Complete guide to setting up your Spotify for Artists profile
By Matt Mateus
Posted in Guides
If your music is on Spotify but you haven’t claimed your artist profile, you’re missing out on key tools to reach fans, grow your audience, and get more streams.
This guide covers everything you need to get started. Let’s dive in.
Manage your profile
Your profile is the first thing people see when they find you on Spotify. It should be polished, professional, and reflect your personality as an artist.
Claim your profile
Go to Spotify for Artists
Head to artists.spotify.com and click “get access.” This is where you’ll claim and manage your artist profile.Sign in or create an account
Use your existing Spotify account or create one dedicated to your artist career. Keeping your login info consistent across your distributor, Spotify, and website makes things easier.Search & verify
Enter your artist name or paste your Spotify artist URL. Follow the steps to verify your identity—Spotify might ask you to link your distributor account or social media.Wait for approval
Once you submit your request, Spotify will review it. Approval times vary, but once you’re verified, you’ll unlock tools like analytics, playlist pitching, and profile customization.
Customize your profile
- Profile picture: Upload a high-quality image (at least 750 x 750 pixels) that represents you—whether it’s a pro headshot, a band photo, or a custom logo.
- Header image: Pick a banner (2660 x 1140 pixels) that fits your vibe. It could be an album cover, a live performance shot, or a graphic that reflects your brand.
- Artist bio: Write a short, engaging bio (up to 1,500 characters). Include your influences, milestones, and any cool backstory about your music.
- Social media links & artist pick: Add links to socials so fans can follow you beyond Spotify. Use artist pick to highlight a specific track, album, or playlist.
When your profile looks dialed in, it gives people a reason to stick around and listen.
Promote your music
Once your profile is set up, it’s time to get your music heard. Spotify offers several ways to boost your visibility.
Editorial playlist submissions
Submit before release day: If you want to get on an editorial playlist, submit your track at least 7 days before release through Spotify for Artists. This gives curators time to review it.
Make your pitch stand out: When submitting, include details about the track—its inspiration, sound, and why it should be featured. The more compelling your pitch, the better your chances.
Discovery mode & curated playlists
Discovery mode
Spotify’s discovery mode lets artists push their tracks into more personalized playlists—but not everyone can use it. Right now, you must have at least 25,000 monthly listeners to be eligible. If you qualify, enabling discovery mode on selected songs can help boost your reach.
Create & curate playlists
Even if you’re not eligible for discovery mode, you can still use playlists to get exposure. Create playlists that mix your tracks with similar artists, use catchy titles like “Yacht Rock Jams” or “Boom Bap Essentials,” and update them regularly. This positions you as a tastemaker in your genre.
Profile sharing
Share your Spotify links everywhere: Post your Spotify links on your website, social media, and newsletters. The easier you make it for people to find your music, the more streams you’ll get.
Connect with fans
Your Spotify profile isn’t just a static page—it’s a place where you can engage with listeners.
Keep your bio & artist pick fresh
Update your bio whenever you have a new project or milestone
Change your artist pick regularly to highlight new releases or favorite tracks
Use social media to drive engagement
Share behind-the-scenes content, tour updates, and new music announcements on social media and direct fans to your Spotify profile
Engage with listeners who tag you in posts or playlists
Link everything together
Make sure your Spotify, website, Instagram, and other social channels are connected so fans can follow your journey across platforms.
When your profile feels alive and interactive, people are way more likely to keep exploring.
Get insights and track your performance
Knowing how your music performs helps you refine your strategy and reach more listeners.
Check your stats
Stream counts – see how many plays your tracks are getting and spot trends
Audience demographics – learn where your fans are, their age range, and what else they’re listening to
Playlist performance – find out which playlists are driving the most streams
Use data to improve your strategy
If a track is performing well, push it harder with social media posts and playlist submissions
If you’re seeing growth in a certain city or country, consider planning a tour stop there
Experiment with different release strategies and see what works best based on your data
Spotify for Artists gives you the insights you need to make smarter decisions about your music.
Grow your fanbase
At the end of the day, the goal is to expand your reach and turn listeners into dedicated fans.
Keep your branding consistent
Make sure your profile on Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud, and social media looks and feels cohesive. A strong visual identity helps fans recognize and remember you.
Use every promotional tool available
Submit for editorial playlists
Use discovery mode (if you’re eligible)
Create and share playlists
Engage with fans on social media
Keep experimenting & adapting
Regularly check your analytics and adjust your approach
Try different types of content, from live performances to remixes, to see what fans respond to
Keep your audience engaged by consistently putting out great music and staying active online
Growing your fanbase takes time, but with the right strategies, you can keep building momentum.
Final thoughts
Setting up your Spotify for Artists profile isn’t just a box to check—it’s a key step in building your fanbase. By taking control of your profile, using Spotify’s promotional tools, and staying engaged with your audience, you give your music the best chance of reaching the right people.
And remember—Spotify is just one piece of the puzzle. A strong presence across multiple platforms (music streaming, video, and social media) ensures you’re reaching as many listeners as possible.
Keep your profile updated, experiment with new strategies, and most importantly—keep putting out music.