How to Get Your Lyrics on Spotify: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve poured your heart and soul into crafting the perfect lyrics, and you want the world to sing along on Spotify? Getting your lyrics onto the platform isn’t as simple as uploading a text file, but it’s absolutely achievable. The core principle is this: Spotify sources its lyrics data from third-party providers. You need to use one of these providers to get your lyrics into their system, and then, after a period of time, they will appear on Spotify.

The Process: Engaging a Lyrics Provider

Currently, the main lyric providers for Spotify are Musixmatch and LyricFind. Let’s delve into each of them:

1. Musixmatch: The Dominant Force (and the Slightly More Complex)

Musixmatch was previously the dominant force in supplying lyrics to Spotify. While that influence has slightly diminished, it still holds significant weight and offers a particularly valuable tool for verified artists:

• Musixmatch Pro: This platform is designed for artists and their teams. You can sign up, verify your artist profile, and then claim your songs. Once claimed, you can synchronize your lyrics, meaning you can add time stamps to each line so they scroll along in time with the music on Spotify. This is crucial for the popular “live lyrics” feature.
• The Catch with Musixmatch: Musixmatch often prioritizes artists with existing recognition or catalog size. Verification can be tricky for emerging artists, but don’t let that discourage you. Persistence and a strong social media presence can help.
• Community Contribution: In the past, Musixmatch relied heavily on a community of contributors to transcribe and sync lyrics. While this is less central now, community contributions can still influence what ends up on the platform, even for independent artists.

2. LyricFind: A Simpler, More Direct Route

LyricFind is another key player, and for many independent artists, it might offer a more straightforward path to getting lyrics on Spotify:

• Licensing Agreement: LyricFind operates on a licensing model. This means you need to license your lyrics to them, which grants them the right to display them on various platforms, including Spotify.
• Distribution Partnerships: LyricFind often partners with music distributors. Check if your current distributor offers lyric distribution services through LyricFind. This is usually the easiest and most efficient route.
• Direct Submission (Less Common): While less common, you might be able to submit your lyrics directly to LyricFind. Visit their website to explore the submission process. Be prepared to provide proof of ownership of the copyright to the lyrics.
• Monetization Potential: LyricFind, like Musixmatch, can potentially offer a revenue share for the use of your lyrics. However, the income generated is usually minimal, especially for smaller artists.

3. Choosing the Right Provider for You

Consider these factors when deciding which provider to use:

• Your Existing Distribution Setup: As mentioned, check if your distributor works with LyricFind.
• Your Artist Status: Established artists might find Musixmatch Pro more beneficial.
• Your Desire for Lyric Synchronization: If you want your lyrics to scroll in real-time, focus on Musixmatch (though LyricFind is starting to offer similar functionality).
• The Cost: Both services have associated costs, whether direct licensing fees or fees bundled into your distribution package.

The Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Once you’ve submitted your lyrics to a provider, the waiting game begins. There’s no magic bullet timeline, but here’s a general idea:

• Verification: Account verification on platforms like Musixmatch can take a few days to a week.
• Processing: Once submitted, the provider needs to process your lyrics, which can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
• Spotify Update: Finally, Spotify needs to update its database with the new lyrics. This can also take several days or weeks.

Be patient! It can take a month or more for your lyrics to appear on Spotify.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If Your Lyrics Aren’t Showing Up

• Check with Your Provider: Contact Musixmatch or LyricFind to confirm that your lyrics have been processed and distributed to Spotify.
• Verify Ownership: Ensure you’ve properly verified your artist profile and claimed your songs.
• Check for Errors: Make sure there are no typos or formatting errors in your lyrics submission.
• Give It Time: As mentioned, it takes time for Spotify to update its database. Don’t panic if your lyrics aren’t immediately visible.
• Contact Spotify Support (as a last resort): If you’ve exhausted all other options, you can contact Spotify support. However, they will likely direct you back to your lyrics provider.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

1. Can I Directly Upload Lyrics to Spotify?

No, you cannot directly upload lyrics to Spotify. Spotify relies on partnerships with third-party lyrics providers like Musixmatch and LyricFind.

2. Is it Free to Get My Lyrics on Spotify?

It depends. Musixmatch offers a free version for some functionalities, but synchronizing lyrics with Musixmatch Pro often requires a subscription. LyricFind usually involves licensing fees. Many music distributors offer lyric distribution as part of their packages, which means the cost is included in your distribution fees.

3. What Happens if My Lyrics Are Incorrect on Spotify?

If you spot incorrect lyrics, contact the provider that supplied them. If it’s Musixmatch and you’re a verified artist, you can edit the lyrics directly through Musixmatch Pro. If it’s LyricFind, contact their support.

4. Can I Get Paid for My Lyrics Being Displayed on Spotify?

Yes, potentially. Both Musixmatch and LyricFind offer revenue-sharing models, although the income generated is usually modest, especially for emerging artists. The specific payment terms vary.

5. Do I Need to Copyright My Lyrics Before Submitting Them?

While not strictly required before submitting, copyrighting your lyrics is highly recommended. Copyright protects your intellectual property and gives you legal recourse if someone uses your lyrics without permission.

6. What is Lyric Synchronization, and Why is it Important?

Lyric synchronization, also known as “time-syncing,” involves adding timestamps to each line of your lyrics so they scroll along in real-time with the music on Spotify. This creates a more engaging and interactive listening experience for fans. It’s highly desirable for the “live lyrics” feature.

7. Can I Use Multiple Lyrics Providers?

Yes, you can, but it’s generally not recommended. It can lead to confusion and conflicting lyric versions on Spotify and other platforms. Choose the provider that best suits your needs and stick with them.

8. What File Format Should I Use When Submitting Lyrics?

The specific file format requirements vary depending on the provider. However, plain text files (.txt) or .lrc (Lyrics) files are commonly accepted. Check the provider’s guidelines for specific instructions.

9. My Distributor Offers Lyric Distribution. Is This the Best Option?

Often, yes. Distributing your lyrics through your distributor is usually the easiest and most cost-effective route, especially if they partner with LyricFind.

10. What If My Music Is Instrumental? Do I Need to Do Anything?

If your music is instrumental, you obviously don’t have lyrics to submit. You don’t need to take any action regarding lyric distribution.

11. How Do I Become a Verified Artist on Musixmatch?

To become a verified artist on Musixmatch, sign up for Musixmatch Pro and follow their verification process. You’ll likely need to provide proof of ownership of your music and artist identity, such as links to your official website and social media profiles. A strong online presence helps!

12. What if My Lyrics Provider Doesn’t Support My Language?

This can be a challenge. Contact both Musixmatch and LyricFind to inquire about their support for your specific language. They may be able to accommodate you, or they may recommend alternative solutions. Consider reaching out to specialized lyrics platforms that cater to your language.