This cost-free approach sits in stark contrast to existing third-party digital aggregators/distributors such as CD Baby, TuneCore, Distrokid and Ditto – all of which require either a one-off upload fee or a yearly subscription payment from artists. “we’re really building a two-sided marketplace that provides tools and services for labels and artists… Our goal is to get as much music onto the Spotify platform as we possibly can.” The platform isn’t charging any upfront fees for uploads – no matter how many tracks are submitted – and also isn’t charging artists any additional commission on the royalties generated by this music. The biggest shock news today, however, is that Spotify’s upload feature is completely free. (Ek, whose service already ingests 20,000 new tracks a day, added that “our goal is to get as much music onto the Spotify platform as we possibly can”.) In July, the firm’s CEO, Daniel Ek, reiterated to investors during a Q2 earnings call that he ultimately wants to create a “two-sided marketplace” serving both consumers and musicians. This move has long been anticipated from Spotify.

Spotify for artist dashboard