Independent artist guide · Sources reviewed August 1, 2026

How to upload music to Spotify without skipping release prep.

Artists deliver music to Spotify through a distributor. Prepare the release, submit it through that provider, then use Spotify for Artists for the profile and pre-release tools that are available to you.

Five-step route

From finished master to Spotify profile

  1. 01

    Choose a distributor

    Compare the plan, agreement, territory, release-update process, support, and current delivery requirements before paying or submitting files.

  2. 02

    Prepare the complete release

    Finish the audio, artwork, credits, artist names, release date, territories, and rights records before starting the distributor intake.

  3. 03

    Submit through the distributor

    Follow that distributor’s file and metadata rules, review every field, and keep the submission receipt or release identifier.

  4. 04

    Request Spotify for Artists access

    Once Spotify has an artist profile or an upcoming release for you, use the artist link or URI from your label or distributor to request the separate profile access.

  5. 05

    Review the release before launch

    Check the artist mapping, credits, artwork, and release date. Send corrections through the label or distributor that delivered the metadata.

Pre-delivery checklist

Finish these inputs before submission

A distributor can only review and deliver what you provide. Lock the release package before you start the intake form.

Rights and permissions

  • Confirm you have the permissions and agreements needed for the sound recording, composition, samples, featured performers, artist name, and cover artwork.
  • Keep contributor splits, licenses, clearances, and contact details where you can retrieve them if a dispute or correction arises.
  • Do not treat a distributor submission, a Spotify profile, or this checklist as proof of ownership or rights clearance.

Metadata

  • Use consistent artist names and separate primary, featured, and contributing artist roles accurately.
  • Check track and release titles, songwriter and producer credits, explicit-content flags, release date, and country availability.
  • Review the final preview carefully. Spotify says it displays metadata delivered by the label or distributor, so corrections begin with that provider.

Cover artwork

  • Export the final approved cover and verify that names and release details agree with the metadata.
  • Record the designer or photographer credit and the permission that covers distribution and promotion.
  • Check the distributor’s current artwork dimensions, file format, and content rules before upload.

Audio

  • Use the highest-quality lossless master available and follow the chosen distributor’s current upload specifications.
  • Listen to each final file from start to finish for silence, clipping, wrong versions, missing fades, and incorrect track order.
  • Keep the delivered master and its filename paired with the final title and credits.

Timing

  • Spotify’s metadata guidance recommends setting a live date at least seven days in the future so there is time to pitch an unreleased track.
  • Spotify’s release-planning guide recommends pitching a focus track about two weeks before release for playlist consideration.
  • Those windows serve different planning purposes. Neither is a distributor delivery deadline or a promise of editorial placement.

Timing explained

Seven days and two weeks are not the same promise

The at least seven days guidance appears in Spotify’s metadata documentation as a minimum future live date for an unreleased playlist pitch. The about two weeks recommendation appears in a release-planning article and gives the editorial team more lead time to consider a focus track.

Build more buffer around your distributor’s own review and correction process. Confirm the current requirements in the linked Spotify sources and in the agreement or intake rules your distributor shows you before submission.

Separate responsibilities

Distribution is not Spotify for Artists access

Label or distributor

Sends the release files and metadata, handles delivery updates, and receives correction requests for information it delivered. Its own agreement controls its fees, territories, review, and support process.

Spotify for Artists

Provides separate access to artist-profile management, audience statistics, and eligible release tools. For a first release, ask the label or distributor for the artist link or URI and keep the release UPC or EAN available for the access request.

Related guides

Compare the distributor, then prepare the release story.

Free music distribution: fees and tradeoffsEPK examples and copyable template

Official source log

Spotify sources reviewed August 1, 2026

Platform requirements and tool availability can change. Confirm the current requirements before you choose a release date or submit a release.