Nowadays, technology has made it possible for independent artists to have their music be heard by a wide audience through streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music. These services allow artists to distribute their music worldwide and increase their popularity. In this blog, we will go through the steps of how to get your music on Spotify and Apple Music, including the requirements and things to pay attention to, as well as some methods to help you achieve it.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we start with the methods, we need to make sure that you have the following requirements to get your music on Spotify and Apple Music.
Requirements for getting your music on Spotify:
1. You need to have your music in a digital format, such as a WAV or MP3 file.
2. Create an account on Spotify for Artists.
3. The artwork for your music must be in a square format of at least 640 x 640 pixels in size.
4. Your music should be free from explicit content to stay within the guidelines of the service.
Requirements for getting your music on Apple Music:
1. You need to have your music in a digital format, such as a WAV or MP3 file.
2. Create an account on iTunes Connect.
3. The artwork for your music must be in a square format of at least 3000 x 3000 pixels in size.
4. Your music should be free from explicit content to stay within the guidelines of the service.
What Should I Pay Attention To?
When getting your music on Spotify and Apple Music, there are some things you should pay attention to, such as the way you distribute your music and what you should avoid doing. Let’s take a look at them.
1. Choose the right distribution service: There are several music distribution services that you can choose from, each with its own set of rules and fees. Be sure to research and compare each of them before selecting one.
2. Avoid using other people’s copyrighted material: It is crucial to have ownership rights for the music you are trying to distribute. Using other people’s copyrighted material without permission can lead to legal issues.
3. Make sure your music meets the services’ guidelines: Both Spotify and Apple Music have guidelines that must be followed to get your music on their platforms. Make sure to read and follow them carefully to avoid any rejections.
4. Be patient: The process of getting your music on these platforms can take some time. So, be patient and keep checking back for updates.
Here are some methods that you can use to get your music on Spotify and Apple Music.
Method 1: Use a Music Distribution Service
Using a music distribution service can be a great way to get your music on Spotify and Apple Music. These services will do all the work for you, including formatting your music, creating artwork, and distributing it to streaming services. Follow these steps to use a music distribution service:
1. Choose a music distribution service that suits your needs.
2. Sign up for an account and create an artist profile.
3. Upload your music and artwork for each song or album.
4. Set a release date and make sure your music follows the platform’s guidelines.
5. Pay the required fees and submit your music to the distribution service.
6. Wait for your music to be reviewed and, hopefully, accepted by the streaming services.
Method 2: Sign Up with a Record Label or Music Distributor
You can also sign up with a record label or music distributor to get your music on Spotify and Apple Music. This can be a great way to gain more exposure for your music as these labels and distributors already have established connections with these streaming services. Follow these steps to get your music on Spotify and Apple Music through a record label or music distributor:
1. Research and find a reputable record label or music distributor.
2. Submit your music and press kit to the label or distributor.
3. Wait for the label or distributor to review your music and, if it’s a good fit, sign a deal with them.
4. They will handle the process of getting your music on Spotify and Apple Music.
Method 3: Sign Up with a Digital Music Aggregator
You can also sign up with a digital music aggregator, which is a service that delivers your music to multiple streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Follow these steps to use a digital music aggregator:
1. Research and choose a digital music aggregator that suits your needs and budget.
2. Create an account and fill out your artist profile.
3. Upload your music and artwork for each song or album.
4. Set a release date and make sure your music follows the platform’s guidelines.
5. Pay the required fees and submit your music to the aggregator.
6. Wait for your music to be reviewed and, hopefully, accepted by the streaming services.
Why Can’t I Get My Music on Spotify and Apple Music?
1. Your music may not meet the platform’s guidelines.
2. You may not have the necessary ownership rights for the music.
3. The music may not be in the required format.
4. The artwork may not meet the required specifications.
Fixes
1. Make sure your music meets the guidelines for the platform.
2. Ensure that you have ownership rights for the music you are trying to distribute.
3. Convert your music into the required format.
4. Update your artwork to meet the required specifications.
Suggestions
Here are some suggestions to help you get your music on Spotify and Apple Music successfully:
1. Use a music distribution service to simplify the process.
2. Read and follow the guidelines provided by the streaming platforms.
3. Ensure that your music and artwork meet the specifications required by the platforms.
4. Double-check everything before submission to avoid any errors or rejections.
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take for my music to go live on streaming services after submission?
A1. It can take up to two weeks for your music to go live on streaming services after submission, so be patient.
Q2. Can I upload my music to Spotify and Apple Music for free?
A2. No, you cannot upload your music to Spotify and Apple Music for free. You will need to pay a fee to use a music distribution service or a digital music aggregator.
Q3. How do I get paid for streams on Spotify and Apple Music?
A3. Both Spotify and Apple Music pay royalties to artists based on the number of streams they receive. You will need to sign up for a publishing service like BMI or ASCAP to collect your royalties.
Q4. Can I upload explicit content on Spotify and Apple Music?
A4. No, both platforms have guidelines regarding explicit content. It’s best to avoid using explicit language or content in your music.
Q5. How can I promote my music on Spotify and Apple Music?
A5. Use social media, blogs, and websites to promote your music on Spotify and Apple Music. You can also consider using paid advertising services like Facebook Ads or Google Ads to reach a wider audience.
Conclusion
Getting your music on Spotify and Apple Music can be a straightforward process if you follow the correct guidelines and requirements. Use a music distribution service, sign up with a record label or distributor, or sign up with a digital music aggregator to get your music on these platforms. Follow the suggestions provided, and remember to be patient as the process can take some time.