For more detailed instructions on distributing with SoundCloud for Artists, you can visit our full distribution guide here. This article specifically covers critical callouts and strategic timing for artists distributing for the first time.
Preparing your assets
Before you start the distribution process, have these ready:
High-quality WAV or FLAC audio files (16-bit or 24-bit) uploaded to SoundCloud.
Artwork that is a 3000 x 3000 pixel square. See our artwork guidelines here. Our guidelines keep your cover art in compliance with the partner platforms we deliver to.
Rights and verification
If your track uses samples or beats you didn't create, have your licenses ready. If our team reaches out for verification, responding quickly will keep your six-week timeline on track.
Choosing your release date
A common mistake artists make when distributing for the first time is picking a release date that is too soon.
The Goal: Set your release date at least 4-6 weeks from today.
Why it matters: Stores like Spotify and Apple Music need time to process your metadata. This buffer also gives you a safety net in case we need to request any edits to your release before it goes live.
Understanding artist profiles (The "Profile Mapping" step)
When you reach the "Profile Mapping" step in the distribution flow, you will see an option to Create a new profile.
The Reality: Since this is your first release, you don't have a presence on Spotify or Apple Music yet. By selecting "New Profile," you are telling the stores to build a brand new page for you.
The Timing: Your artist pages will not exist until your release date. You cannot search for them or "see" them until your music is officially live.
What if my release ends up on the wrong profile?
Occasionally, even when you choose Create a new profile, a release may end up on another artist's existing page. If this happens, start a chat with our AI agent and provide the following:
Release UPC (Found in the metadata of your Distribution tab).
The release link on the partner platform.
The URL of the incorrect artist profile where your release ended up.
A request to create a new profile on that platform.
Our agent will collect these details and escalate the request to our support specialists to fix the mapping.
Claiming your profiles
Once your release date arrives and your music is live, you can "claim" your new profiles on partner platforms. This unlocks your ability to add a bio, change your profile picture, and view your streaming data.
Claiming your Spotify for Artists profile
Start the claim: Head to artists.spotify.com and select Artist or manager.
Sign in: Log in with your Spotify account. If you don't have one, you can create a free account to get started.
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Search for your profile: You’ll see a search bar in the center of the page. Paste your Artist name or Artist URI and claim your profile.
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An Artist URI works the same as a URL but uses a different format. For example:
URL: open.spotify.com/artist/1a2b3c4d5e6f7g
URI: spotify:artist:1a2b3c4d5e6f7g
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Claiming your Apple Music for Artists profile
Sign in: Go to artists.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
Search for yourself: Select Request Artist Access and paste your Apple Artist Link or search for your artist name.
Select your role: Choose your role (Artist, Manager, or Label Rep).
Verify your identity: Fill out the requested details. To speed up approval, link your artist social media accounts or provide your distributor information.
Tips on timing
If you try to claim your profile within a day or two of your release date, your page might not show up in search results yet. This just means the store is still building your page on the backend.
If it’s still missing after 48 hours, reach out to our AI agent with your UPC and the name of the missing platform. We will escalate your request to a support specialist.
Pitching to playlists
One of the biggest lessons for first-timers is that you cannot pitch your very first release for editorial playlists on Spotify.
The Logic: To pitch via Spotify for Artists, you must have an active, claimed profile. Since your profile isn't created until your first song drops, you won't have access to the pitching tool in time.
The Strategy: Treat your first release as the "foundation" that builds your profiles. Once you are claimed and verified, you can pitch your second release to editors during that six-week lead time.