How to release music on Spotify — step by step (2026)
Spotify doesn't accept uploads directly from artists. To get there, you go through a distributor that delivers your release to the platform cleanly. This guide walks the full path — from finished file to first stream.
1. What you need before the upload
Three things have to be ready: the audio file, the cover and the metadata. Spotify expects an uncompressed master — WAV or FLAC, not MP3. The cover must be square and at least 3000 × 3000 pixels, with no URLs, prices or social handles in the image.
Then the metadata: track title, artist name, genre and credits. Identifiers like ISRC and UPC you don't have to apply for yourself — a good distributor assigns them automatically. What the codes mean is in the /glossar.
2. You need a distributor — not a record deal
The distributor is the bridge between you and the streaming platforms. It converts your release into the DDEX format Spotify, Apple Music & co. expect, and delivers it to every store at once. Through OGRECORDS™ a single upload reaches 38+ DSPs across 240+ territories.
Watch the model: some providers charge an annual subscription, others a per-release fee. OGRECORDS™ takes a 10 % revenue share instead — you only pay when you earn, and you keep 100 % of your masters. The terms are open on /pricing.
3. The upload: from wizard to finished release
In the release wizard you upload audio and cover, enter the metadata and set the royalty splits if features or producers are involved. An automatic audio and cover QC checks loudness, clipping and resolution before anything ships — so you see errors before submit, not as a reject from Spotify.
The release date matters: plan at least five business days of lead time. That's the window editorial teams need to consider your track for playlists — and only with lead time can you run a pre-save campaign.
4. Release day and after
After submit the distributor delivers the release. On Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music your track is usually live within 24 to 48 hours; some stores take up to seven days. With a /smart-links you bundle all platform links under one URL and collect pre-saves before the drop.
From day one the streams count. Keep an eye on your numbers — daily data shows which platform and which country is working, and where to point your promo. The rest is repetition: release, learn, next release.
Ready for your first release? Start in the wizard — distribution is explained on /distribution.