Spotify
The largest music streaming service; artist-facing tooling includes Spotify for Artists, editorial and algorithmic playlist pitching, Discovery Mode and Countdown Pages.
- Best for
- The default DSP where playlists and algorithms decide reach. Nearly every commercially active artist, especially those seeking global discovery, detailed audience data, playlist exposure, and measurable release campaigns.
- Skip if
- Never; it's the reference platform. You oppose Spotify’s royalty or business model and are willing to sacrifice substantial audience reach. Otherwise, distribute there even if direct sales or another DSP is your priority.
- First move
- Audit your profile: bio, canvas, artist pick, current single. Deliver the release several weeks early, claim Spotify for Artists, complete the profile, and add Canvas or Clips. Pitch one unreleased track to editors at least seven days before release.
- Watch out
- Discovery Mode trades royalty share for algorithmic boost; do the math. Tracks need at least 1,000 streams during the previous 12 months to enter the recording-royalty pool. Discovery Mode takes 30% of recording royalties from streams it generates in eligible contexts, while paid campaign tools and newer video features have eligibility restrictions.
- Reach
- Mainstream scale
- When
- Useful from day one.
- Based in
- Sweden