So, you want to release music, but don’t know how to get your tunes out there?

Well, releasing music today isn’t just about hitting an upload button, it’s about presenting your sound professionally, getting it on all the major platforms, and setting yourself up for long-term growth as an artist.

Whether you’re dropping your first track or your 10th, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to release your music on Spotify and other digital stores the right way.

1. Prepare your music

Record and mix your music to your liking. This can be done through paid or free mixing platforms.

Here are some free mixing softwares:

  • Cakewalk by Bandlab – Supported by Windows; Professional-level DAW, multitrack mixing, VST support
  • Tracktion – Supported by Win/Mac/Linux; Full-featured free DAW, unlimited tracks, pro tools
  • Audacity – Supported by Win/Mac/Linux; Good for audio editing and basic mixing; free, open-source
  • LMMS – Supported by Win/Mac/Linux; Great for beat making and synth-based production
  • GarageBand – Supported by macOS/iOS; Easy to use, ideal for Apple users; great built-in instruments and loops

If you’ve got no storage space or downloading isn’t your thing here are so free web browser options:

  • Soundtrap (by spotify) – Online DAW, multitrack mixing, loops, real-time collaboration
  • BandLab – Cloud-based studio, MIDI, effects, auto-mastering, collab tools
  • Audiotool – Browser-based with virtual synths, effects, and community sharing
  • Soundation – Great for beginners, has templates, real-time collab
  • Amped Studio – Combines audio + MIDI, browser-based with VST support (some limitations)

If you’re new to mixing:

  • Try BandLab or Soundtrap for online mixing—they’re very user-friendly and don’t require powerful computers.
  • If you’re on Mac, GarageBand is your best bet.
  • For Windows, Cakewalk is one of the most powerful free DAWs available.

Create high resolution cover art for your upcoming release.

Gather the metadata, you’ll need the title(s), genre, release date, songwriter credits, etc,.

2. Choose a digital distributor

Unfortunately, most music platforms, other than SoundCloud, Audiomack, and Bandcamp, require third party involvement to upload music. So here are your top options:

  • DistroKid – For an annual fee of $24.99, you’ll be able to have unlimited released, retain 100% of the royalties, fast, reliable, and a Spotify-listing partner.
  • TuneCore – With a low annual price of $22.99, easy split pay for all contributors with no commission fee, keep 100% of ownership of your own music, and the ability to distribute your music to +150 additional digital store and streaming services.
  • CD Baby – No subscription fees, release an album or a single for $9.99, distribution to +150 global platforms, monetization with YouTube Content ID, and fast pass verification on major streaming services.
  • LANDR – Starts at $8.25 a month, Unlimited AI mastering, up to 2400 roylaty free samples per year, 40+ effects adn instrument plugins, and 200+ online music courses.

💡 Tip: Submit your release 2–4 weeks ahead of your desired launch date to allow for distribution and editorial playlist consideration.

3. Set up Spotify for artists

Once your music is in Spotify’s system via a distributor:

  1. Go to Spotify for Artists.
  2. Claim your profile by verifying via your distributor or by searching your artist name.
  3. Customize your profile—add picture, bio, and tour or merch links.

4. Upload and schedule your release

Through your chosen distributor, upload WAV files, artwork, metadata, and set your release date. Enable pre-save campaigns to grow followers and boost algorithmic performance.

5. Submit to Spotify editorial playlists

In Spotify for Artists, under the “Music → Upcoming” tab, submit your track for editorial consideration at least 1–2 weeks before the release. Editorial playlists are Spotify playlists which are hand picked by Spotify staff and are a great way to get exposure. Think RapCaviar, New Music Friday, Fresh Finds, and Viva Latino.

6. Promote your music!

Pre release: share teasers, behind-the-scenes clips, countdowns, and pre-saves links online. Consider reaching out to other artists for collaborations for a wider audience reach.

On release: Use Spotify’s campaign kit tools- canvas videos, marquee ads, promo cards- to enhance visibility. Post across all social medias, go live, share links and thank the early listeners.

Post release: monitor your performance and continue to promote your music through social media content, remixes, merch, live gigs, and targeted ads.

Quick Launch Checklist

  1. Finalize music (mix and master)
  2. Design artwork (3000×3000 px)
  3. Choose a distributor and upload
  4. Claim Spotify for artists
  5. Enable pre-saves, schedule and submit tracks
  6. Promote your music
  7. Track performance and plan your next release
Katya Ozerkov is an outgoing content strategist at The Georgia Sun. Despite not being a native Georgian, she has immersed herself in Georgia's vibrant arts scene for several years. As an artist first and foremost, she is passionate about interacting with and fostering connections with artists in the Greater Atlanta metro area and building a supportive creative community.
Katya Ozerkov

Katya Ozerkov is an outgoing content strategist at The Georgia Sun. Despite not being a native Georgian, she has immersed herself in Georgia's vibrant arts scene for several years. As an artist first and foremost, she is passionate about interacting with and fostering connections with artists in the Greater Atlanta metro area and building a supportive creative community.