Spotify for Artists is the free dashboard where you control your artist profile, see who is listening and pitch new songs to Spotify’s playlist editors. If you have released music through a distributor but never claimed your profile, you are missing your best free promotion tool. This guide walks African artists through claiming the profile in 2026, explains the new “Registered Artist” label, and shows how to pitch your next release.
Quick answer
- Your Spotify artist profile is created automatically when a distributor delivers your first release. You cannot create it yourself.
- Claim it at artists.spotify.com by submitting a request and adding a link to your website or social media. Spotify reviews requests manually, which can take a few days.
- Since 28 January 2026, Spotify has been replacing the blue “Verified Artist” checkmark with a “Registered Artist” label in the About section of claimed profiles.
- Pitch unreleased songs at least 7 days before release so they are added to your followers’ Release Radar playlists.
Before you start: you need music on Spotify (or on the way)
Spotify does not let artists upload music or create profiles directly. Your profile is created when a distributor or label delivers your first release. If your first song is not live yet, ask your distributor for your Spotify artist link and the UPC of your upcoming release, so you can claim the profile early.
With Interfine Music, your release is delivered to Spotify together with 200+ other platforms, and our support team can share your Spotify artist link once your music has been delivered.
How to claim your Spotify for Artists profile: step by step
- Go to artists.spotify.com and log in with your Spotify account, or create a free one.
- Choose to get access as an artist, and search for your artist name or paste your Spotify artist link.
- Add a link to your official website or social media (for example your Instagram, TikTok or YouTube) so Spotify can confirm it is really you.
- Submit the request. Only one request can be active per artist profile at a time.
- Wait for Spotify’s manual review, which can take a few days. You will get an email when you are approved, or with next steps if not.
If someone on your team already claimed the profile, ask the team Admin to invite you instead of submitting a new request.
“Verified” is now “Registered Artist”
Many artists still ask how to get the blue verified tick on Spotify. Starting on 28 January 2026, Spotify began replacing the blue “Verified Artist” checkmark with a “Registered Artist” label, shown in the About section of artist profiles. It means the same thing as before: the profile has been claimed and is managed in Spotify for Artists. Spotify says the change does not affect visibility, discovery, royalties or your access to Spotify for Artists tools. So the way to get it is simply to claim your profile.
Set up your profile so new fans stay
- Profile and header images. Use a clear, recent photo that matches your other platforms.
- Bio. Write a short bio with where you are from, your genre and your latest release.
- Social links. Add your Instagram, TikTok, X and website so fans can follow you everywhere.
- Artist Pick. Pin your newest single or an upcoming show to the top of your profile.
- Team. Invite your manager or label with the right access level instead of sharing your password.
Pitch your next song to Spotify editors
Once you have access, you can pitch upcoming songs to Spotify’s editorial team from the Music → Upcoming tab. Releases delivered by your distributor can take around 48 hours to appear there.
- Upload your release to your distributor early. Spotify asks for music to be delivered at least 7 days before release, and we recommend 14 days.
- Pitch one unreleased song per release, with genre, mood, instruments and a short description of the story behind it.
- Pitch at least 7 days before release day so the song is added to your followers’ Release Radar playlists.
- You cannot pitch songs you are only featured on, or songs that are already live.
- Pitching does not guarantee a playlist, but it is free and every release should be pitched.
For a full walk-through, read how to pitch your song to Spotify playlists and our music release checklist.
Release your next song on Spotify and 200+ platforms
Interfine Music delivers your songs to Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, Audiomack, TikTok, YouTube Music and 200+ platforms for $12 a year (or start from $2). Pay by M-Pesa or card, and get support on WhatsApp.
Create your accountWhatsApp +254 791 393 533Frequently asked questions
Can I create a Spotify artist profile myself?
No. Spotify creates your artist profile automatically when a distributor or label delivers your first release. After that you can claim it in Spotify for Artists.
How long does it take to claim a Spotify for Artists profile?
Spotify reviews claim requests manually, and approval can take a few days. Make sure the website or social link you add clearly belongs to you.
How do I get the blue verified tick on Spotify in 2026?
Since 28 January 2026, Spotify has been replacing the blue Verified Artist checkmark with a Registered Artist label in the About section. You get it by claiming your profile in Spotify for Artists.
Can I claim my profile before my first song is released?
Yes. Ask your distributor for your Spotify artist link and the UPC of your upcoming release, then contact Spotify for Artists with those details.
How many days before release should I pitch to Spotify?
Pitch at least 7 days before release so your song goes into your followers’ Release Radar. Uploading 14 days early gives more time for editors to listen.
