Spotify myths seem to linger on like the last frost of winter. This is crazy, Spotify is definitely not the only music streaming service or Digital Service Provider.
However, it seems to govern most indie musicians mind. For once, it’s hard to keep all online platforms remembered. What is more, having an overview of all the different music streaming services worldwide can be quite overwhelming.
Understandable that most musicians lunge at Spotify as the major example for music streaming.
As a result, there are 1001 Spotify myths lingering around. Important to realise, following any Spotify myths per so will not help you get to the place you want.
If anything in music would be super straight forward you wouldn’t have a music industry taking care of things. I don’t write this to let you down, on the contrary, my desire is to shed some light on popular Spotify myths.
And one of them is that Spotify is super easy for musicians. All you need to do is share some playlists over social media and voila, there is your Spotify boost. Far from it!
The reality is that music industry experts like record label managers and digital distributors have a far tighter relationship with Spotify. Largely due to some court cases, pretty much the same as with YouTube.
By all means, this doesn’t mean that you can make Spotify work for you as an independent artist. Just beware of some common Spotify myths to make the most out of the popular streaming service.
Common Spotify myths
#1: You need to do a huge push on Spotify and social media before a release.
This one is a tricky Spotify myth. Of course, if you have a music release to promote, doing a push can be vital to get the music to the fans. However, only concentrating on an occasional push isn’t the way forward with Spotify.
On the contrary, the best practice is to continuously work the streaming platform. That doesn’t only mean to release new tracks rather frequently. What is more, sharing new playlists regularly with your fans as well as your tracks can help keep the engagement up.
Next, having your visuals on point at all times can make a big difference.
Spotify Followers 2021 – UPDATE!
#2: You don’t need a budget – common Spotify myth
There is this Spotify myth that you only need to pay 50 bucks to a so-called playlist marketing service and all is good. For one thing, this misconception is not only unprofessional. It is also straight forward dangerous.
This is crazy, relying on shady third-party tools like playlist marketing services and get your music taken down on Spotify. Only this January, Spotify took down over a thousand tracks they claim made their way onto playlists in shady ways.
I get it, what is more, enticing than only paying a little under 100 € for getting your music featured on Spotify playlists? However, if your music gets taken down it was surely a bad investment.
What is more, being able to work the popular streaming service without a marketing budget is another Spotify myth. For once, running an ad on Spotify doesn’t start under 250€ minimum ad spend.
Advertisers can get started with as little as $250 through our self-serve advertising platform, Ad Studio.
*source: Spotify
Besides budgeting for Spotify itself, you also need to think about running ads on Instagram and Facebook. Perhaps even on Google Ads. This all can accumulate quicker then you think.
#3: If only you do all the tips you’ll be successful overnight – Spotify myths
Here’s the thing: there is no shortcut to success. Not in life and certainly not in music.
That’s not all, having a long term strategy is inevitable. For once, certain stories of overnight success with young and up-and-coming artist deceive reality.
By all means, there even might be an artist who made it without the help of a major record label or massive management behind them. That is to say that is is clearly an exemption.
Comparing yourself with other musician is never a good idea. In particular, because everyone is on their own paths, with their own experiences and talents.
Concentrating on your own story and strengths is the way forward when it comes to Spotify.
Without a doubt, clearing all rumours and Spotify myths can only bring your career forward. The only things you really need for making it on Spotify is music, perseverance and elbow grease!