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How to Get SoundCloud Songs on Spotify: A Musician’s Guide

So, you’ve poured your heart and soul into crafting tracks on SoundCloud, and now you’re itching to reach a wider audience on Spotify? You’re not alone. It’s a question every aspiring artist eventually asks: How do I get my SoundCloud songs onto Spotify? The direct answer: You can’t directly upload from SoundCloud to Spotify. Spotify doesn’t allow direct uploads from artists. You need to use a digital music distributor to get your music on Spotify and other major streaming platforms.

Understanding the Landscape: Distribution is Key

The world of music streaming is built on a complex infrastructure. Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music – they all rely on distributors to handle the complexities of licensing, royalties, and formatting. Think of digital distributors as the gatekeepers. They take your tracks, ensure they meet all the technical requirements of each platform, and then deliver them to the stores. They also handle tracking your streams and paying you royalties. Crucially, these platforms don’t typically accept submissions directly from independent artists.

Choosing the Right Distributor: Your Music’s New Best Friend

Selecting the right distributor is a crucial decision. They’re essentially your business partner in the digital realm. Several prominent distributors are available, each with its own pricing models, features, and strengths:

DistroKid: Known for its affordable annual subscription model and unlimited uploads. It’s a great option for prolific artists who release music frequently.
TuneCore: Offers a pay-per-release model, which can be attractive if you only plan on releasing music occasionally.
CD Baby: A well-established distributor with a strong focus on physical distribution (CDs, vinyl) in addition to digital. They offer options for both distribution and publishing administration.
Amuse: Offers a free tier with a commission on royalties, and paid tiers with more features and a larger royalty share.

Factors to Consider

Before settling on a distributor, weigh these factors:

Pricing: How much does it cost to upload a single, an EP, or an album? Are there annual fees?
Royalty Splits: How much of the royalties do you get to keep? Most distributors offer 100% royalty retention, but some may take a commission.
Features: Does the distributor offer features like split royalties, YouTube Content ID, or pre-save links?
Reporting: How detailed and transparent is their reporting system? You’ll want to be able to easily track your streams and earnings.
Customer Support: Is their customer support responsive and helpful?
Reputation: What do other artists say about their experience with the distributor? Read reviews and do your research.

The Distribution Process: Step-by-Step

Once you’ve selected your distributor, the process of getting your music on Spotify generally involves these steps:

Create an Account: Sign up for an account on your chosen distributor’s website.
Upload Your Music: This is where you upload your audio files (usually in WAV format for the highest quality). Ensure your files are properly mastered and meet the technical specifications of the distributor.
Provide Metadata: You’ll need to enter all the essential information about your track, including:
- Artist Name: Make sure this matches your Spotify artist profile (or is consistent if you’re creating a new one).
- Track Title: Accurately reflect the track’s title.
- Album Title: If it’s part of an album or EP, enter the album title.
- Genre: Select the genre that best fits your music. This helps Spotify categorize your music and recommend it to relevant listeners.
- Release Date: Choose a release date. Most distributors recommend setting a release date several weeks or months in advance to allow time for Spotify’s editorial teams to review your music for playlist consideration.
- Copyright Information: Enter your copyright information correctly.
- Artwork: Upload high-resolution album art. This is the first thing people will see, so make it visually appealing!
Set Pricing (If Applicable): Some distributors may allow you to set the price of your music on download stores.
Select Streaming Platforms: Choose the streaming platforms you want your music to be distributed to, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, etc.
Pay Distribution Fees: Pay any required distribution fees.
Submit and Wait: Once you’ve submitted your music, the distributor will process your request and send it to the selected streaming platforms. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, so be patient.

Claiming Your Spotify Artist Profile: The Blue Checkmark and Beyond

Once your music is live on Spotify, you’ll want to claim your Spotify Artist profile. This allows you to customize your profile, track your stats, and access tools like Spotify for Artists.

Spotify for Artists: This platform gives you valuable insights into your listeners, your streams, and your audience demographics. You can also use it to pitch your music to Spotify’s editorial team for playlist consideration.
Claiming Your Profile: You can claim your profile through Spotify for Artists. You’ll need to verify your identity and provide proof that you are the artist.
Customization: Once you’ve claimed your profile, you can customize it with your bio, profile picture, and artist playlists.

Promoting Your Music: Getting Heard on Spotify

Getting your music on Spotify is just the first step. You need to actively promote it to reach a wider audience.

Spotify Playlists: Getting your music on Spotify playlists is one of the best ways to increase your streams and reach new listeners.
Social Media: Use social media to promote your music and engage with your fans.
Pre-Save Campaigns: Use pre-save campaigns to generate excitement for your upcoming releases.
Collaborate with Other Artists: Collaborating with other artists can help you reach a new audience.
Run Ads: Consider running Spotify ads to target specific demographics.

FAQs: Addressing Your Burning Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about getting your SoundCloud songs on Spotify:

1. Can I upload SoundCloud tracks directly to Spotify?

No, you cannot directly upload from SoundCloud to Spotify. You need a digital music distributor.

2. How much does it cost to get my music on Spotify?

The cost varies depending on the distributor. Some distributors charge a flat fee per release, while others offer annual subscriptions or even free tiers with a commission.

3. How long does it take for my music to appear on Spotify after I upload it?

It typically takes a few days to a few weeks for your music to appear on Spotify after you submit it to your distributor.

4. What audio file format should I use when uploading my music?

WAV format is generally recommended for the highest quality audio.

5. Do I need to own the copyright to my music to distribute it?

Yes, you must own the copyright to your music to legally distribute it.

6. What is a Spotify URI, and why do I need it?

A Spotify URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) is a unique identifier for your music on Spotify. You don’t typically need it for uploading. It’s more relevant for sharing links directly to your tracks within the Spotify platform.

7. What are ISRC and UPC codes, and how do I get them?

An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique identifier for each individual track. A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a unique identifier for an album or EP. Your distributor will typically provide these codes when you upload your music.

8. Can I remove my music from Spotify if I want to?

Yes, you can remove your music from Spotify by contacting your distributor.

9. What happens if my music is already on Spotify without my permission?

This is a tricky situation. You’ll need to contact Spotify directly and provide proof that you own the copyright to the music. You’ll also likely need to contact the distributor who uploaded the music and request its removal.

10. What is “territory availability,” and why is it important?

Territory availability refers to the regions where your music is available on Spotify. You can usually choose which territories you want your music to be available in. Consider global availability to maximize your reach, unless you have specific regional restrictions.

11. How do I get on Spotify playlists?

There’s no guaranteed way to get on Spotify playlists, but here are some tips:

Pitch your music to Spotify’s editorial team through Spotify for Artists.
Focus on creating high-quality music.
Promote your music on social media.
Engage with your fans.
Consider working with a music publicist.

12. What’s the difference between a Spotify Artist profile and a Spotify user profile?

A Spotify Artist profile is specifically for artists and musicians. It allows you to customize your profile, track your stats, and access tools like Spotify for Artists. A Spotify user profile is a regular user account that anyone can create.