How to Release a Song on Spotify as an Independent Artist
Published · updated · by Loopin
Spotify doesn't let artists upload directly — every song goes through a distributor. Once you know that, the rest is a checklist: master your file, sort the art and metadata, pick a distributor, and submit with enough lead time to pitch for playlists.
You need a distributor — here's how to pick one
A digital distributor delivers your music to Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and dozens of other platforms. The main options for independent artists are DistroKid ($22.99/year for unlimited releases), TuneCore ($10-15 per single, 100% royalties), CD Baby (one-time fee, small ongoing percentage), and Amuse (free tier available). All of them work — pick one based on how many releases you plan to put out in a year.
DistroKid is the default for high-volume indie artists. CD Baby is often better for one-off releases where you don't want an annual subscription. For a full breakdown of the release workflow, see the DIY musician's release guide.
Master your track before you deliver it
Spotify normalizes playback to around -14 LUFS, which means a quiet master gets turned up and any clipping gets worse. A properly mastered file sounds like it belongs next to released music — a raw export doesn't. Run your final mix through Loopin's free mastering tool to hit the right loudness target and set a safe true-peak ceiling before you touch the distributor.
Export as a WAV — 16-bit 44.1 kHz minimum, 24-bit if your recording app supports it. Most distributors accept MP3 but the quality floor is higher with WAV.
Prepare your cover art and metadata
Spotify requires cover art at exactly 3000 × 3000 px, saved as JPEG or PNG, with no URLs, social handles, or explicit content labels embedded in the image. A rejected cover art file delays your whole release.
Metadata to have ready: exact song title, primary artist name, any featured artist credits, composer and lyricist names, genre, and language. Most distributors generate an ISRC code automatically. Triple-check the spelling of your artist name — it determines how you appear in Spotify search and in Spotify for Artists.
Set a release date and submit early
Submit at least two weeks before your intended release date. Spotify's playlist editorial pitching window opens when you submit and closes seven days before release — you need that buffer to fill in the pitch form.
The pitch form asks for the song's genre, mood, similar artists, and a short description. Be specific. 'Guitar-driven indie pop with melancholy lyrics about distance' is more useful to an editor than 'alternative.' You don't need a following to pitch — first-release artists get considered.
After submission: what to expect
Your song will appear in Spotify's catalogue on the release date you set. It may take a few extra hours to show up in all markets. Once it's live, claim your Spotify for Artists profile if you haven't — it lets you see listener stats, add a bio and photo, and see pitch results.
The idea-to-released workflow is worth a read if you want to make releasing a repeatable process rather than a one-time project.
Promo on release day
Post a 15-second clip to stories with the Spotify link in your bio. Share the link directly with people who'd genuinely listen. That's enough for a first release — the goal is to build the habit of shipping. Loopin keeps the next song moving so you're always a few steps closer to the next one.
Frequently asked questions
Can I upload directly to Spotify?
No — Spotify doesn't accept direct uploads from independent artists. You need a digital distributor like DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby to deliver your music to the platform.
How long does it take to get a song on Spotify?
Most distributors deliver to Spotify within 24-72 hours, but the full process — including editorial pitching — means you should submit at least two weeks before your release date.
Do I need a record label to get on Spotify?
No. Any independent artist can release to Spotify through a distributor. You keep full ownership of your master recordings and collect royalties directly through the distributor.