Spotify is a popular app with over 465 monthly active users that allows prominent music artists and smaller artists looking to promote their music. So you may use Spotify to get your music out there if you’re a musician. The only problem? There are over 11 million artists on Spotify. So how can you stick out and get your big break? There are some steps that will give you a head start with promoting on Spotify. With some planning you how to get your name out, boost your plays, and cultivate an audience who will love your music. Here’s how to maximize your exposure and promote your music on Spotify.
1. Use Spotify for Artists
Spotify for Artists is an app that gives artists all the tools they need for success.
Later, there will be more details about the service, but first, you need to know that you can download this app or use the desktop to access it.
Spotify for Artists provides ways to promote your music. It allows you to pitch, create ads, and comes with other features to get you noticed.
2. Become verified
Like many other sites, Spotify gives artists a checkmark that proves they are verified. When you’re verified, it increases your chances of reaching a new audience and getting your playlist promoted.
In addition, new listeners will know this is the place to hear more of your music. Finally, if you become famous, being verified will let people know this is your official page, rather than an imitator attempting to profit off your success.
Some websites require a large following for verification, but you do not need that with Spotify. Instead, you need to give Spotify some basic information to prove that you are who you say you are. Once the information has been verified, you will have a blue tick.
3. Create a compelling profile
Creating a compelling profile is common knowledge for any social media account, but it’s especially vital on Spotify. You want a profile that will tell users what your music is all about. So let’s break this down.
I. Profile picture
The profile picture you choose is important as it catches the eye of potential listeners. Your profile picture should showcase your music and stand out among other people.
Some people may choose a unique band logo, which is always a plus, or they may show a picture of themselves doing something on-brand. Either way, ensure the photo is high-quality and has a sharp contrast to stick out on Spotify’s darker user interface. Also, ensure your photo can be easily cropped and not lose meaning.
Spotify allows you to have other pictures as well. For example, you may want pictures showing your performance or some behind-the-scenes work that can give your listeners some relatability.
II. Bio
Spotify allows artists to create a bio explaining who they are. For most sites, your bio should explain what you’re about and give a link for more information. It should be as short as possible and not be too wordy.
Well, Spotify works differently. Your bio can be up to 1,500 words, and many listeners like a compelling bio. Telling your story and what inspired you to make music is likely to grab attention and make users want to listen to you.
Your first paragraph should be the elevator pitch; not everyone will want to read the entire bio. Afterward, you can go into more detail. It may be helpful to look at other successful artists for inspiration on telling your story and to learn what is compelling to your listeners.
III. Other information
On your Spotify profile, you’ll want to provide additional information. You’ll want to provide the genre you are, if you’re under any label, and give information about your songs and albums.
Also, you need to choose an Artist’s Pick and keep it updated. This feature can pin a song or album for your audience. It can also pin information such as an upcoming tour or gig. So choose something you feel your audience will love to grab their attention.
Spotify constantly adds new ways to express yourself, so if they do, add it to your bio. The more information you have, the easier it is to be discovered.
3. Pitch a song
One way many artists make it big is to pitch a song to Spotify’s editors for it to be on their up-and-coming playlists. Doing this can expose your music to a much broader audience. For many artists, getting their songs pitched is a dream.
It’s a competitive process, and your song may not be pitched the first, second, or even third time. Like anything, you need to be persistent. However, there are ways to increase your chances.
You can find the pitch option by going to the Home tab on your dashboard and choosing “Pitch a song to our editors.”
Once you’ve done this, you can choose the track you want to be pitched.
I. What track should you pitch?
There is no correct answer to this question. The answer can depend on which track you believe is your best or which track resonates with the current trends. Therefore, you should ask your fans or your friends which track you think is the best.
That said, there are some rules. You cannot pitch released music. Also, you can’t pitch compilation songs or songs where you’re credited as a featured artist. You must be the lead artist if you want to pitch. In addition, you can also only pitch a single track per release, so keep that in mind.
