Break Through the Noise: A Checklist for Uploading Your Music to Spotify

Uploading your music to Spotify can be a great way to take control of your career and build a fanbase on the platform. However, with over 20,000 tracks being uploaded daily, it’s important to make sure your music stands out from the crowd. In this article, we’ll give you a checklist for uploading your tracks or EP on Spotify, and discuss some other vital points to consider when getting your music out there. 

1.  Distribution Services and Labels: When you are ready to distribute your music, consider using a distribution website such as DistroKid, TuneCore, or AWAL. These services allow you to easily distribute your music to Spotify, but they come with different costs and features. An alternative to this is uploading through a label, as they will handle the distribution process and cover any necessary fees.
   
2. Format and Quality: Ensure your music is properly formatted and of high quality. Spotify supports a variety of audio file formats, including MP3, WAV, and FLAC. For best audio quality, it’s recommended to upload files in lossless format (FLAC or WAV) with a bit rate of at least 320 kbps.
   
3. Artist Profile: Claim your artist profile on Spotify and get access to your “Spotify for Artists” account to track statistics. This can be done at https://artists.spotify.com/en/claim.
   
4. Complete Profile: Make sure your artist profile is complete and visually appealing, including a bio, photo, and links to your website and social media profiles. This will help listeners learn more about you and your music, and make it easier for them to find and follow you on other platforms.
5. Metadata: Use accurate and consistent metadata, including track title, artist name, album name, and release date. This will make it easier for listeners to find and organize your music.
6. Promotions: Use pre-save campaigns and a landing page to promote your upcoming release. Pre-save campaigns allow fans to automatically save an upcoming release to their library once it is live, while a landing page allows you to gather emails and share more details on the release.
7. Spotify Tools: Take advantage of Spotify’s promotional tools, such as submitting music for playlist consideration and running ads targeting specific listeners.
8. ISRC and UPC: Apply for ISRC and UPC codes, which are unique codes that identify your songs, album, or EP.

Building a Fanbase: Consistency is Key

It’s also important to remember that building a fanbase on Spotify is not a one-time process. It takes consistent effort to gain traction on the platform, and you’ll need to continue promoting your music and engaging with your fans. 

Promoting Your Music on Social Media

One way to do this is by using social media to share updates about your music, upcoming shows, and other relevant information. You can also use Instagram Stories and IGTV to share behind-the-scenes footage and sneak peeks of new songs.

Networking and Collaboration

Another important aspect of building a fanbase on Spotify is networking. Attend live events, such as music festivals and concerts, and connect with other artists and industry professionals. This can help you expand your reach and gain new fans. Additionally, collaborate with other artists and create remixes or covers of their songs. This can help you reach new audiences and gain exposure on the platform.

Tracking Your Progress on Spotify

It’s also essential to track your progress on Spotify. Utilize the “Spotify for Artists” account to monitor your streaming numbers and analyze your listeners’ demographics. This data can help you understand what type of music resonates with your audience and make adjustments to your marketing strategy accordingly.

In conclusion, getting your music on Spotify can be a superb way to take control of your career and build a fanbase on the platform. By following our checklist, utilizing the available tools and resources, uploading your music to Spotify and continuing to promote and engage with your fans, you can increase your chances of getting your music heard and building a fanbase on Spotify. Remember, building a fanbase takes time, but if you stay consistent with your effort and hard work, you can reach your goals and take your music career to the next level. Remember to stay patient and to not give up.