How do you upload music to Spotify and Apple Music?
You cannot upload music directly to Spotify or Apple Music as an artist. Nigerian artists must use a music distribution platform like TuneCore, CD Baby, or RouteNote to deliver their music to these streaming services. These distributors act as the middlemen between artists and streaming platforms.
This article connects directly to the broader income conversation I explained here:
How musicians make money in Nigeria.
Why you need a distributor to upload music
Spotify and Apple Music do not accept direct uploads from individual artists. They work only with approved distribution platforms.
A distributor helps you:
- Upload your music to streaming platforms
- Collect streaming royalties
- Manage song metadata
- Track performance and earnings
Without a distributor, your music simply won’t appear on these platforms.
Step one: prepare your music properly
Before uploading anything, your music must be ready.
This includes:
- High-quality audio files (usually WAV)
- Proper song titles and artist names
- Correct spelling and formatting
- Clear ownership of the music
Many artists rush this stage and end up with errors that affect discoverability and royalties.
Step two: choose the right distribution platform
The distributor you choose determines how your music gets delivered and how your royalties are handled.
The most reliable options for Nigerian artists are:
- TuneCore – Best for long-term control and consistent releases
- CD Baby – Good for one-time payments per release
- RouteNote – Flexible for beginners and budget-conscious artists
I explained these options in detail here:
Best music distribution platforms for Nigerian artists.
Step three: create an account with your distributor
Once you choose a distributor, you’ll need to:
- Create an account
- Verify your email
- Complete your artist profile
This is where you’ll manage all future uploads and track your earnings.
Step four: upload your song or album
Uploading music usually involves:
- Selecting your audio file
- Uploading cover art
- Entering song details (title, genre, contributors)
- Choosing release date
Accuracy matters here. Incorrect metadata can delay releases or cause royalty issues later.
Step five: select Spotify and Apple Music
Most distributors allow you to choose which platforms receive your music.
Make sure you select:
- Spotify
- Apple Music
- Apple Music for iTunes
You can also select additional platforms depending on your strategy.
Step six: submit and wait for approval
After submission, your distributor reviews the upload before sending it to streaming platforms.
This process usually takes:
- A few days for distributor approval
- Several days for Spotify and Apple Music processing
This is why planning releases ahead of time is important.
How long does it take for music to go live?
Most Nigerian artists see their music live on Spotify and Apple Music within 7 to 14 days, depending on the distributor and release schedule.
Delays can happen if:
- Metadata is incorrect
- Artwork doesn’t meet standards
- Rights information is unclear
How royalties are tracked after upload
Once your music is live, streams start generating royalties.
Your distributor:
- Collects revenue from Spotify and Apple Music
- Displays earnings in your dashboard
- Pays you based on their payout schedule
I explained how streaming royalties work here:
Music streaming royalties explained for Nigerian artists.
Why streams don’t always mean instant money
Many artists expect immediate income once their music goes live. In reality, streaming revenue takes time to accumulate and be paid out.
This is why some artists get confused early on.
I broke this down clearly here:
Why streams don’t always mean money for Nigerian artists.
Common mistakes Nigerian artists make when uploading music
Some mistakes I see often include:
- Uploading without proper artwork
- Using the wrong artist name format
- Rushing releases without planning
- Ignoring royalty reports
A clean upload process saves stress and protects your earnings.
Independent artists vs label artists
Independent Nigerian artists handle uploads themselves, while label artists usually have this done for them.
Understanding the process gives independent artists more control and confidence.
This connects to income splits explained here:
Independent artists vs label artists on streaming income.
Final thoughts
Uploading music to Spotify and Apple Music is not difficult — but doing it correctly matters. When Nigerian artists understand the process, they avoid mistakes that cost time, money, and momentum.
Distribution is not just about uploading songs; it’s about setting up your music career properly.
Need help distributing your music?
If you’re a Nigerian artist and you want help uploading your music to Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms using TuneCore, CD Baby, or RouteNote, you can contact us at Taculia Records. We guide artists through proper music distribution and help them avoid common mistakes.
