How to Upload Your Music to Spotify
Spotify doesn't let artists upload directly — you have to deliver your music through an approved distributor. ORB is that distributor: prepare your audio and artwork, submit once, and ORB approves within 24 hours before Spotify and other stores control processing and final availability.
Steps to upload your music to Spotify
Go from finished song to live on Spotify with these steps:
1. Create your ORB account
Sign up free and complete your artist profile. Your first release is included at no cost on the Free plan.
2. Prepare your files
Have a high-quality master (WAV preferred) and square cover art at 3000×3000 pixels with no blurry logos, URLs or store names on it.
3. Enter your metadata
Add the song title, artist name, songwriter credits, genre and any featured artists. ORB validates everything so Spotify doesn't reject the delivery.
4. Set a release date and pick stores
Choose Spotify plus any of the other 150+ platforms, and set a date at least two to three weeks ahead to qualify for pre-save and playlist pitching.
5. Submit and await Spotify availability
Submit your release. ORB approves within 24 hours, then Spotify controls processing and final availability; claim your Spotify for Artists profile once it is available to pitch and track performance.
Why you can't upload to Spotify directly
Spotify only accepts music from licensed distribution partners. This protects rights holders and keeps metadata consistent across the platform, but it means every artist — from bedroom producers to global stars — needs a distributor to get on Spotify.
A distributor like ORB also handles the parts that are easy to get wrong: metadata formatting, audio specs, cover-art rules and release timing. Getting these right the first time is the difference between a clean release and a rejected delivery that delays your launch.
Pre-upload checklist
Have these ready before you submit so your release sails through:
- A mastered audio file, WAV format preferred for best quality
- Square cover art, 3000×3000 px, with no URLs, store logos or blurry images
- Correct song title, artist name and any featured artist spellings
- Full songwriter and producer credits for royalty accuracy
- A release date at least 2–3 weeks ahead for pre-save and playlist pitching
- Your bank details set up in ORB so royalties can be withdrawn locally
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I upload music to Spotify for free?
- Yes. ORB's Free plan includes 1 one-time track credit, so you can get your first song on Spotify at no cost. Artist Basic and Artist include 5 track credits per billing cycle, while Label includes 15; paid users can buy extra credits from their wallet and keep 100% of their royalties.
- How long does it take to appear on Spotify?
- ORB approves submitted releases within 24 hours, then Spotify controls processing and final availability. Submit two to three weeks early to be eligible for pre-save links and editorial playlist consideration.
- What audio quality should I upload?
- Upload a WAV master for the best quality. This also makes your release eligible for high-resolution playback on platforms like Apple Music and TIDAL when you distribute there too.
- Do I keep my Spotify royalties?
- On ORB paid plans you keep 100% of your streaming royalties — ORB takes no commission on your earnings. Your royalties collect in your wallet for local withdrawal.