Getting Your Music Heard: How Long Does DistroKid Take to Deliver to Spotify?

So, you’ve poured your heart and soul into crafting that perfect track, and now you’re itching to unleash it upon the world via Spotify. The natural question buzzing in your mind is: How long does it actually take for DistroKid to get your music onto Spotify? The short answer is usually between 2 to 7 days. However, that’s just the headline. The real story involves a web of factors that can influence this timeline. Let’s dive deep into the nitty-gritty.

Understanding the DistroKid to Spotify Timeline

While DistroKid boasts efficiency, the process of getting your music onto Spotify isn’t instantaneous. Here’s a breakdown of the typical stages and what you can expect:

1. Submission to DistroKid: This is where your journey begins. You upload your tracks, artwork, and metadata to DistroKid’s platform. Make sure everything is accurate! Typos and incorrect information can cause delays.
2. DistroKid Processing: DistroKid needs to process your submission. This involves checking that your files meet their specifications and formatting them correctly for distribution. This typically takes 1-2 days.
3. Delivery to Spotify: Once DistroKid has processed your release, they transmit the files to Spotify. This is largely automated and relatively quick, but can still take up to 24 hours.
4. Spotify Processing: This is where the real variable lies. Spotify has its own internal processes for reviewing and ingesting new music. This includes automated checks for copyright infringement and ensuring the music meets their quality standards. This stage usually takes 1-5 days.
5. Release Date Activation: Finally, on your specified release date, your music goes live on Spotify!

Important Note: This timeline assumes everything goes smoothly. Errors, metadata discrepancies, or issues with your audio files can all lead to delays.

Factors Affecting the Delivery Time

Several factors can influence how long it takes for your music to appear on Spotify through DistroKid:

• Time of Submission: Submitting your music on a Friday evening might mean your submission doesn’t get processed until Monday morning, potentially adding a couple of days to the timeline. Weekends and holidays can slow things down.
• Release Date Buffer: DistroKid recommends submitting your music at least two weeks before your desired release date. This provides ample time for processing and allows you to pitch your song to Spotify’s editorial playlists before it goes live (a crucial step for visibility).
• Metadata Accuracy: Accurate and complete metadata is crucial. Double-check your song titles, artist names, album titles, and genre classifications. Incorrect or inconsistent information can trigger delays or even rejection.
• Artwork Compliance: Your album artwork must meet Spotify’s specifications regarding size, resolution, and content. Low-quality or inappropriate artwork can cause processing delays.
• Account Standing: If you’ve previously had issues with copyright infringement or violated DistroKid’s or Spotify’s terms of service, your releases might be subject to more scrutiny, leading to longer processing times.
• Spotify’s Ingestion Queue: Spotify processes a massive amount of music every day. The length of their ingestion queue can vary, affecting how quickly your music is processed.
• Pre-Save Campaigns: Running a pre-save campaign can sometimes expedite the process, as it signals to Spotify that there’s demand for your music. However, this is not guaranteed.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls and Speeding Up the Process

While you can’t control Spotify’s internal processes, you can take steps to minimize delays and ensure a smooth release:

• Submit Early: As mentioned, aim for at least two weeks before your release date. This is non-negotiable if you plan to pitch to Spotify’s editorial playlists.
• Double-Check Everything: Proofread your metadata, verify your artwork, and ensure your audio files meet Spotify’s specifications.
• Read DistroKid’s Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with DistroKid’s guidelines and best practices for submitting music.
• Choose the Right Release Date: Avoid releasing music on major holidays or during peak release periods (e.g., Fridays).
• Don’t Submit Multiple Times: Submitting the same release multiple times can actually slow down the process.
• Be Patient: Remember that Spotify processes a huge volume of music. It takes time.

FAQs: Your DistroKid to Spotify Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the DistroKid to Spotify delivery process:

1. Can I expedite the process with DistroKid?

Generally, no. DistroKid doesn’t offer a “rush” service for standard releases. Their system processes submissions in the order they are received. The best way to expedite the process is to ensure your submission is perfect from the start, minimizing any potential for delays due to errors.

2. What if my music is late appearing on Spotify?

First, be patient and wait the full 7 days. If it’s still not there after a week, contact DistroKid’s support team with your ISRC codes and release information. They can investigate the issue and communicate with Spotify if necessary.

3. What are Spotify’s audio requirements?

Spotify prefers high-quality audio files. The recommended format is WAV, 16-bit, 44.1 kHz. Avoid using lossy formats like MP3 for your master files.

4. What are Spotify’s artwork requirements?

Your artwork should be a perfect square, with a minimum size of 3000×3000 pixels. It should be in JPG or PNG format and have a resolution of at least 300 DPI. Avoid blurry or pixelated images.

5. Can I change my release date after submitting to DistroKid?

Yes, you can change your release date, but it’s best to do so before your music has been delivered to Spotify. Log into your DistroKid account, find the release, and edit the release date. Note that changing the date too close to the original release date might not be possible.

6. What is an ISRC code, and why is it important?

ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique identifier for each track. It’s essential for tracking sales and royalties. DistroKid automatically assigns ISRCs to your tracks.

7. What is a UPC code, and why is it important?

UPC (Universal Product Code) is a unique identifier for your album or single. It’s used to identify your release across different platforms. DistroKid also automatically assigns UPCs.

8. Can I pitch my music to Spotify’s editorial playlists through DistroKid?

Yes! DistroKid provides a tool to pitch your unreleased music to Spotify’s editorial team. This is a crucial step for increasing your visibility and potentially landing a coveted playlist placement. Submit your pitch at least 7 days before your release date for the best chance of being considered.

9. What happens if my music is rejected by Spotify?

Spotify can reject music for various reasons, including copyright infringement, poor audio quality, or violations of their content guidelines. DistroKid will notify you if your release is rejected. You’ll need to address the issue and resubmit your music.

10. Can I use a different distributor and then switch to DistroKid?

Yes, you can switch distributors. However, you’ll need to take down your music from your previous distributor before uploading it to DistroKid to avoid duplicate content issues. Make sure you have all the necessary ISRC and UPC codes.

11. Does DistroKid take a percentage of my royalties from Spotify?

No. DistroKid charges a flat annual fee and allows you to keep 100% of your royalties (minus any taxes or bank fees).

12. What is Spotify for Artists, and should I claim my profile?

Spotify for Artists is a platform that allows you to manage your artist profile, track your performance data, and connect with your fans on Spotify. Claiming your artist profile is essential. It gives you control over your artist image, bio, and featured playlists. DistroKid provides instructions on how to claim your Spotify for Artists profile.

By understanding the DistroKid to Spotify delivery process and following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and successful release. Good luck getting your music heard!