Release music on Spotify without a subscription, with your name.
You can't upload a song directly to Spotify – Spotify only accepts music from independent artists through music distributors. OGRECORDS™ is such a distributor: You upload your track once, we deliver it to Spotify and all other stores, and your rights remain with you. No annual fee, no cost per release.
- 10% revenue share, no subscription
- ISRC & UPC included
- you keep your masters
- delivery time after approval
- 2–5 business daysSpotify
- estimated per stream value
- ≈ $0.0035≈ $3.50 per 1,000 streams, gross
- our commission
- 10%revenue share · no subscription, no setup fees
- master rights
- 100%remain yours – always
How does my song get on Spotify?
Spotify works with distributors who deliver audio, cover art, and metadata in the industry-standard DDEX format. You create your release with us, we automatically assign an ISRC for each track and a UPC for the release, check audio and cover art, and deliver everything on your chosen date. After approval, processing by Spotify usually takes only a few business days – those hoping for editorial playlists should still plan for three to four weeks lead time.
How much does it cost to release music on Spotify?
Spotify itself doesn't charge artists anything. The costs arise from distribution – and the models vary greatly: annual subscription, fee per release, or revenue share. With OGRECORDS™, you only pay a 10% revenue share on what your music actually earns. If you earn nothing in a month, distribution costs you nothing. All details are on Pricing.
Spotify for Artists: Claim profile and pitch songs
As soon as your first release arrives on Spotify, you can claim your artist profile in Spotify for Artists. There you can manage your profile picture, biography, and Artist Pick, upload Canvas loops, and see your listener numbers. The most important function before release: the free editorial pitch. An unreleased song must be submitted at least seven days before the release date – the earlier, the better.
How much does Spotify pay per stream?
Spotify does not pay a fixed amount per stream, but distributes a share of its revenue based on stream shares. On average, the recording side receives around 3 to 4 US dollars per 1,000 streams – more or less depending on the country and the premium share of your listeners. Since 2024, a track must reach at least 1,000 streams within twelve months to generate any royalties at all. Calculate your numbers with the calculator on How much does Spotify pay per stream?.
Hitting the right artist profile
The most common mistake with the first Spotify release: The song ends up on the profile of another artist with the same name. Therefore, in the release wizard, you directly select and link your existing Spotify profile. If you are new to Spotify, the first delivery automatically creates its own profile – all subsequent releases will then reliably land there.
In 5 steps: How your song gets on Spotify
- 01
Register for free
Create an account, digitally sign the distribution agreement, and confirm your identity. No setup fee.
- 02
Upload track and cover art
Audio as WAV, FLAC, or AIFF, cover art with at least 3000 × 3000 pixels. Automatic quality control reports clipping, format errors, and incorrect cover dimensions before Spotify rejects them.
- 03
Enter metadata and credits
Title, genre, language, your Spotify profile, as well as songwriters and producers. You can also set up royalty splits for features or co-writers right away.
- 04
Choose stores and release date
Spotify is pre-selected with all other stores. The date is at least five business days in the future – for an editorial pitch, you should choose three to four weeks.
- 05
Submit and go live
After review, we deliver. You can see the status in the dashboard, and you can share your pre-save link immediately.
how much do streams on Spotify pay?
Spotify distributes its revenue proportionally by streams. The table shows what approximately comes out at average rates – before deductions and depending on which countries your listeners come from.
Industry averages, not a guarantee. More on rates and deductions at How much does Spotify pay per stream? and Pricing.
How to get more out of your Spotify release
Pitch early
The editorial pitch in Spotify for Artists is free, but only possible up to seven days before release. If you want to reach additional independent curators, you can find that on Playlist Pitching.
Collect pre-saves
A pre-save automatically adds your song to your fans' library on release day – exactly the early signals the algorithm pays attention to. You build the link with Smart Links.
Don't master too loud
Spotify normalizes loudness to about -14 LUFS. An extremely loud master will be turned down and lose dynamics. More on this under LUFS.
no purchased streams
Spotify removes artificial streams and charges for affected tracks. Offers that promise streams or playlist placements for money will, in doubt, cost you the entire release.
strategically boost your catalog
for older songs, Discovery Mode can increase algorithmic reach – in exchange for reduced royalties on streams gained this way.
ready for Spotify?
account in minutes, release wizard guides you through every step.
frequently asked questions about Spotify
Can I upload a song directly to Spotify?
No. Spotify discontinued direct uploads for artists in 2019. Music gets onto the platform only through distributors and labels – like OGRECORDS™.
How long does it take for my song to get on Spotify?
After our review and delivery, Spotify usually processes a release within a few business days. Allow at least one week; for an editorial pitch, three to four weeks.
What does it cost to release a song on Spotify?
we have neither a subscription nor a fee per release. we keep 10% of the revenue your release generates – nothing more.
Do I get access to Spotify for Artists?
Yes. Once your release is live on Spotify, you can claim your profile in Spotify for Artists – with stats, pitching features, and profile management.
When do I start earning money from Spotify?
A track generates royalties once it reaches at least 1,000 streams within twelve months. Spotify reports with a delay; realistically, it takes two to four months from the first stream until the money is in your account. Payouts start at a $50 balance.
do i retain the rights to my music?
yes. you retain 100% of your master rights. we only receive the right to deliver your release on your behalf.
can i release songs with features or co-writers?
yes. you enter featured artists as credits, and you distribute the earnings via royalty splits – each involved person automatically receives their share.
Can I move songs that are already on Spotify to OGRECORDS™?
yes. if you transfer the existing ISRC and UPC codes during the move, stream numbers and playlist placements usually remain.
your release doesn't just appear on Spotify
With the same upload, you deliver to all platforms in the network – here are the instructions for the most important ones.
your next song on Spotify.
create account for free, upload track, choose date. no subscription – you only pay when your music earns.
Spotify is a trademark of its respective owner. OGRECORDS™ is an independent music distributor and is not affiliated with Spotify.