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How to Release Your First Beat on Spotify (Step-by-Step for Producers)

Releasing a beat on Spotify sounds complicated the first time. It's not. This guide walks through every step - from preparing your audio file to going live on all major streaming platforms. The whole process takes about 30 minutes once you have your files ready.

This is part of The Complete Guide to Music Distribution for Beat Producers

Before You Start: What You'll Need

Your beat as a WAV file (minimum 16-bit, 44.1kHz - most DAWs export this by default)
Artwork for the release (3000x3000px minimum, JPG or PNG, no explicit content in the image)
A release title
Your artist name (the name you want to appear on Spotify)
A Dreamhause account (sign up here)

Step 1

Prepare Your Audio File

Spotify and other DSPs require a specific audio quality minimum. Most DAWs export at the correct quality by default, but double-check before uploading.

Requirements:

Format: WAV or FLAC (not MP3 - MP3 is a compressed format and DSPs want the full quality original)
Bit depth: 16-bit minimum (24-bit is fine and often recommended)
Sample rate: 44,100 Hz (44.1kHz)

Tip: Make sure the intro and outro of your beat are clean. DSPs will reject audio files with very abrupt starts or digital clipping. Listen back to your export before uploading.

Step 2

Create Your Artwork

Every release on Spotify needs artwork. This is the image that appears in Spotify's interface next to your beat.

Requirements:

Square image (1:1 ratio)
Minimum 3000x3000 pixels
JPG or PNG format
No Spotify logos, artist names spelled differently than on the release, or sexually explicit imagery

Tip: If you don't have a designer, Canva works well for simple beat cover art. Keep it clean and readable at small sizes - Spotify shows artwork very small in most interfaces.

Step 3

Sign Up for Dreamhause and Create a Release

Release titleThe name of your beat (e.g. "Dark Trap Beat" or "Midnight Lo-Fi")

Artist nameYour producer name as you want it to appear on Spotify

Release typeSingle (for one beat), EP (for 2-6 tracks), or Album (7+ tracks)

GenreChoose the most accurate genre - this affects playlist recommendations

Release dateYou can choose to release immediately or schedule for a future date. If you want to submit for Spotify editorial playlist consideration, you need to release at least 7 days in advance.

Label nameIf you have one. If not, your artist name works as a default.

Go to dreamhause.com/signup and create your account. Once logged in, click "New Release" and fill in:

Step 4

Upload Your Audio and Artwork

Upload your WAV file and your artwork. Dreamhause will check both files against DSP requirements and flag any issues before submission.

If your file has any problems - wrong format, clipping, artwork too small - you'll see an error here. Fix the file and re-upload.

Step 5

Add Track Details

For each track, you'll need:

Track titleMust match the release title for a single

ISRC codeAn International Standard Recording Code that uniquely identifies your recording. Dreamhause generates this for you automatically.

Explicit contentMark if your beat contains explicit samples or language

Lyrics (optional)If your beat has vocal elements

Step 6

Submit

Review everything, then submit. Dreamhause delivers your release to all major DSPs - Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, TikTok, Instagram Audio, YouTube Music, Deezer, and every other major streaming platform.

Tip: Most releases go live within 3-5 business days. Some platforms like Spotify take slightly longer for brand new artists. If you have a specific release date in mind, submit at least 7 days in advance to be safe.

Step 7

Claim Your Spotify for Artists Profile

Once your first release is live on Spotify, you can claim your Spotify for Artists profile.

Verified artist profile with your photo and bio
Real-time stream data and audience insights
The ability to pitch songs for editorial playlist consideration
A "verified" checkmark on your profile

Tip: Go to artists.spotify.com and claim your profile. It's free and takes about 24-48 hours to verify.

Step 8

Set Up Publishing (Don't Skip This)

Most producers stop at step 7 and think they're done. They're not.

Your beat is now on Spotify - but without publishing registration, you're only collecting master royalties. You're missing the mechanical and performance royalties that every stream also generates.

How publishing royalties work for beat producers

Tip: Dreamhause offers publishing administration as an optional add-on (US$65 one-time). If you want publishing collected, make sure it's set up when you create your release.

Step 9

Set Up Content ID

If you post your beats on YouTube, set up Content ID to get paid when others use your music in their videos. With Dreamhause, Content ID is included at the same 9% commission as streaming - no extra fee.

How Content ID works for beat producers

Release Checklist

Before submitting, confirm:

0 of 8 complete

You're Live. Now What?

Once your beat is live:

1. Share the Spotify link

In your YouTube video descriptions, Instagram bio, and TikTok profile. Every click from your existing audience is a potential stream.

2. Pitch for playlists

Through Spotify for Artists - submit at least 7 days before release.

3. Keep uploading

Streaming algorithms favour consistent release schedules. Producers who upload regularly see compounding growth in streams over time.

4. Check your dashboard

Dreamhause shows your stream counts, royalties, and platform breakdown in real time.

Ready to Release Your First Beat?

Get your music on Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and all major streaming platforms. Distribution and publishing in one place.

Continue Learning

The complete distribution guide Publishing royalties explained Content ID for beat producers Start distributing with Dreamhause