Poetic Thursdays: How to Publish Your Poetry on Spotify
2 min read
Publishing your poetry on Spotify is an innovative way to reach a wider audience. Whether you want to share your work as a spoken-word artist or set your poetry to music, Spotify provides a platform to connect with listeners around the world. Here’s a few steps to getting your poetry published on Spotify.
1. Record Your Poetry
To get your poetry on Spotify, you’ll need high-quality audio recordings. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a recording method: Use a professional studio, a home recording setup with a quality microphone, or a reputable recording app.
- Consider background music: Decide whether you want to enhance your poetry with music or sound effects.
- Edit and refine: Use audio editing software like Audacity, GarageBand, or Adobe Audition to remove background noise and enhance the clarity of your voice.
2. Format Your Audio for Distribution
Spotify requires your audio files to meet certain specifications:
- Save your recordings in MP3 or WAV format.
- Ensure the track has a proper title and metadata, including your artist name and album details if applicable.
3. Choose a Digital Distribution Service
Spotify does not allow direct uploads from individual creators. You’ll need a digital distribution service to get your poetry on the platform. Some popular options include:
- DistroKid
- TuneCore
- CD Baby
- Soundrop
- AWAL (for select independent artists)
Each distributor has different pricing models and revenue-sharing agreements, so choose one that best suits your needs.
4. Upload and Distribute Your Poetry
Once you’ve chosen a distributor:
- Create an account and select Spotify as a platform for distribution.
- Upload your audio files, making sure all details are correct.
- Set a release date and submit your poetry for approval.
Most distributors take a few days to a few weeks to process your submission before it goes live on Spotify.
5. Promote Your Poetry
After your poetry is published, it’s time to promote it:
- Create a Spotify for Artists account to track performance and gain insights into your listeners.
- Share on social media: Use Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook to promote your poetry.
- Submit to playlists: Contact curators of poetry and spoken-word playlists to get featured.
- Encourage followers: Ask listeners to save, share, and add your poetry to their personal playlists.
6. Monetize Your Work
Spotify pays artists based on streams, but revenue varies. To maximize earnings:
- Distribute your poetry on multiple platforms, including Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
- Consider selling exclusive content on platforms like Patreon or Bandcamp.
- Explore collaborations with musicians, podcasters, and other spoken-word artists.
Publishing poetry on Spotify is a great way to share your work with a global audience. With the right preparation, recording, and promotion, you can build a presence on the platform and connect with poetry lovers worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned spoken-word artist or new to audio storytelling, now is the perfect time to take your poetry to the next level.
