Guides

Everything you need to release music

Straight-talking guides for independent artists — how to get on Spotify, release your first song, collect every royalty you're owed, and understand what distribution really costs.

Royalties & Money · 3 min

Can You Buy Songs on Spotify? (2026) — How Artists Actually Get Paid

No — Spotify doesn't sell songs, and Premium downloads aren't ownership. Here's where fans can actually buy your music in 2026, and how artists really earn from streaming.

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Getting Started · 3 min

How Long Does It Take to Get a Song on Spotify? (2026 Timelines)

Real delivery times in 2026: how long distribution review, Spotify delivery, and playlist pitching actually take — and the release timeline pros use.

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Royalties & Money · 3 min

How Much Does Music Distribution Cost? (2026 Price Breakdown)

Music distribution ranges from free to $60+ a year — but the sticker price hides the real cost. Here's what you actually pay across the major distributors in 2026.

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Royalties & Money · 3 min

How to Collect All Your Music Royalties (2026 Guide)

Most independent artists only collect a fraction of what they're owed. Here are the types of music royalties, who pays them, and how to make sure you get every dollar.

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Getting Started · 3 min

How to Put Your Music on Spotify (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

You can't upload to Spotify directly as an independent artist — you need a distributor. Here's exactly how to get your song on Spotify, step by step.

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Getting Started · 3 min

How to Release Your First Song: A Complete Checklist (2026)

A step-by-step checklist for releasing your first song the right way — from mastering and cover art to release date, playlists, and getting paid.

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Getting Started · 3 min

Spotify for Artists: How to Claim & Verify Your Profile (2026)

Claim your Spotify for Artists profile in about 10 minutes: what you need, how verification works in 2026, and the features you unlock — including editorial playlist pitching.

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