Have you ever produced a song that you’re dying to put out there, but it’s just not the right time yet? Maybe you’re still fine-tuning it, or you don’t want to detract from your current releases. Whatever the reason, it’s possible to add unpublished songs to your Spotify profile without releasing them to the public. This guide will walk you through several different methods to accomplish this.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before you get started, there are several things you’ll need:
- A Spotify account
- The file of your unreleased song
- Audio editing software (optional, but recommended)
- A device to play the song from
What Requires Your Focus?
There are a few different aspects of this process that require your attention:
- Choosing the method that works best for you
- Prepping your song file
- Adding your song to Spotify
- Ensuring your song is set to "private"
Different Methods to Put Unreleased Songs on Spotify
Method 1: Adding Unreleased Songs to Spotify as Local Files
This is a simple method that involves adding your unpublished song to the "Local Files" section of your Spotify account. This will allow you to listen to the song on all of your devices, but it won’t be available to the public.
- Open the Spotify app on your computer
- Click "Edit" in the top menu, then select "Preferences"
- Scroll down to "Local Files" and click "Add a Source"
- Select the folder where your song file is saved
- Check the box next to the folder you just added, then click "OK"
- Your song should now appear in the "Local Files" section of your Spotify library
Pros:
-Easy to do
-Song is available on all your devices
-Song is playable offline
Cons:
-Song is only available to you
-Song is not available on other devices besides yours
Method 2: Uploading Your Unreleased Song to Soundcloud
Soundcloud is a music-sharing platform that can be used to host your music and share it with others. Although uploading your song to Soundcloud doesn’t automatically add it to your Spotify profile, it is a good way to share your song with others without making it widely available.
- Create an account on Soundcloud if you haven’t already
- Upload your song file to Soundcloud
- Ensure your song is set to "private"
- Share your song by sending the link to people you want to have access to it
Pros:
-Easy to do
-Song is available to selected people
-Song can be easily shared
Cons:
-Song is not available on your Spotify profile
-Soundcloud has size limitations for free accounts
Method 3: Sending Your Unreleased Song to a Collaborator
If you’re working on a project with someone else, you can share your unreleased song with them privately through Spotify.
- Open Spotify on your computer or mobile device
- Click on your name in the top right corner and select "Account"
- Find the song you want to share and hover over it
- Click on the "…" button
- Select "Copy Song Link"
- Paste the link into an email or message and send it to your collaborator
Pros:
-Easy to do
-Song is available to one person or a select group
-Song can be played on all devices with a Spotify account
Cons:
-Song is not available on your Spotify profile
-Sharing permissions can be limited
Method 4: Uploading Your Unreleased Song to DistroKid
DistroKid is a music distribution platform that allows artists to upload their music to various streaming platforms, including Spotify. While this method requires a paid subscription, it is a good way to ensure a higher level of control over your unreleased music.
- Sign up for a DistroKid account and select the appropriate plan
- Upload your unreleased song to DistroKid
- Select "Hide from all stores" to keep the song private
- Wait for DistroKid to process and verify your song
- Once verified, your song will be available in your "Content" section
- Click on the "Add to stores and playlister" button
- Choose "Spotify" as the platform and select "Hide from streaming services"
- Your song should now be added to your Spotify account as a private song
Pros:
-Higher level of control over your unreleased song
-Song is available on your Spotify profile
-DistroKid offers other distribution options
Cons:
-Requires a paid subscription to DistroKid
-Process can take several days
Why Can’t I Put Unreleased Songs on Spotify?
There are several reasons why people may be unable to add their unpublished songs to Spotify. Here are three possible explanations and fixes:
- Limitations of a Free Account: Free Spotify accounts have certain limitations, such as the ability to only listen to music on shuffle mode. If you’re having trouble adding an unreleased song and have a free account, you may need to upgrade to a Premium account.
- Licensing Issues: If you’ve used samples or copyrighted material in your unreleased song,
Spotify may reject it. To avoid this, ensure all of the content in your song is original or properly licensed. - Spotify’s Quality Standards: Spotify has certain standards for sound quality. If your song doesn’t meet these standards, Spotify may reject it. Check the quality of your song file and ensure it meets the necessary standards.
5 FAQs about Putting Unreleased Songs on Spotify
Q1: Can I add an unreleased song to my Spotify profile without making it public?
A: Yes, there are several methods you can use to add an unpublished song to your Spotify profile without making it available to the public, such as adding it as a local file or uploading it to DistroKid.
Q2: Will adding an unreleased song to my Spotify profile affect my current releases?
A: No, adding an unreleased song to your Spotify profile will not affect your current releases or their standing on the platform.
Q3: Is it possible to remove an unreleased song from my Spotify profile?
A: Yes, simply delete the song from your local files or remove it from DistroKid, and it should no longer appear on your Spotify profile.
Q4: Can I share an unreleased song on my Spotify profile with specific people?
A: No, you cannot share a private song on your Spotify profile with select individuals. However, you can share it through other methods, such as sending the song link privately through Spotify or uploading it to Soundcloud and sharing the link.
Q5: Will adding an unreleased song to DistroKid affect my release schedule?
A: No, adding an unreleased song to DistroKid and marking it as "hidden" will not affect your current release schedule.
In Conclusion
Adding an unreleased song to your Spotify profile is a great way to ensure your upcoming music is organized and accessible. Whether you choose to add it as a local file, upload it to Soundcloud, send it privately through Spotify, or distribute it through DistroKid, there are several methods to accomplish this. Remember to take care when prepping your song file and ensure it meets Spotify’s quality and licensing standards. Good luck!