II. The details
It’s not a pitch without convincing. Spotify will ask for your song and other essential information, such as where you’re from. Filling this out and giving the proper metadata can give the editorial team information about your genre and who you are as an artist.
While you don’t need to write mountains of text, give the editors some background. Talk about your history, creative influences, and why you want your music pitched. Then, read the pitch over and make sure it flows well.
Finally, ask some people if they think it’s a good pitch. Only when you’re genuinely confident should you hit the submit button. Afterward, Spotify will let you know whether your music has been accepted.
4. Pitch to independent curators as well
Pitching to Spotify’s official playlist can be a fantastic opportunity, but as we’ve said, it’s competitive. So don’t be surprised if you don’t make it, even if your music is fantastic. With so many pitches, they can’t choose them all.
If you’ve been rejected, don’t lose hope! Instead, think of Spotify’s pitches as the mainstream record labels but an independently curated playlist as the indie labels. While these playlists don’t attract as many eyes, they may attract dedicated listeners who support your music even further.
You can search for playlists on Spotify, and many are out there. Curators come from genre enthusiasts, media outlets, blogs, and more.
Search for a playlist that’s popular and has music that you feel like yours can fit with. Once you’ve done so, you must contact the person who owns the playlist. Sometimes, a quick Google search is all you need to determine who owns the playlist, as they may have a website.
Many playlists are designed explicitly for up-and-coming artists and have less of a barrier to entry. While there may be more music, it can expose your sound to more listeners and expand your audience. If one person hears your song and likes it, you’ve become a new fan. You don’t need to sell out arenas to be a successful artist on Spotify.
Like standard Spotify pitching, keep your pitch informative but as short as possible. Even the indie curators are wading through many requests; if it’s too wordy, they may dismiss it. So instead, think of it as an elevator pitch.
5. Get on Spotify’s Release Radar and Discover Weekly
Spotify’s Release Radar and Discover Weekly are other great ways to get noticed. These are playlists that use algorithms to choose music.
Both are individually tailored depending on the user, meaning you can appear recommended to others. However, each works differently. Let’s break them down.
I. Release Radar
The best way for you to appear on someone’s Release Radar is to have them follow you. Besides appearing on other playlists, having a well-made profile can increase your chances of having someone follow you.
Of course, promoting your profile on social media also helps. Either way, if you have followers, the algorithm will always recommend your music whenever you have a new release.
II. Discover Weekly
Meanwhile, Discover Weekly is a playlist not related to who the person is following but based on their tastes.
For example, let’s say you’re a progressive metal band. Spotify’s Discover Weekly may recommend your band if someone has been listening to that genre. It’s a fun way for someone to discover new music and not listen to the same artists.
Discover Weekly also depends on how often people engage with your music and how many playlists you are on. If you promote your music and follow all the rules, you can appear on Discover Weekly.
6. Try ads
Spotify for Artists does allow you to create an ad campaign, meaning you pay for ads. These ads are heard by free listeners, as they must hear ads if they do not pay for Spotify Premium.
Spotify’s ad program is quite robust. As you may have expected, there is an ad for every budget, meaning you can get the word out even if you’re a starving artist. You should take this opportunity to promote a song your target audience likes.
In addition to Spotify’s ads, we recommend you post ads on other websites. Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and other social media websites can bring people to your Spotify profile. Taking advantage of all these sites is vital if you want success.
Gain exposure on Spotify
Spotify is a fascinating website because there is no definitive way to get your music out there. Instead of a single method, you must combine all of the above. However, you can create music that gets some buzz on Spotify by persistently pitching, finding independent playlists, and engaging with your followers. If you’re looking for more advice on how to get your music noticed, there are various online resources and successful blogs dedicated to becoming a successful artist. First, start with the above tips to maximize your exposure and promote your music on Spotify.
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Alaine Meier is a blogger at LadyBossBlogger. She graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a BA in Economics and a minor in Environmental Studies.
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