How to Release Music on Spotify for Free: Requirements & Steps
Short answer: music is not uploaded directly from a regular Spotify account. Artists and labels submit the final audio and metadata through a music distributor. With Creates, registration and release submission can be started without registration, upfront, or annual fees. Revenue sharing and service terms follow the Digital Agreement shown before approval.
If your final master, artwork, and credits are ready, this guide explains how to release music on Spotify officially through Creates—from preparing the data to going live and connecting the release with Spotify for Artists.
Can you release music on Spotify for free?
You can start without upfront fees through the Creates free music distribution service. “Free” means there are no registration, upfront, or annual fees. It does not remove the review requirements: rights must be clear, assets must meet the standards, and revenue sharing follows the Digital Agreement.
Spotify explains that music is delivered by distributors. A distributor handles the audio, metadata, artist identity, release identifiers, and reporting required for an official release. See Spotify’s official getting started information for artists.
What you need before releasing
- A final master. Use a high-quality file after mixing and mastering are complete.
- Square artwork. The image must be clear and you must have the right to use it.
- A consistent title and artist name. Match the identity you want displayed on Spotify.
- Complete credits. Include songwriters, composers, arrangers, producers, publishers, and performers.
- A realistic release date. Submit early enough for review, revisions, and platform processing.
- Clear rights. The distribution route is for original music or material you are authorized to release.
How to release music on Spotify through Creates
- Create a Creates account with accurate identity, email, and payment information.
- Complete your profile and Digital Agreement. Review the distribution authority and revenue terms before accepting.
- Select Digital Music Distribution for an original single, EP, or album.
- Enter the release metadata, including title, artist, producer, publisher, genre, release date, and credits.
- Upload the final audio and artwork. Do not submit demos, blurred artwork, or assets with unclear rights.
- Submit the release for review. Correct any issues shown in the dashboard.
- Track distribution status through the Creates dashboard after approval and processing.
Does Creates provide ISRC and UPC codes?
Yes. Creates can provide ISRC identifiers for recordings and a UPC for a release processed through the Creates system. If the same music has already been released, do not generate replacement codes before review because duplicates can fragment streaming and catalogue data.
When should you submit a release?
Do not submit on the intended release day. Leave time for metadata checks, artwork corrections, artist-profile mapping, and platform processing. Early delivery also gives you time to prepare Spotify for Artists and promotion before launch.
After delivery: use Spotify for Artists
Spotify for Artists helps artists manage their profile, review statistics, update images and biographies, and pitch eligible unreleased music to playlist editors. Confirm that the artist name and profile mapping are correct before promoting the release.
Original songs and cover songs follow different routes
Music distribution is intended for original works or material with clear release rights. If you recorded another writer’s composition, use the Creates official and legal cover-song licensing route. Do not submit a cover as an original work.
Common reasons a submission needs revision
- The artist name differs between metadata, artwork, and an existing profile.
- The artwork is low-resolution or contains imagery and logos without clear rights.
- Songwriter, composer, publisher, or performer credits are incomplete.
- The audio is not final, is damaged, clipped, or technically inadequate.
- The intended release date is too close to the submission date.
- The same release is repeatedly submitted through different accounts or distributors.
Frequently asked questions
Can artists upload music directly to Spotify?
Official music releases are delivered through distributors. Spotify for Artists manages the artist profile and release performance; it does not replace master-audio distribution.
Does Creates charge an upfront fee?
There are no registration, upfront, or annual fees to begin a submission. Revenue sharing and other terms are explained in the Digital Agreement.
Does distribution guarantee a Spotify playlist placement?
No. Distribution makes eligible music available on the platform but does not guarantee editorial playlist placement. Artists still need to prepare their profile, promotion, and eligible Spotify for Artists pitch.
Can I submit a single, EP, or album?
Yes, provided that the audio, artwork, metadata, rights, and credits meet the review requirements.
Ready to submit? Explore Free Music Distribution & Royalties Every Reporting Period, create a Creates account, and track the distribution workflow from one dashboard.