How to release a song on Spotify in India: 7 steps (2026)

How to release a song on Spotify in India comes down to one rule: you go through a distributor. Spotify’s own help page says to work with a distributor to get your music on Spotify. The distributor delivers your song to Spotify and to other apps, then pays you the royalties.

In short

• Use a distributor: Spotify takes music from distributors and labels, not straight from artists.
• Clear your rights first: you need a licence for the beat and any samples.
• Plan 7+ days ahead: deliver early and pitch at least 7 days before release.

How do you release songs on Spotify?

You release songs on Spotify by uploading them to a distributor, which sends them to Spotify on the date you choose. Spotify’s help page says distributors handle music distribution and pay streaming royalties. It also says most distributors charge a fee or a commission.

If you are signed to a label, the label likely already works with a distributor. If you are independent, you pick one yourself. Spotify lists some “preferred distributors” that it says meet its highest standards for quality metadata and anti-infringement measures.

Your distributor asks for the audio file, cover art and details such as the song title, artist name, writers and release date. Once it is delivered, the song goes live on Spotify and on other apps the distributor serves, such as JioSaavn or Apple Music, depending on the service. The steps below are the full path.

1. Clear the beat and samples: keep your beat licence and any sample clearance.
2. Finish the song: mix and master it, and export a high-quality WAV.
3. Make cover art: a square image; your distributor lists its size rules.
4. Pick a distributor: compare price, payout share and stores.
5. Upload and set a date: choose a release date at least 7 days away, more if you can.
6. Claim Spotify for Artists: you can join before your first release.
7. Pitch the song: pitch at least 7 days before release day.

Can I release a song with a leased beat on Spotify?

You can release a song with a leased beat on Spotify if your licence allows audio streaming and you follow its terms. A lease is a non-exclusive beat licence, so other artists may use the same beat. That is normal and legal, as long as each artist holds a licence.

Check three things before you upload. First, the licence covers streaming services and has no stream cap you will hit. Second, you credit the producer exactly as the licence says. Third, you do not register the song for YouTube Content ID unless the licence allows it, because other artists’ songs use the same beat.

Distributors sometimes ask for proof that you have the right to use the music. A signed licence with a verify link is much stronger than a payment screenshot. Our guide on releasing a leased beat on Spotify covers the details.

Tip: Every Airtune Easy licence allows unlimited audio streams on Spotify, JioSaavn and more. The Airtune licensing page says your licence PDF and its verify link are the proof distributors ask for.

How can I release my song on Spotify for less money?

You can release your song on Spotify for less money by matching the distributor’s price model to how often you release. Yearly plans suit artists who release several songs a year. Pay-per-release suits someone with only one or two songs ready. Always check what share of royalties the service keeps.

Prices below are what each service’s own page showed on 8 November 2026. TuneCore India shows prices in rupees and says “Applicable GST charges will be added to cart”. DistroKid and others show US dollar prices, so your bank’s conversion rate applies to what you pay.

For a full comparison of payout share, stores and India-specific points, read our guide to music distribution in India. It also covers which services list JioSaavn and Gaana on their own pages, which matters if your listeners are in India.

Worked example: you plan four singles next year. On DistroKid’s Musician plan, that is $24.99 for the year, because the plan has unlimited releases. On CD Baby, four singles cost 4 × $9.99 = $39.96 once, with no yearly fee, but CD Baby keeps 9% of your digital distribution revenue. If you release often, a yearly plan usually costs less up front.

When should I upload my song before release day?

You should upload your song to your distributor well before release day, and at least 7 days early. Spotify’s pitching page says to deliver your music at least 7 days before release so its editors have time to listen. Distributors also need time to check and send it.

The 7-day mark matters for a second reason. Spotify says that if you pitch a song at least 7 days before release day, it goes on your followers’ Release Radar playlists. Release Radar is a weekly playlist of new music from artists a listener follows.

So pick your release date first, then work back. A safe plan is to finish the upload two to three weeks out. That gives you time to fix any problem with your cover art or song details before the date, without a last-minute rush.

• Upload: two to three weeks before release day.
• Claim your profile: the same week you upload.
• Pitch: no later than 7 days before release day.

Worked example: your release date is Friday 4 December. Upload to your distributor by 20 November (14 days ahead). Claim your Spotify for Artists profile that week. Submit your pitch by 27 November, which is 7 days before release, so the song reaches your followers’ Release Radar.

How do I get Spotify for Artists before my first release?

You get Spotify for Artists before your first release by asking your distributor for your artist link or URI, then contacting Spotify with that link and the UPC of your upcoming release. Spotify’s access page says you do not need a live release to join a team.

If your distributor is one of Spotify’s preferred distributors, Spotify says you get access automatically when you submit the request. Otherwise, you fill in the claim form with a link to your website or social pages, so Spotify can verify you. Spotify says requests are reviewed by hand and approval can take a few days.

Once you are in, you can see stats, edit your profile and pitch new songs. Spotify says you can pitch only one song at a time, and that pitching does not guarantee playlist placement. Treat the pitch as a free chance, not a promise.

Will I earn money from Spotify streams?

You will earn money from Spotify streams only once a song passes Spotify’s minimum. Spotify says a track must reach at least 1,000 streams in the previous 12 months to earn recording royalties. It also needs a minimum number of unique listeners, which Spotify does not publish.

Spotify does not pay a fixed rate per stream. Its royalties page says each rights holder gets a share of the money based on its part of total streams. The money goes to your distributor, which pays you after taking any commission in its plan.

So a first song with a few hundred streams may earn nothing from Spotify for a while. That is normal. Most new artists build income from shows, videos and other platforms alongside streams. Your distributor’s report shows exactly what you earned and from which app. Our guide to music royalties for producers in India explains the rest of the money side.

Next steps

1. Get the beat right first: see how to buy beats online in India safely.
2. Check what your licence allows with our guide to beat licensing in India.
3. Compare distributors in music distribution in India.
4. Find a beat with a signed licence on Airtune Explore.