As an aspiring musician, one of the most exciting moments in your career is when you’re ready to share your music with the world. With the rise of music streaming platforms like Spotify, artists now have direct access to millions of listeners globally.
In the past, it might have been necessary to sign with a record label to reach such a wide audience, but today, with the help of music distribution services like DistroKid, you can independently manage your music and reach your fans worldwide.
This blog post will provide a step-by-step guide on how to publish your own music to Spotify using DistroKid. But before we dive into the how-to, let’s look at some interesting statistics that highlight the importance and growth of self-publishing music in recent years.
The Rise of Self-Publishing in the Music Industry
| Year | Percentage of Independently Published Music | Global Revenue from Independent Music (in billions USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 27.1% | 4.8 |
| 2016 | 28.4% | 5.3 |
| 2017 | 29.7% | 5.9 |
| 2018 | 31.1% | 6.8 |
| 2019 | 32.5% | 7.6 |
| 2020 | 34.1% | 8.5 |
| 2021 | 35.8% | 9.4 |
| 2022 | 37.6% | 10.5 |
The figures above demonstrate a steady growth in the percentage of independently published music as well as the global revenue generated from it. This trend only highlights the importance of platforms like DistroKid in today’s music industry.
Publishing Your Music on Spotify Using DistroKid
Now, let’s go through the steps to publish your music on Spotify using DistroKid:
1. Create an Account
The first step is to sign up for a DistroKid account. Visit their website and choose the plan that suits your needs the best. They offer three different plans, each with varying levels of features and pricing.
2. Upload Your Music
Once you’ve created your account, click on the “Upload” button on the top of the DistroKid dashboard. You will be directed to a page where you can upload your song or album.
3. Fill in the Song Details
Enter the necessary information about your song or album, including the title, artist name, release date, and more. DistroKid also allows you to choose the platforms where you want to distribute your music. Make sure to select Spotify.
4. Upload Your Cover Art
A great album cover can catch a listener’s eye. Upload a high-quality image that represents your music well. Remember, Spotify has certain specifications for album art, so make sure your image adheres to those.
5. Review and Finalize
Before submitting your music, review all the information you have entered. Make sure everything is correct, as changing details after the song has been distributed can be a complicated process.
6. Pay and Distribute
After everything has been reviewed, you can proceed to pay. The cost will depend on the DistroKid plan you’ve chosen. Once payment is complete, DistroKid will distribute your music to Spotify and any other platforms you selected.
7. Monitor Your Music
After your music is live, you can use DistroKid’s stats and analytics tools to see how your songs are performing.
Additional DistroKid Features
One of the reasons why DistroKid is a popular choice among independent artists is because of the additional features it offers to enhance your music distribution and promotion. Let’s take a look at some of these features:
1. HyperFollow
HyperFollow is a free promotional tool that DistroKid offers to all its users. It’s a link that you can share with your audience even before your music goes live. When fans click on the link, they can pre-save your music on Spotify, and they’ll automatically follow you and get an email notification when your new music is released.
2. Spotify for Artists
Once your music is live on Spotify, DistroKid makes it easy to get verified on Spotify for Artists. This gives you access to additional features on Spotify, such as detailed streaming data and the ability to manage your artist profile.
3. YouTube Money
DistroKid can help you earn money when people use your music in their YouTube videos. When you opt into the YouTube Money program, DistroKid will add your music to YouTube’s Content ID database and monetize matches.
4. Splits
If you’re collaborating with other artists, DistroKid’s Splits feature makes it easy to divide royalties. You can assign a percentage to each artist, and DistroKid will ensure everyone gets paid their share.
Wrap Up
Self-publishing your music is a great way to maintain control over your work and connect directly with your audience. While it might seem daunting at first, music distribution services like DistroKid make the process straightforward and accessible.
With the rise in independent music as shown by the statistics above, now is a great time to take control of your music career and share your creativity with the world. Whether you’re a solo artist or part of a band, publishing your music on Spotify using DistroKid can give you the platform you need to reach millions of listeners and turn your passion for music into a successful career.
Remember, publishing your music is just the first step. Make sure to promote your work and engage with your listeners to build a loyal fanbase. Good luck with your music journey!