You can add songs to Spotify in two ways: upload local files from your computer to listen on the Spotify app, or submit your music as an artist for Spotify to distribute to all listeners

The method depends on what you're trying to do. If you want to listen to music you own — recordings you've made, rare bootlegs, or files you've downloaded — you upload them as local files to your Spotify library. If you're an artist who wants your music available to everyone on Spotify, you go through a distributor or aggregator that handles the upload to Spotify's platform.

Local file uploads work only on the desktop Spotify app and on some mobile devices connected to the same network. Artist uploads go through services like DistroKid, CD Baby, or TuneCore, which take your finished recording and metadata, then push it to Spotify and other streaming services.

Key Takeaways

  • Local files let you listen to your own music on Spotify's desktop app by uploading MP3 or other audio files from your computer.
  • Local files do not sync to your phone or tablet unless you use Spotify Connect on the same home network.
  • To release music as an artist, you need a distributor like DistroKid, CD Baby, or TuneCore, which charges a one-time or annual fee.
  • Distributors handle metadata (song title, artist name, album art) and send your music to Spotify within one to three weeks.
  • You keep all royalties from streams; the distributor takes a small cut or flat fee, not a percentage of your earnings.

Adding local files to your Spotify library on desktop

Open Spotify on your computer and go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right). Scroll down to Local Files and toggle it on. Then click Add a Local Source and select the folder on your computer where your audio files are stored. Spotify will scan that folder and add any MP3, M4A, OGG, or FLAC files to a Local Files section in your library.

Once files are added, you can create a playlist and drag local files into it just like any other song. You can also search for them by name. The files stay on your computer — Spotify is just reading them, not copying them to the cloud. If you move or delete the files, they disappear from Spotify.

Local files show a small computer icon next to the song name so you know they're not from Spotify's catalog. You can listen to them on your desktop app and on any phone or tablet connected to the same home network through Spotify Connect, but they won't appear in your library on a phone unless you're on that network.

Uploading your music as an artist through a distributor

If you've recorded music and want it on Spotify for everyone to stream, you need a music distributor. These services act as middlemen between you and Spotify. You upload your finished recording, write in the song title, artist name, album name, and other details (called metadata), and the distributor sends it all to Spotify and other platforms like Apple Music and Amazon Music.

Popular distributors include DistroKid, CD Baby, TuneCore, and Bandcamp. DistroKid charges a yearly subscription (around $20 per year for unlimited uploads). CD Baby and TuneCore charge per release — typically $10 to $50 depending on whether it's a single or album. Bandcamp lets you upload for free but takes a cut of sales if people buy your music there.

The process is the same across most distributors: create an account, upload your audio file (usually as a WAV or MP3), fill in the metadata, add cover art (usually 3000 by 3000 pixels), choose a release date, and submit. The distributor then sends your music to Spotify, which usually makes it live within one to three weeks.

What metadata you need before uploading

Metadata is the information that appears on Spotify — your artist name, song title, album name, release date, and genre. You need to decide this before you upload. Spotify uses metadata to organize your music and recommend it to listeners, so getting it right matters.

You'll also need cover art, which should be a square image at least 3000 by 3000 pixels. This is what shows up next to your song in playlists and search results. Most distributors accept JPG or PNG files.

If you're releasing multiple songs as an album, you need to decide whether to release them all at once or stagger them. Most artists release all songs on the same date so Spotify can feature the album as a new release. Some release a single first, then the full album a few weeks later.

How you earn money from Spotify streams

When someone streams your song on Spotify, you earn a royalty. Spotify pays rights holders (usually the distributor, who then pays you) based on the total number of streams across all users. The exact amount per stream varies but is typically between $0.003 and $0.005 per stream.

The distributor takes a cut or flat fee, then sends the rest to you. With DistroKid, you pay the yearly subscription upfront and keep all royalties. With CD Baby, they take a percentage of what you earn (usually 9 percent). With TuneCore, you pay per release and keep the rest.

You can track your streams and earnings through the distributor's dashboard. Most update monthly or quarterly. Spotify itself does not pay you directly — the distributor is the middleman that collects from Spotify and sends money to your bank account.

Removing local files or taking music down from Spotify

To remove a local file from Spotify, go to Settings, then Local Files, and toggle off the folder you added. Or delete the audio file from your computer — Spotify will stop showing it within a few minutes.

To remove music you released as an artist, log into your distributor's dashboard and request takedown. Most distributors remove music from Spotify within a few days. Some let you remove it from Spotify only while keeping it on other platforms like Apple Music; others remove it everywhere at once. Check your distributor's policy before uploading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I listen to local files on my phone?

Only if your phone is on the same home network as your computer and you use Spotify Connect. Local files do not sync to the cloud, so they won't appear in your Spotify library on your phone unless you're connected to that specific network. If you want music on your phone everywhere, upload it as an artist through a distributor instead.

What audio formats does Spotify accept for local files?

Spotify accepts MP3, M4A, OGG, and FLAC files on desktop. Make sure your files are named clearly — Spotify reads the file name to identify the song, so a file named "song.mp3" will show up as "song" in your library. Renaming the file to include the artist and title helps Spotify match it correctly.

How long does it take for my music to appear on Spotify after I upload it?

Most distributors deliver music to Spotify within one to three weeks. Some offer faster delivery for an extra fee. Once Spotify receives it, the music usually goes live within a few days. Check your distributor's dashboard to see the status of your upload.

Do I need to be signed to a record label to put music on Spotify?

No. Any artist can upload music through a distributor without a label deal. You own your music and keep all royalties. A label would take a cut of your earnings in exchange for marketing and other services, but it's not required to get on Spotify.

Can I upload someone else's music to Spotify?

No. You can only upload music you own or have permission to distribute. Uploading copyrighted music without permission violates Spotify's terms and can result in your account being banned. If you want to cover a song, you can upload it, but you'll owe mechanical royalties to the original songwriter.