How to Publish Music on Spotify: A Step-by-Step Guide for Independent Artists

Last updated: October 2026

To publish music on Spotify, deliver your release through a music distributor or label. Spotify creates your artist profile after delivery; you can then claim it through Spotify for Artists, including before your first release goes live.

This guide explains how to publish music on Spotify in the order you will actually do it, from preparing the master to checking the release.

Key Takeaways

• Finish the audio, artwork, credits and permissions before submitting.
• Compare distribution terms and leave time for delivery and corrections.
• Claim your artist profile after delivery and pitch eligible music before release.

1. Prepare your finished audio and artwork

Listen through the final master from beginning to end. Check for clipped peaks, unwanted silence, glitches and an accidentally exported demo version. Test it on headphones and speakers, and label the final file clearly so collaborators use the same version.

Spotify’s audio requirements favor FLAC and also accept qualifying WAV files. Deliver your highest-quality native stereo master, keeping its original sample rate and bit depth. Spotify specifies at least 44.1 kHz, with 24-bit when that is the native master and 16-bit only when no higher-bit-depth master exists.

Check your distributor’s upload requirements too. Do not convert a good master to MP3 or reduce it to 16-bit simply for Spotify. Its delivery guidance does not require you to remaster every song to a fixed loudness number.

Prepare clear cover artwork that meets your distributor’s specifications, and confirm you have permission to use the image.

2. Check ownership, permissions and credits

Agree on credits and revenue splits with collaborators. Keep licenses for samples, leased beats and artwork with the project. If you are releasing a cover, remix or sampled recording, confirm the permissions and distribution requirements for that specific release before submitting.

Do not assume a distributor clears every third-party right for you. Copyright registration and royalty collection are separate from uploading a recording; check the applicable process in your country. Spotify distinguishes recording royalties from publishing royalties, which can reach artists and songwriters through different organizations.

3. Choose a distributor and submit the release

Compare the actual terms for your release schedule: upfront or recurring fees, revenue share, withdrawal charges, support, collaborator splits, and what happens to your music if you cancel. A low advertised price does not describe the whole agreement.

Upload the master and artwork, then carefully check:

• Artist name and the correct existing Spotify profile, if you have one.
• Track and release titles, versions and featured artists.
• Songwriters, other requested credits and explicit-content labels.
• Release date, territories and any existing recording identifiers.

Use one consistent spelling of your artist name. Leave enough time for the distributor’s review, Spotify delivery, profile access and possible corrections; submitting on release morning leaves no room to fix errors.

4. Claim your Spotify for Artists profile

You cannot manually create an empty artist profile first. Spotify creates it when your music is uploaded.

After delivery, ask your distributor for your artist link or URI. Follow Spotify’s access instructions; for access before a first release, its support process asks for the artist link and the upcoming release’s UPC or EAN. Have your website or social profile ready to verify your identity.

Once approved, add your bio, artist images and relevant links. Check that the upcoming release belongs to the right profile.

5. Pitch eligible music before release

In Spotify for Artists, go to Music → Upcoming, choose an eligible unreleased song and complete the pitch. Describe its genre, mood, instruments, story and promotion plans accurately.

You can pitch one song at a time. Spotify recommends delivery at least seven days before release, and submitting the pitch at least seven days ahead adds the song to your followers’ Release Radar. Editorial playlist placement is not guaranteed. Allow extra time for your distributor’s delivery and your account approval.

6. Check the release and learn from listeners

On release day, test the public link, artwork, credits and playback. Share the track with your audience using a direct link and a short explanation of the song. Coordinate posts with collaborators and reply to listener feedback.

Review audience and track performance in Spotify for Artists over a meaningful period. Compare releases at similar ages rather than judging a new track against years of plays. Use what you learn to plan your next release and outreach beyond Spotify.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Spotify for Artists upload my songs?

Your distributor or label delivers the recordings. Spotify for Artists manages your profile, audience data and promotion after delivery; it does not replace distribution.

How much does publishing on Spotify cost?

Costs depend on the distributor and agreement. Check current terms, including commissions and renewal charges, before treating an offer as free or comparing it with a paid plan.