Getting Your Music on Spotify and Apple Music: A Step-by-Step Guide
As a musician, getting your music on popular music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music can be a game-changer for your career. With millions of users worldwide, these platforms offer exposure to a massive audience, allowing you to reach a wider fan base and monetize your music. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of getting your music on Spotify and Apple Music.
Step 1: Prepare Your Music
Before submitting your music to Spotify and Apple Music, ensure your tracks are professionally mixed and mastered. You can hire a sound engineer or use online mastering services to get high-quality mixes. Make sure your tracks are in a suitable format (e.g., WAV or AIFF) and in the correct sample rate (44.1 kHz or 48 kHz).
Step 2: Register with a Music Distributor
Spotify and Apple Music require you to work with a registered music distributor, authorized to deliver your music to their platforms. Some popular music distributors include:
- DistroKid
- Tunecore
- AWAL
- CD Baby
- Label engines
Choose a distributor that best suits your needs, taking into account fees, redistribution rates, and services offered. Create an account, and follow their guidelines to set up your account and upload your music.
Step 3: Create a Spotify Account
To submit your music to Spotify, you need a Spotify for Artists account. This free account allows you to manage your artist profile, track your performance, and engage with fans. Create a Spotify account and fill out your profile with your artist information, including your name, genre, and bio.
Step 4: Submit Your Music to Spotify
Using your distributor’s platform, upload your music files (mp3 or WAV) and submit them to Spotify. The distributor will handle metadata formatting, such as title, artist, and album art. You can also manually enter the metadata if you prefer.
Step 5: Submit Your Music to Apple Music
Similar to Spotify, you’ll need to create an Apple Music for Artists account. This account allows you to manage your artist profile, track performances, and interact with fans. Create an Apple Music account and fill out your profile with your artist information.
Step 6: Submit Your Music to Apple Music
Using your distributor’s platform, upload your music files (mp3 or ALAC) and submit them to Apple Music. As with Spotify, the distributor will handle metadata formatting, such as title, artist, and album art. You can also manually enter the metadata if you prefer.
Setting Your Release Date and Price
Spotify and Apple Music use a freemium business model, with a mix of free and paid tiers. To ensure your music is available on both platforms, set your release date and price:
- Spotify: Set your release date and price using your distributor’s platform. You can choose from various options, including a free release or a paid release.
- Apple Music: Set your release date and price using your Apple Music for Artists account. You can choose from various price tiers, including $0.99, $1.29, or $1.99 per track, or $9.99 for an album.
Setting Your Album Artwork
Both Spotify and Apple Music require high-quality album artwork (98 x 98 pixels or larger). Ensure your artwork meets the following guidelines:
- Spotify: 1200 x 1200 pixels, RGB, JPEG or PNG, less than 500 KB
- Apple Music: 1400 x 1400 pixels, RGB, JPEG or PNG, less than 500 KB
Final Check
Before submitting your music, review the following:
- Ensure your music files are in the correct format and bit rate.
- Verify that your metadata (title, artist, album art) is accurate and complete.
- Check your release date and price settings.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to get my music on Spotify and Apple Music?
A: The time it takes to get your music on these platforms varies. Spotify typically takes 1-3 business days, while Apple Music can take 1-7 business days.
Q: Can I withdraw my music from the platforms?
A: Yes, you can withdraw your music from Spotify and Apple Music using your distributor’s platform or directly through your Spotify or Apple Music for Artists account.
Q: Do I need to have a record label to get my music on Spotify and Apple Music?
A: No, you don’t need a record label to get your music on Spotify and Apple Music. You can work with a music distributor to deliver your music directly to these platforms.
Q: How do I track my performance on Spotify and Apple Music?
A: You can track your performance on both platforms using your Spotify for Artists or Apple Music for Artists account. You can view analytics, such as streams, listeners, and earnings, to monitor your success.
Conclusion
Getting your music on Spotify and Apple Music requires some effort, but by following these steps, you can succeed in reaching a massive audience and monetizing your music. By understanding the guidelines, requirements, and tools available, you’ll be well on your way to a successful music streaming career.
0 Comments