How to get ready for Spotify Wrapped 2026 as an artist
Spotify Wrapped is one of the biggest fan moments of the year. Here’s how artists can prepare for Wrapped 2026 and make the most of the attention.
Spotify Wrapped season may seem a way off, but artists can now get prepared for the year-end occasion.
Every year, millions of Spotify listeners share their personalised Wrapped stories, shining a spotlight on the artists and songs that soundtracked their year. In 2025, Wrapped content was shared more than 635 million times, showing just how much attention the annual campaign can bring.
For artists, that makes Wrapped more than a look back at your streaming stats. It’s an opportunity to connect with your biggest fans, celebrate your year and give listeners something to remember.
Spotify has now shared its first preparation details for Wrapped 2026, including two video opportunities for artists. Here’s what you need to know.
Record a personal Spotify Wrapped message for fans
Appearing alongside fans’ personalised data stories, Spotify’s returning artist message gives every artist the chance to send a personal video message to their top fans as part of their Wrapped experience.
Last year, more than 70,000 artists uploaded video messages, reaching tens of millions of fans and generating hundreds of millions of views.
The format is deliberately short and sweet, and your video needs to be 30 seconds or less. Spotify encourages artists to use the opportunity to thank their fans and share something meaningful from the year. You could:
- Tell fans what their support meant to you, whether they helped a song take off, showed up at your shows or kept you inspired
- Share a 2026 milestone you’re particularly proud of, such as a memorable fan moment, a standout release or performing at a meaningful venue
- Tease what’s coming in 2027, from new music and live shows to creative projects you’re excited to explore
The best approach is to make it personal. Rather than trying to fit everything into 30 seconds, focus on a genuine thank-you or a moment that means something to you and your fans.
You can upload your message through Spotify for Artists on desktop between October 6 and November 6. Videos must be vertical and free from music, explicit content, logos, text and filters. You can also add a caption of fewer than 100 characters.
Submit a live performance video
In 2026, Spotify is adding another way for artists to feature in their fans’ Wrapped experience.
For the first time, eligible artists in Spotify for Artists’ video upload beta can submit performance videos for a chance to feature in fans’ Your Top Songs 2026 playlists.
These videos could be anything from a live show or acoustic take to a studio session, bringing fans closer to the music that defined their year. If a performance is featured in fans’ Your Top Songs 2026 playlists, fans can tap the Performances chip in their playlist to watch live versions of their top songs. Plus, the videos are eligible for royalties and charting.
To submit a live performance for Wrapped, eligible artists can upload a full-length landscape video through Spotify for Artists by November 6. Videos must be in MP4 or MOV format, under 20 minutes long and at least 1080p. You can select the song the video relates to, choose a thumbnail and set its go-live date.
Then, on Wrapped launch day, your performance has the chance to appear in fans’ Your Top Songs playlists. After Wrapped ends, the video will remain on your Spotify profile, giving fans another way to discover and revisit the performances.
Videos can be delivered through a label or distributor, while artists in Spotify’s direct-upload beta can also upload videos themselves through Spotify for Artists.
There’s also a good reason to consider adding video to your Spotify strategy beyond Wrapped itself too. Spotify says listeners who watch a full-length video go on to stream that song 64% more often over the following three weeks. They’re also 1.4 times more likely to save, share or add it to a playlist.
Get your music and artist profile ready
The shareable nature of Wrapped means your music may be shared to fans who are discovering you for the first time.
That makes October and November a good time to check that everything is up to date. Make sure your artist image and bio still represent you, your latest releases are available, and any upcoming shows or projects are easy for fans to find.
It’s also worth thinking about what happens after someone discovers you through Wrapped. If you’re planning a new release, you can distribute it to Spotify for free with RouteNote.
Make the most of your Spotify Wrapped moment
Spotify Wrapped has become much more than an annual stats recap. It’s a huge social moment where fans celebrate the music that shaped their year, and artists get a rare opportunity to thank the fans who helped make it.
For independent artists and labels, the key is to be ready before the conversation starts. Record your personal video message that shows fans what their support means to you, consider whether you have a performance worth submitting, and make sure your Spotify presence is up to date.
Submit your videos for Wrapped from October 6 to November 6 and give your fans something to look forward to this Wrapped season.