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Music is an important part of life. Ask anyone what their favorite song is, and they’ll more than likely have an answer for you. When it comes to accessing popular and new music, Spotify has been the place to go since 2006.

If you are a musician with songs you want to share with the world, then being on Spotify probably sounds like a great way to get discovered. This may have you wondering how to put music on Spotify without distributor or record label.

While we’re sure you’re hoping the process is going to be simple and easy, it’s more involved than you might think. However, we’re going to give you all of the information you need so that you can learn how to release songs on Spotify and potentially make some money as an artist.

Can You Release Music on Spotify Without a Label?

Spotify has partnered with a lot of record labels to release artist songs on this site. As one of the largest music streaming services in the world, it’s in Spotify’s best interest to release popular music because it’s in high demand and it will make them money (they are a for-profit business).

However, Spotify can also be a place where new talent is discovered, which is why you’re wondering how to put music on Spotify without distributor and asking how to release songs on Spotify without a label.

You have the opportunity to release music on Spotify without a label — meaning you don’t have to be signed with a music producer — however, as of 2019, if you’re wondering how to upload music to Spotify as an artist, you have to have a distributor or aggregator. You can’t upload songs/albums on your own.

How to Find an Aggregator

When you find yourself wondering how to put music on Spotify without distributor, the truth is that you can’t. You have to find someone who can help you with this process.

Should you find yourself asking how to release music on Spotify with the help of an aggregator or distributor, here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

Step 1: Do Your Homework

There are many different aggregators/music distributors that can help you when you’re curious about how to release songs on Spotify.

Keep in mind that working with an aggregator/distributor will cost; they don’t do this out of the kindness of their heart. How much you pay will depend on the company you work with.

Some companies may ask for a percentage of your royalties, while others may charge you an upload fee or even a monthly or yearly subscription fee. You have to decide what fits best into your budget so that you can find the best way to get music on Spotify.

When it comes to aggregators/music distribution services, some that you might consider include the following:

DistroKid

Not only will DistroKid get your music onto Spotify, but it will also ensure your songs or albums are available on TikTok, Pandora, Amazon, Apple Music, iHeartRadio, YouTube and more. You’ll only pay one price to upload limited albums and songs for one year, and you’ll be able to keep all of your earnings or set up “splits” to share your royalties with others.

Some of the other features that come with using this aggregator/distributor include music video generators, cover song clearance, TikTok and Twitch support and more.

TuneCore

TuneCore, like DistroKid, also uploads your music to other sites in addition to Spotify, including Apple Music, TikTok, Tidal, Tencent, YouTube and more. Your songs will also be available in more than 200 countries around the world. You keep 100% ownership of your songs, and you pay one yearly price to use this service.

TuneCore also offers TuneCore Rewards, which gives you access to advice from experts in the industry so that you can take your music career to new levels. The rewards program also gives you VIP access to exclusive services offered by TuneCore.

CD Baby

When wondering how to publish music on Spotify, CD Baby can help with that endeavor, as well as get your music on more than 150 streaming and downloading services worldwide. Some of the other sites include TikTok, Amazon, Pandora, Deezer, Apple Music, YouTube and more.

Pricing on this site depends on whether you are releasing a single song or an album and if you want to create a CD or vinyl. You’ll have to decide which option will get you the best return on your investment and how much you can afford.

Another option that CD Baby offers is tools to ensure you’re getting your music out to fans. They’ve partnered with Show.com so that you can grow your email list and followers on Spotify or YouTube, as well as with HearNow, which makes it easier for your fans to access your music.

AWAL

AWAL is a bit more selective when it comes to the independent artists they work with, and they offer more than just music distribution. They will put together a global release plan, do radio promotion, market you as an artist, give creative support and so much more.

They will follow your vision for success and allow you to keep ownership of your music and most of the profits, as well as give you the final say when it comes to how you share your music with the world.

If you want AWAL to consider taking you on, then you need to submit your music to them and await their decision.

