Spotify Welcomes Independent Artists to Upload Music Directly

Music streaming giant Spotify announced a new feature for independent artists to upload their music directly onto the platform on Sept. 20.

According to a statement, the feature will allow artists to deliver the music they make straight to Spotify from the “Spotify for Artists” program and plan for a certain release date. Artists will also be able to preview how their music will be presented to listeners before they submit their music.

The statement also said that artists will “be in full control” by making “simple and quick edits.” However, the feature is not available to everyone.

“Right now, upload in Spotify for Artists is only available by invitation to a few hundred US-based independent artists, but we’re excited to bring upload to even more artists, labels, and teams in the future,” stated the company.

Spotify said the music makers will get paid when fans stream their music, revenue will go straight into their bank accounts. In addition, Spotify for Artists will provide a detailed report of their earnings, and they will not be charged any fees.

“The new features we built really speak to ease and flexibility,” said Kene Anoliefo, who works on Spotify’s creator marketplace team, during an interview with Rolling Stone.

“We’re working with independent artists and their teams to own their copyright and distribute their content.”

Rolling Stone also reported that one of Spotify’s features include a “future estimated payment,” which allows artists to see next month’s earning projection.

The new feature is expected to help more artists bypass the role of the traditional music label, maintain more control over their music, and avoid splitting revenue with third parties.