Getting music onto Spotify through DistroKid is relatively straightforward.

That’s a big reason services like DistroKid became popular in the first place.

Step 1: prepare your release

You’ll need:

finished master

cover artwork

artist information

song titles

songwriter information

release metadata

Step 2: upload through DistroKid

Enter the release details and select the stores you want to target.

Spotify is one of the major platforms supported.

Step 3: allow enough time

DistroKid promotes fast delivery, but don’t build an important campaign around the shortest possible turnaround.

Upload weeks early where possible.

Step 4: claim Spotify for Artists

Once your profile is available, Spotify for Artists becomes one of your most important tools.

It gives you access to:

analytics

profile editing

playlist pitching

audience information

artist tools

Step 5: promote the release

Distribution is not promotion.

DistroKid can put your song on Spotify.

It cannot force listeners to care.

You’ll still need:

content

fan engagement

press

playlist strategy

advertising

collaborations

direct-to-fan marketing

Is DistroKid necessary?

No.

DistroKid is one of many distributors that can deliver music to Spotify.

RouteNote, TuneCore, CD Baby, Amuse, Ditto, Too Lost, UnitedMasters and numerous others can also do it.

Spotify access isn’t the differentiator anymore.

The real comparison is the business model surrounding that access.