When it comes to wondering how to put music on Spotify without distributor, you can’t, but it’s not hard to find aggregators/distributors who can help through the process. There are more than we’ve listed above, but these are some of the most popular and reputable companies available.

Before paying anyone to help with music distribution, you need to do your homework and find an aggregator that will ensure your success.

Step 2: Sign up with an Aggregator

After doing your homework and finding an aggregator that will work for you, the next thing you need to do is sign up with the distributor.

Most of these sites have forms that you’ll fill out so that you can register and upload your music. Then, after paying the fee, they’ll ensure your music is available for people to listen to on a variety of different music streaming and downloading platforms.

Step 3: Collect Your Royalties

When wondering how to publish music on Spotify, after signing up with an aggregator and getting your song or album distributed to many different sites, including Spotify, you’ll then be able to collect royalties on a frequent basis.

This could ensure you have the funds to continue making music for others to enjoy.

How to Upload Music to Spotify as an Artist

When wondering how to put music on Spotify without distributor, remember that you can’t — not since 2019. However, we just walked you through the steps to find an aggregator/distributor that will help you with this process, so now you’re ready to upload your songs or albums in various places.

The actual process will depend on your distributor, but there are some standard requirements you’ll need to meet, including the following:

  • Music needs to be 24-bit kHz
  • Album artwork and music must be packaged together, and the JPEG should be 3000 x 3000
  • You’ll need to obtain an ISRC and UPC – A record label can do this for you, but you may also be able to pay your distributor to obtain these necessary items (note: this may not be included in the fees you’re already charged; check the fine print to see how obtaining these is handled)
  • Make sure your music is at the standard of other music on Spotify

This last one is incredibly important. More than 60,000 tracks are uploaded to Spotify every day, which means if you want to be found, you have to put out music that is worth listening to. If your songs don’t meet the standards that fans are looking for, they’ll look for an artist that can meet their needs.

Q&A

Can independent artists upload to Spotify?

The larger question that is being asked here is how to put music on Spotify without distributor, but that’s not possible. As of 2019, you need an aggregator/distributor to help you get your music on streaming/downloading sites.

It is possible to be an independent artist and upload to Spotify, as long as you have a company that helps you with this endeavor.

How much money does Spotify pay per listen?

If you’re uploading your songs to Spotify and hoping to make a lot of money from royalties, you need to be aware that it may take a while before you reach your dreams. Currently, Spotify pays $0.0033 per stream. That’s way less than a penny.

Typically, for a song to count toward your payout, it has to be played for 30 seconds or longer. Any shorter than this, and you won’t see any royalties.

Compared to other music streaming/downloading services, Spotify’s pay-per-listen is in the middle. Having your music available in more than one place could help increase your royalties and bring in more money. It also ensures that you reach wider audiences.

The only way to start earning is to put yourself out there. Who knows? With a little luck and some really good songs, you may realize your dreams and make it big.

How do you become a Spotify distributor?

Becoming a Spotify distributor, or a general music distributor, takes time, patience, and capital. You also have to have a passion for music and a business sense to know what people are willing to pay for. You also need connections not only to streaming and downloading services, but also to recording studios, radio stations, and influencers, among others.

Since you’ll be a business owner, you’ll need to be willing to take some risks — after all, not all of your artists are going to make it big. You may need to find investors to ensure you have the money to keep your business afloat.

If you’re willing to put in the time, effort, and money to pursue this dream, you might consider going to school to learn about music and business to become a success.

Putting Yourself Out There

Music is a universal language; it expresses thoughts and feelings that many people experience, and it has the ability to touch people’s souls. There may be different genres of music, but there’s something out there for everyone.

If you create music and want to share it with the world, adding it to Spotify may be in your best interest. If you find yourself wondering how to put music on Spotify without distributor, you can’t, but you can follow these steps to find an aggregator to help you share your songs/albums with others:

  • Do Your Homework
  • Sign up with an Aggregator
  • Collect Your Royalties

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