Releasing music is easy. Getting it heard is the hard part. Here's how independent artists can grow on Spotify, and how to use promotion services without putting a release at risk.
Before you release
- Pitch to Spotify's editors in Spotify for Artists at least 7 days before release day (earlier is better).
- Pre-save campaigns let fans save the song before it drops, which helps on release day.
- Complete your profile: photo, bio, links and Canvas visuals.
Release day and the first week
The first week matters. Spotify's algorithm looks at saves, playlist adds, repeat listens and how many listeners skip. Push your link everywhere: Instagram stories, TikTok, WhatsApp status and your Telegram channel.
Understanding the numbers
- Plays: total streams of a track (a stream counts after 30 seconds).
- Monthly listeners: unique listeners in the last 28 days.
- Followers: people who follow your artist profile and get your new releases in Release Radar.
Spotify's rules on artificial streams
Spotify prohibits artificial streaming and can remove streams, withhold royalties, or take tracks down when it detects it. Since 2024 it has also charged distributors fees for tracks with heavy artificial streaming. That's why we recommend treating promotion services as social proof, not as a way to earn royalties, and keeping orders modest.
Using promotion services responsibly
- Spotify plays: help a new track avoid sitting at "fewer than 1,000 plays", which puts listeners off.
- Monthly listeners: make a new artist profile look active.
- Spotify followers: add credibility to your artist profile.
Guidelines: 1. Start small and grow gradually; use drip-feed where available. 2. Promote one or two focus tracks, not your whole catalogue. 3. Combine it with real promotion so genuine listeners keep coming. 4. Check your distributor's rules before ordering.
Don't forget Audiomack
Across Africa, Audiomack is often bigger than Spotify. Its charts reward early plays and engagement, so new releases can get discovered there quickly. See Audiomack plays.
Questions about the right mix for your release? Ask Guapo in the chat, 24/7.
