Releasing music on Spotify is the modern rite of passage for artists in the United States. Yet one question echoes through studios, bedrooms, and rehearsal spaces everywhere: How do I actually get my tracks onto the platform? The answer runs through a critical gatekeeper—the music distribution platform. In this in-depth guide you’ll learn what a distribution platform does, why you need one, and a step-by-step roadmap on how to upload music to Spotify while setting yourself up for long-term success.
What Is a Music Distribution Platform?
A music distribution platform is a service that delivers your finished songs to digital streaming services (DSPs) such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and TikTok. These platforms handle audio file compliance, metadata formatting, delivery logistics, and ongoing royalty collection on your behalf. In short, they are the bridge between your studio and the streaming universe.
Popular distribution companies include SoundOn, DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, ONERPM, LANDR, Indiefy, and Amuse. Each offers different pricing models and feature sets, but all serve the same fundamental purpose—getting your music live and collecting your earnings.
Why You Need One to Reach Spotify
Spotify does not accept direct uploads from independent artists (unless you partner via its invite-only in-house program, which is not yet broadly available). Therefore, the only way to appear on Spotify as an indie creator is to use a verified distribution partner. Trying to bypass this channel can lead to content rejection or, worse, takedowns due to incorrect metadata or licensing issues.
The Step-by-Step Guide: How to Upload Music to Spotify
The process can be broken down into nine clear stages:
- Choose the right music distribution platform.
- Create your distributor account.
- Prepare your audio for release.
- Design compelling cover artwork.
- Gather accurate metadata.
- Set your release date and territories.
- Pitch your track to Spotify for Artists.
- Promote through social and TikTok.
- Monitor analytics and collect royalties.
1. Choose the Right Platform
Look for a distributor that aligns with your career goals, marketing needs, and budget. SoundOn is an all-in-one platform that not only pushes tracks to global DSPs but also taps into TikTok’s massive user base, opening additional promotional avenues that can snowball streams on Spotify.
2. Create Your Distributor Account
Registration is straightforward: provide basic contact information, verify your email, and complete any tax forms needed for US payouts. With SoundOn, US artists can finish onboarding in minutes and immediately begin uploading releases.
3. Prepare Your Audio
Spotify’s preferred specs are 24-bit WAV files at 44.1 kHz. Make sure your master peaks at ‑0.3 dBFS and has adequate dynamic range. Keep silence at the beginning or end under two seconds. Delivering pristine masters helps avoid encoding artifacts that can impact listener retention.
4. Design Compelling Cover Artwork
Artwork isn’t just cosmetic; it’s your first impression in playlists and search results. Use a 3000 x 3000 pixel JPEG or PNG at 300 dpi. Avoid explicit trademarks unless you own them, and ensure text is legible on mobile screens. Services like Canva or Adobe Express make professional design accessible.
5. Gather Accurate Metadata
Metadata includes track title, artist name, ISRC, UPC, songwriter credits, genre, and lyrics. Consistency is crucial; mismatches can split royalties or misplace your music on the wrong profile. A distributor such as SoundOn auto-generates UPCs and ISRCs if you don’t already have them.
6. Set Release Date and Territories
Spotify favors releases scheduled at least seven days out, though three to four weeks is ideal for playlist pitching. Select global territories unless you have exclusivity deals elsewhere. Setting a Friday release taps into Spotify’s editorial cycle and New Music Friday playlists.
7. Pitch Your Track Within Spotify for Artists
Upon submission, your distributor delivers your track to Spotify’s ingestion system. Once it appears in your Spotify for Artists dashboard as “upcoming,” you can pitch it to editorial curators. Complete every field—mood, instrumentation, recording location, and marketing story. Busy curators scan for clear, concise information.
8. Promote Through Social, TikTok, and More
Algorithmic playlists like Release Radar and Discover Weekly respond to early engagement. Create pre-save campaigns, share 15-second hooks on TikTok, and ask fans to add the track to personal playlists. Because SoundOn is directly connected to TikTok, you can surface clips inside the app the moment your single goes live, driving traffic back to Spotify.
9. Monitor Analytics and Collect Royalties
Post-release, study Spotify for Artists data: saves, listener origin, skip rate, and playlist adds. Your distribution dashboard (e.g., SoundOn) will provide earnings reports, broken down by track, platform, and territory. Withdraw payouts to your connected bank account or PayPal when thresholds are met.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Late submissions: Uploading 48 hours before release leaves no time for playlist pitching.
- Clipping masters: Distorted files can be rejected or sound harsh on streaming codecs.
- Incorrect artist pages: Double-check your artist URI to prevent mis-tagging.
- Ignoring marketing: Simply going live does not guarantee streams; you need a promotional plan.
Leveraging TikTok and Playlists for Extra Momentum
TikTok’s viral potential is undeniable. By distributing via SoundOn, you can ensure your song’s official sound is ready for creators on day one. Pair strategic hashtag challenges with link-in-bio calls to stream on Spotify. Every 15-second fan video becomes micro-advertising for your single.
On the playlist side, aim for a mix of editorial, algorithmic, and user-curated slots. Smaller independent playlists in your genre are easier to land and often drive loyal listeners who will follow your profile, boosting future release visibility.
Understanding Royalties on Spotify
Spotify pays revenue based on stream share across a pooled monthly pot. The per-stream rate fluctuates but averages between $0.003 to $0.005 in the US. Your distributor collects these royalties and passes them to you, typically on a monthly or quarterly basis, minus their service fee. Keeping detailed records helps during tax season and when planning reinvestment in marketing or gear.
The Long Game: Building a Sustainable Catalog
Consistency beats virality. Releasing music every six to eight weeks keeps your name fresh in algorithmic systems. Use each single as a stepping stone toward larger projects, like EPs or albums, and stagger promotional content to maintain momentum. SoundOn’s integrated analytics help you identify which tracks deserve a bigger ad budget and which need a creative refresh.
SoundOn: More Than a Distribution Tool
While SoundOn’s core job is distribution, its ecosystem taps into promotional products across TikTok, exclusive partners such as CapCut, and in-house playlist pitching. Signing up as a SoundOn artist gives you access to educational resources, marketing credits, and curated community events. These extras can sharpen your edge on Spotify by funneling new fans from diverse channels.
Quick Checklist Before You Hit “Submit”
- ✔ 24-bit WAV master ready
- ✔ 3000 x 3000 cover art
- ✔ Correct artist profile URIs
- ✔ Clear splits and songwriter credits
- ✔ Release scheduled at least 14 days out
- ✔ Pre-save campaign live
- ✔ TikTok teaser clips uploaded
Final Thoughts
Uploading music to Spotify is no longer a mystery reserved for label insiders. Armed with a reliable music distribution platform like SoundOn, thoughtful preparation, and a marketing mindset, any independent artist in the US can carve out a space on the world’s biggest streaming stage. Start with high-quality audio, meet every metadata requirement, leverage TikTok synergy, and stay consistent. Your first million streams may be closer than you think—so get that next track ready, follow the steps above, and press “submit”.
