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 your release goes live on Spotify (and 150+ other stores) typically within 7–15 days.

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 go live: Submit your release. It typically appears on Spotify within 7–15 days — then claim your Spotify for Artists profile 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Your bank details set up in ORB so royalties can be withdrawn locally

Can I upload music to Spotify for free? Yes. ORB's Free plan includes one release, so you can get your first song on Spotify at no cost. Paid plans (from ₦5,000/month) add unlimited releases and let you keep 100% of your royalties.

How long does it take to appear on Spotify? Most releases go live within 7–15 days of submitting through ORB. 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.