Can You Submit Music to both Bandcamp and Spotify? (Yes!)

As an independent artist, getting your music out to as many platforms as possible is essential for reaching a wider audience and growing your fanbase. While there are many streaming and distribution platforms available, two of the most popular options are Bandcamp and Spotify. While both platforms have their unique benefits and features, you may be wondering if it’s possible to submit your music to both platforms. The answer is yes! In fact, submitting your music to both Bandcamp and Spotify can offer several benefits and help you reach a wider audience. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of submitting your music to both platforms, as well as some tips for optimizing your presence on each one.

Can you submit music to both Bandcamp and Spotify?

The short answer is yes, artists can submit their music to both Bandcamp and Spotify. In fact, it is recommended that artists do so in order to maximize their exposure and reach. However, there are some differences between the two platforms that artists should be aware of.

Bandcamp is a platform that allows artists to sell and distribute their music directly to fans. It offers a more personalized experience for both artists and fans, allowing artists to set their own prices and keep a larger percentage of their revenue. Additionally, Bandcamp offers a variety of tools for artists to connect with their fans, such as the ability to offer exclusive merchandise or communicate directly through a messaging system.

Spotify, on the other hand, is a larger platform that offers artists the opportunity to reach a wider audience. As one of the largest music streaming platforms in the world, Spotify offers artists the potential for greater exposure and the opportunity to be discovered by new fans. Additionally, Spotify offers a variety of tools for artists to promote their music, such as playlist submissions and social media sharing.

While there are some differences between the two platforms, submitting music to both Bandcamp and Spotify can offer artists the best of both worlds. By distributing their music on both platforms, artists can reach a wider audience while also maintaining a personal connection with their fans through Bandcamp.

4 Benefits of submitting music to multiple plaforms

Submitting your music to multiple platforms can offer several benefits for independent artists. Here are a few advantages of using multiple platforms to distribute your music:

1. Reach a Wider Audience: By submitting your music to multiple platforms, you can reach a wider audience and potentially gain new fans who may not have discovered your music otherwise. Different platforms have different user bases and may appeal to different types of listeners, so using multiple platforms can help you expand your reach and connect with new fans.
2. Diversify Your Revenue Streams: By distributing your music across multiple platforms, you can diversify your revenue streams and potentially earn more money from your music. While some platforms may offer higher streaming royalties, others may offer more opportunities for merchandise sales or direct-to-fan interactions. Using multiple platforms can help you take advantage of different revenue streams and maximize your earning potential.
3. Build a Stronger Online Presence: Using multiple platforms to distribute your music can help you build a stronger online presence and increase your visibility in the music industry. By having a presence on multiple platforms, you can reach more people, build your brand, and establish yourself as a serious and professional artist.
4. Adapt to Changes in the Industry: The music industry is constantly changing, and new platforms and distribution methods are emerging all the time. By using multiple platforms to distribute your music, you can adapt to changes in the industry and stay ahead of the curve.

Overall, submitting your music to multiple platforms like Soundcloud, Distrokid and Spotify can offer several benefits for independent artists. While it may require a bit more work and organization, using multiple platforms can help you reach a wider audience, diversify your revenue streams, and build a stronger online presence.

How much does Bandcamp pay per stream?

Bandcamp doesn’t pay per stream, but rather offers a revenue share model where artists receive a percentage of the revenue generated by their music sales or digital downloads.

When an artist sells their music on Bandcamp, they receive 85% of the revenue from each sale, while Bandcamp takes a 15% revenue share. This means that for every $10 sale, the artist would receive $8.50 and Bandcamp would receive $1.50.

Bandcamp also offers the option for artists to set their own prices for their music and merchandise, allowing them to determine their own revenue share. Additionally, Bandcamp offers features such as “name your price” downloads, where fans can pay what they want for an artist’s music, giving artists even more flexibility in determining their revenue share.

Overall, while Bandcamp doesn’t pay per stream, its revenue share model allows artists to earn more money from their music sales and offers a more direct connection between artists and fans.

Is Bandcamp better than Spotify?

Whether Bandcamp or Spotify is better for an artist depends on their individual needs and goals. Both platforms have unique features and benefits that may appeal to different types of artists and listeners.

