How to Claim Spotify for Artists and Set It Up

Is your music on Spotify? Then you want access to Spotify for Artists too. That's where you edit your profile, see who's listening and pitch new music to Spotify's editors. Here's how to claim your profile and set everything up.

What is Spotify for Artists?

Spotify for Artists is the dashboard for artists on Spotify. You'll find it at artists.spotify.com and in the app. You can edit your bio and photos, choose an Artist Pick, add a Canvas, check your stats and pitch new songs.

How to get access

According to Spotify, there are a few routes:

• Your music is already on Spotify through a distributor. With a distributor that works with Spotify, you automatically get access when you submit a request.
• You claim your profile yourself. You submit a request and show it's really you, for example with links to your website or socials. Spotify reviews it manually, so approval can take a few days.
• You have a release coming up. Then you can request access with your artist profile link and the release's UPC or EAN code. You get that code from your distributor. More on what a UPC is in ISRC and UPC explained.
• Someone on your team already claimed the profile. Then the team's admin has to invite you.

You can only have one active request per profile at a time. You'll get an email once your request is approved or rejected.

Fill in your profile

• Profile and header photo: pick images where you're easy to recognize, even on a small screen.
• Bio: say briefly who you are and what your music is about. Add links to your socials.
• Artist Pick: put your latest release or a playlist at the top of your profile.

Canvas: the short clip with your song

A Canvas is a short, looping video that plays with your song on Spotify. According to Spotify's guidelines it's 3 to 8 seconds long, vertical in 9:16 and between 720 and 1080 pixels tall, as an MP4 or JPG. Avoid footage of talking, singing or rapping, rapid cuts and flashing graphics, and don't put your name and title in it, because the app already shows them.

Pitching your song to the editors

In Spotify for Artists you can pitch an unreleased song to the editors. Deliver your music at least 7 days before release so they have time to listen. If you pitch in time, Spotify says your song also goes into your followers' Release Radar. You can pitch one song at a time, and a pitch doesn't guarantee a playlist spot. Fill in the form as completely as you can, because more detail gives your song a better chance. Step by step in how to pitch your song to Spotify playlists.

Reading your stats

In Spotify for Artists you can see how many people listen, where they're from and how they find you, like playlists or your profile. Want to know roughly what your streams earn? Use the free streams calculator or read how much Spotify pays per stream.

Ready for your next release?

• No music on Spotify yet? Read how to put your own music on Spotify.
• Plan your release with the four-week release plan, and check the cover art requirements.
• Is your master loud enough? Read how many LUFS you need for Spotify.
• Want your track finished professionally? Check out mixing and mastering.

FAQ

How long does it take to get access?

Through a distributor it's often instant. If you claim it yourself, Spotify reviews it manually and it can take a few days.

Can I get access without a release?

You need at least one release, or the UPC or EAN code of a release that's coming up.

How far in advance should I pitch?

At least 7 days before release. Then your song also lands in your followers' Release Radar.

Source: Spotify for Artists support pages on getting access, pitching and Canvas.