Blog post

Get Your Music Heard: A Complete Guide to Free Music Distribution on Spotify in South Africa

Do you dream of seeing your music reach new audiences?

Do you hope to share your tracks with millions of Spotify users?

That dream is closer than you think, especially if you're an artist in South Africa.

This article helps you sail smoothly through the process of getting your music on Spotify, without any cost, and tips for carving your unique space in the music industry.

Understanding Free Music Distribution

Free music distribution is, at its core, making your music accessible to the public without any charge.

This model empowers artists by allowing them to share their melodies with a wider audience and enhances their visibility in an increasingly crowded music landscape.

In South Africa, free music distribution is riding a wave of popularity, thanks largely to digital advancements and online platforms that embrace and facilitate this trend.

So, what does the journey to free music distribution look like? Well, the process unfolds like this:

·   Create and record your music: This may sound obvious, but it's the first step in the chain. Whether you use sophisticated studio technology or basic home recording equipment doesn't matter; it's your creativity and the emotion in the song that speaks to the audience.

·   Mix and master: Polish your song to ensure optimal sound quality. This step can significantly affect how listeners perceive your music.

·   Distribute for free: Once you're satisfied with your recording, it's time to set your music free. Utilize platforms like Freecords, which let you share your music with an expansive audience and gradually build a following without any cost.

Despite its perks, free music distribution comes with a few challenges.

How do you make sure listeners discover your music amidst the vast sea of songs online? How do you generate a steady flow of revenue from a model that circulates your music for free?

The free distribution also poses a risk of copyright infringement, and for independent artists who might not have the means to vigilantly safeguard their work, this is indeed a concern.

While these challenges may seem daunting, platforms like Freecords step in to help.

Freecords aims to decentralize the music industry and offer services to artists, like free music distribution services in South Africa. Artists can upload as many songs as they like without any restrictions, and let's not forget—it's entirely free!

The Journey to Spotify in South Africa

With Spotify making its grand entrance, the dreams of countless South African artists just got brighter.

So, are you ready to take this exciting voyage to get your music on Spotify in South Africa?

Spotify is no mere music streaming service.

In South Africa, it's a vibrant, pulsating platform enabling artists to connect with listeners of all hues, both locally and globally. Think of it as a bustling musical marketplace where your songs are the fruits of your creativity, ready to be savored by an eclectic group of music consumers.

Envision this: A listener in Cape Town, another in Pretoria, and yet another in a far-flung corner of the globe, all bobbing their heads to the rhythm of your music. This is no pipe dream.

It's the reality of what Spotify can offer in this beautiful nation — a golden opportunity to share the unique flavors of your music buffet with a thriving ecosystem of audio enthusiasts.

But how does this dream come true? Let’s find the following sections of this article.

Claim Your Spotify Profile with Freecords

Freecords simplifies the process of getting your music on Spotify and other platforms. Initially, you need to have your music distributed through Freecords and available on Spotify.

If you haven't distributed it yet, don't worry!

Visit Freecords to kickstart your music distribution journey for free.

Remember, after your initial release, it might take a few days for your music to show up on Spotify, but the wait is worth it, we promise.

But what do you get after this wait?

Let’s find out!

Once your music is available on Spotify, you have the golden opportunity to claim your artist profile.

And the perks are numerous:

1.  You'll get that coveted blue verification check mark beside your artist name, giving you credibility.

2.  You get to promote your music, reaching out to your ideal audiences.

3.  You can manage your artist profile, ensuring it aligns with your unique persona.

4.  You gain access to your audience stats, helping you strategize effectively.

Register on Spotify for Artists

So, the real question here is: how to register on Spotify for Artists?

Let's break down this journey into smaller, manageable steps.

This voyage begins with getting your music available on Spotify through the magic of free music distribution, facilitated by platforms like Freecords.

With your music on Spotify, it’s time to take your presence to the next level with Spotify for Artists. Signing up is a straightforward process:

1.  Head to artists.spotify.com, click on "Get Access" in the top right corner, or download the Spotify for Artists app from the App Store or Play Store.

2.  Choose "Artist or manager."

3.  Sign into your current Spotify account, or set up a new one at no charge if you're not already a user.

4.  Input the name under which you release music and select it from the resulting list.

Here's a friendly disclaimer: Just as any memorable road trip should not be rushed, the initial release on Spotify might take a few days. But remember, all good things come to those who wait!

Spotify might ask for additional details to confirm that you are the genuine artist wanting to claim the profile. If your profile is already claimed, all you need to do is have your team invite you.

Get Music on Spotify in South Africa: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long until my songs are available on Spotify?

A: At Freecords, lightning speed is the name of the game. Once you upload your masterpieces, they take only a few days to approve them. From there, you can anticipate your songs making their Spotify debut in approximately five business days.

Q: How much revenue can I earn from streaming my music on Spotify?

A: Revenue from streaming on Spotify depends on various factors such as your track's streaming numbers, the listener's location, and the type of subscription (free or premium) they have. In general, earnings from Spotify can range between $0.003 and $0.005 per stream. However, it's crucial to remember that building a following is necessary to see a significant increase in streaming numbers and overall earnings.

Q: Who am I hoping to reach with my music if I upload it to Spotify?

A: Spotify showcases your music to an audience in over 60 countries and territories. Putting your songs there is like possessing a worldwide stage — a grand opportunity to be discovered by music fans and lovers across all corners of the globe.

Q: How can I increase my chances of getting featured on curated playlists on Spotify?

A: To increase the likelihood of your music being featured on curated playlists, start by claiming your Spotify for Artists profile. This authorization enables you to gain access to submission tools and playlist pitching within Spotify's ecosystem. Ensure that your music submissions meet Spotify's playlist guidelines and contextualize your tracks to match their editorial playlist themes. Generating buzz around your music through social media and other marketing efforts can also draw Spotify's attention and improve your chances of landing on a curated playlist.

Q: When do Spotify Artists get paid?

A: The money flow from Spotify doesn't start as soon as you might expect. Typically, there is a two-month delay between streaming services and the online store's earnings. So if you were to upload your music on Spotify today, you might need a calendar to count the days; your very first payment could be visible in about two months.

The Final Take

Building a successful music career might still be no small feat — it requires exceptional talent, dedication, grit, and a bit of strategic planning. Yet, the rise of digital music distribution platforms has unquestionably democratized the landscape, ensuring artists worldwide, including the vibrant talent in South Africa, don't go unnoticed.

However, understanding the intricacies of music streaming platforms like Spotify and employing services like Freecords can simplify this process incredibly.

So go ahead, and ride the wave of digital music distribution with confidence.

Remember, the world is just a beat away, waiting to embrace your music!

Read this post on Medium