Bandcamp is a platform that allows artists to sell and distribute their music directly to fans. It offers a more personalized experience for both artists and fans, allowing artists to set their own prices and keep a larger percentage of their revenue.

Additionally, Bandcamp offers a variety of tools for artists to connect with their fans, such as the ability to offer exclusive merchandise or communicate directly through a messaging system. This direct-to-fan approach can be beneficial for artists who want more control over their music and revenue, as well as those who have a dedicated fan base.

Spotify, on the other hand, is a larger platform that offers artists the opportunity to reach a wider audience. As one of the largest music streaming platforms in the world, Spotify offers artists the potential for greater exposure and the opportunity to be discovered by new fans.

Additionally, Spotify offers a variety of tools for artists to promote their music, such as playlist submissions and social media sharing. This can be beneficial for artists who want to reach a larger audience and potentially gain more visibility in the music industry.

In terms of revenue, Bandcamp offers a more direct revenue share model, where artists receive a larger percentage of the revenue generated by their music sales. On the other hand, Spotify pays artists based on the number of streams their music receives, with the payment varying depending on factors such as the country where the stream occurred and the type of Spotify account used. While Spotify offers potentially greater exposure and the possibility of higher streaming revenue, Bandcamp offers a more direct and potentially higher revenue share per sale.

Overall, both Bandcamp and Spotify have unique features and benefits that can be beneficial for different types of artists and listeners. It’s up to each artist to determine which platform best suits their needs and goals.

Why are artists leaving Spotify?

While many artists have found success on Spotify and continue to use the platform, there have been instances of artists leaving or criticizing the platform. The reasons for this can vary, but some common concerns include:

• Payment and Royalties: One of the main reasons why some artists have left or criticized Spotify is because of its payment and royalty system. Some artists feel that the platform pays too little per stream, especially for independent and emerging artists who may not have a large number of streams. While Spotify pays out a percentage of revenue to rights holders, the amount that individual artists receive can be relatively low. Some artists have also criticized Spotify’s algorithmic playlists, which can favor mainstream or popular artists over independent or lesser-known ones.
• Exclusivity and Censorship: Some artists have expressed concern over Spotify’s exclusivity deals and censorship policies. In the past, Spotify has signed exclusive deals with certain artists or record labels, which has led to some artists feeling excluded from the platform or unfairly treated. Additionally, there have been instances where Spotify has removed or censored certain content or playlists, which has led to criticism from some artists who value artistic freedom and expression.
• Other Platforms and Distribution Methods: Some artists have left or criticized Spotify in favor of other platforms or distribution methods. For example, some artists have found more success on Bandcamp or other platforms that offer a more direct-to-fan approach, while others have focused on touring and merchandise sales rather than streaming revenue. Some artists have also chosen to self-release their music or work with smaller, independent labels rather than signing with major record labels or streaming services.

FAQs

Can I put music on Bandcamp and Spotify at the same time?

Yes, you can submit your music to both platforms simultaneously. In fact, many independent artists choose to distribute their music across multiple platforms to reach a wider audience and maximize their earning potential.

Do I need to pay to submit my music to Bandcamp or Spotify?

Both Bandcamp and Spotify offer free distribution services for independent artists, although there may be some fees associated with certain features or services. For example, Bandcamp charges a percentage of sales (15% for digital music, 10% for merch) while Spotify takes a percentage of revenue for streaming royalties.

How long does it take for my music to be available on Bandcamp and Spotify?

The time it takes for your music to be available on Bandcamp and Spotify can vary depending on the platform and the distribution method you choose. Generally, it can take a few days to a couple of weeks for your music to be processed and made available on both platforms.

Can I customize my artist profile on both Bandcamp and Spotify?

Yes, both Bandcamp and Spotify allow you to customize your artist profile with photos, bios, links, and other information. This can help you build your brand and connect with fans on both platforms.

How can I promote my music on both Bandcamp and Spotify? There are many ways to promote your music on both Bandcamp and Spotify, including sharing your music on social media, collaborating with other artists, submitting your music to playlists, and offering exclusive content or merchandise. By actively promoting your music on both platforms, you can increase your visibility and reach a wider audience.