worry about additional fees per release like other music distribution platforms.
Instant Spotify for Artists Access - DistroKid allows you to ‘skip the line’ and gets you immediate access to Spotify for Artists where you can manage your profile, access performance analytics, and gain important insights into your audience’s listening habits.
Spotify Playlist Submission - Get more plays and fans when you submit your music for consideration on Spotify playlists through Distrokid. Getting featured on playlists can boost your song’s visibility and attract new listeners.
HyperFollow Links - This completely free (and awesomely powerful) promotional tool available to all DistroKid artists creates one link that leads to your music on all streaming services–not just Spotify. Creating customized HyperFollow landing pages for your song releases drives pre-saves and increases engagement with any new music you put on Spotify.
Canvas Generator - Get more engaged with your listeners by using this Distrokid feature to help you design an eight-second looping visual (Canvas) for each of your Spotify tracks. Media experts call these loops that run while your song is playing “a visually immersive digital experience” that immediately makes streaming music more engaging, regaining many of the missing pieces of a physical album release.
Automatic Distribution to Major Platforms - Getting your music on Spotify is big, but you get more. Besides Spotify, DistroKid distributes your music to other major streaming services and online stores, too, broadening your reach and maximizing your exposure. It’s automatic and doesn’t cost you anything extra.
Real-Time Analytics - Quickly get the information you need to succeed. Access detailed streaming data and audience insights through Spotify for Artists to understand your performance and tailor your marketing strategies effectively.
Profile Verification Assistance: You’re not alone. With Distrokid, you get guidance on how to secure a verified artist profile on Spotify, adding credibility and ensuring your profile is officially recognized.
Royalties and Collaborator Splits - When Spotify Premium or ad-supported customers stream your music, Distrokid pays you the royalties for it. Plus, if you work with collaborators, Distrokid makes it easy to manage and split royalties. This helps to ensure fair compensation and simplifies financial management. Speaking of royalties, you should know that DistroKid supports a large number of payout options, including PayPal, ACH, wire transfer, eCheck, or even a paper check!
You can learn more about DistroKid features specifically for Spotify, as well as how DistroKid can help you reach listeners on other platforms here.
Why You Need DistroKid
When you sign up at DistroKid, you won’t be alone. It’s used by major artists, like 21 Savage, Ludacris, Will Smith, and Tom Waits. Plus, with over three million artists using the service, it has become a major platform in the DIY distribution space. Why? Because for over 10 years DistroKid has been giving artists and labels easy access what they want most:
Distribution - Allows unlimited uploads to online stores and streaming services
Monetization - Makes it easy to collect 100% of your earnings
Metadata Customization - Gives you control to customize your metadata
Storage - Offers storage services
Promotion - Provides a host of smart features to promote your releases, like Playlist Spotlight, Promo Cards, and Vizy Video Generator
DistroKid’s subscription-based model makes the process of getting your music on Spotify and across other top music distribution channels quick and easy, but one of its most attractive features is that it is affordable. With annual fees starting at just $22.99 per year that include unlimited uploads, this is a distribution proposition that’s hard to beat. You can even pay a flat rate to have your music on platforms for life, even if your subscription lapses. Check out all of DistroKid’s pricing and service options.
If you are sitting on some great music or just can’t get the traction you need on the most popular streaming platforms, sign up with DistroKid and streamline your music distribution process.
