Getting your song onto Spotify is not the same as uploading a file to a social app. For audio releases, Spotify uses distributor or label delivery first, then Spotify for Artists access for managing the release.
Here is the clean order: choose a distributor, submit release-ready music and metadata, claim artist access, then check the upcoming release before launch day.
Start with a music distributor
This applies when you are an independent artist publishing a song, EP, or album to Spotify’s public catalog. Distributors handle delivery to Spotify, along with music distribution, licensing, royalties, and release setup.
Go to Spotify for Artists and choose Get started.
Use Choose a distributor, then open Browse directory to find a provider.
After you pick a distributor, finish the release inside that distributor’s service.
Upload the final audio, add metadata such as the album title, credits, and release date, then upload the cover art.
The distributor sends the release to Spotify. If you are signed to a record label, work through the label because it likely already has a distributor for delivery.
Choose a Spotify listed provider
Open the Spotify for Artists Provider Directory.
Go to Artist distributors and review the listed providers. Spotify lists services such as DistroKid, CD Baby, EmuBands, Record Union, iGroove, and others.
Select the provider you want, then choose Visit.
The upload flow continues on that provider’s website, not inside Spotify.
Pick the provider whose pricing, royalty handling, and release workflow fit the way you plan to publish.
Claim Spotify for Artists access
Once your music has been delivered, claim access so you can manage your artist presence and upcoming release tools.
- 1.Go to artists.spotify.com and choose Submit a request.
- 2.Add a link to your artist website or social channels so Spotify can verify your identity.
- 3.If you delivered music through a preferred provider, submit the request for automatic or instant Spotify for Artists access.
- 4.If the artist profile is already claimed, ask the team’s Admin to invite you.
- 5.If your first release is not live yet, ask your label or distributor for the artist link or URI, then contact Spotify with that artist link and the UPC or EAN.
Check your upcoming release
This applies after your distributor or label has delivered unreleased music to Spotify. Music can appear in Spotify for Artists around 48 hours after distributor submission.
Log in to artists.spotify.com and open Music.
Choose Upcoming to see unreleased music that has been delivered to Spotify.
Use Upcoming to check the release, copy the URI for pre-save and marketing campaigns, add a Canvas, create a Countdown Page when eligible, or pitch an eligible song.
For playlist pitching, open Music, then Upcoming, choose a song, and complete the pitch form.
Submit the pitch at least 7 days before release so the pitched song can be added to followers’ Release Radar playlists.
Skip direct audio upload myths
Older instructions may mention creating an artist profile yourself or uploading audio directly through Spotify for Artists. Spotify’s current audio publishing path does not work that way.
Artist profiles are created automatically when music is first uploaded through a label or distributor. You cannot create an artist profile yourself before delivery.
Spotify’s former Upload Beta for audio stopped accepting new uploads at the end of July 2019.
If you were looking for an upload button inside Spotify for Artists and cannot find one, use the distributor or label path instead.
Fix a release missing on launch day
The most common cause is that the release has not completed delivery or availability setup through the distributor.
Spotify needs 5 business days to get new music live.
If your music was delivered more than 5 business days before the release date and still is not live, contact your distributor.
If a label or distributor with a direct Spotify license, or a Merlin Network member, manages the release, they can use Spotify for Music Providers to check delivery status, past deliveries, availability, release dates, territory rights, and related metadata.
Spotify for Music Providers is for labels and distributors with a direct Spotify license, and Merlin Network members; it is not a normal artist account.
Add visuals and lyrics after delivery
Log in to artists.spotify.com on the web, open Music, select your track, then choose Add Canvas.
In the Spotify for Artists mobile app, open Music, select your track, then choose Edit Canvas.
To publish lyrics for listeners outside Japan, use Musixmatch Pro. Add your Spotify artist URL under Roster, choose the song from To Do or Music, open Lyrics, add or edit the lyrics, then choose Send.
For synced lyrics, open the song in Musixmatch Pro, choose Sync, adjust the timestamps, and choose Send. For listeners in Japan, lyrics are handled through PetitLyrics.
Add your Canvas and lyrics before promotion starts so your release looks finished when listeners find it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upload a song straight to Spotify without a distributor?
No. Spotify’s current public audio release path is delivery through a distributor or record label. Direct audio uploads through Spotify for Artists are no longer available.
Can I make my Spotify artist profile before my first release?
No. Spotify creates the artist profile automatically when music is first uploaded through a label or distributor. After delivery, you can claim Spotify for Artists access.
How long before release should I submit my music?
Spotify needs 5 business days to get new music live. For playlist pitching and Release Radar, submit an eligible pitch at least 7 days before release.
Do Local Files publish my music to Spotify?
No. Local Files are for private playback in the Spotify listening app. They do not publish music to Spotify’s public catalog or create an artist release.