How to Verify on Spotify and Apple Music

In today’s digital music era, having a verified presence on major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music is crucial for artists looking to establish their credibility and expand their reach. Verification not only enhances your profile but also opens up new opportunities for connecting with fans and promoting your music effectively. Here’s a comprehensive guide on why you need to get verified and how to go about the verification process on both Spotify and Apple Music.

Why Do I Need to Verify?

Verification on music streaming platforms offers several key benefits:

• Increased Credibility: Verification acts as a mark of authenticity and professionalism. It reassures your audience that your artist profile is official, enhancing trust and encouraging more listeners to follow and stream your music;
• Access to Profile Customization: Verified artists gain access to customization tools that allow them to tailor their profile. These include adding artist bios, photos, tour dates, and featured playlists, which can significantly enhance how you present yourself on the platform;
• Improved Discoverability: A verified profile is more likely to get featured in curated playlists and artist recommendations, increasing your visibility across the platform. This can lead to more streams and followers;
• Direct Fan Engagement: Verification allows you to post artist’s picks and updates directly on your profile, helping you engage directly with fans and keep them informed about new releases, shows, or other news.

How Do I Verify on Spotify?

Getting verified on Spotify is straightforward thanks to Spotify for Artists. Here’s how you can verify your artist profile:

• Access Spotify for Artists: Go to the Spotify for Artists page and click ‘Claim Your Profile.’ You’ll be prompted to log in with your Spotify account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create it;
• Claim Your Profile: You can claim your profile either by linking it to your Twitter account or by providing direct evidence that you manage the artist profile, such as linking to a label or official artist website;
• Submit for Verification: Once you’ve filled in the necessary information and linked your accounts, submit your verification request. Spotify usually processes these requests quickly, often within a few days;
• Customize Your Profile: After verification, take advantage of Spotify for Artists to update your profile picture, bio, and social links, and start uploading custom artist playlists.

How Do I Verify on Apple Music?

Verification on Apple Music is done through Apple Music Connect. Here are the steps to follow:

• Sign Up for Apple Music Connect: Visit the Apple Music for Artists page on Apple’s website. You will need an Apple ID to sign up, so create one if you don’t already have it;
• Request Access: During the signup process, you’ll need to provide basic information about your artist profile. You may need to verify your identity or relationship to the artist you’re claiming to manage, often through a social media link or a label contract;
• Approval Process: Apple will review your request, which may take a few days to a few weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive a notification, and you can start managing your artist profile;
• Optimize Your Artist Page: Just like on Spotify, you can customize your Apple Music artist profile by adding images, biographies, and sharing content directly with your fans through the platform.

Expanding on the initial guidance, let’s delve a bit deeper into additional benefits and specific strategies to leverage after gaining verification on Spotify and Apple Music, enhancing your presence and engagement further.

Maximizing Your Verified Status

Once you’re verified, the real work begins to fully leverage the potential of your enhanced profile. Here’s how you can make the most out of your verification on these platforms:

• Engage Regularly: Use the platforms’ tools to regularly update your fans. On Spotify, for instance, you can share exclusive content through Spotify Canvas, which allows you to add short looping visuals to each track. This not only makes your songs more appealing but also helps in retaining the listener’s attention;
• Analyze Your Audience: Both Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists provide detailed analytics about your listeners. Understanding who your audience is, what songs they prefer, and when they listen, can help you tailor your releases and promotional efforts more effectively. Use this data to plan your tours, release schedules, and marketing campaigns;
• Promote Your Events: With verification, you can list your upcoming events and concerts directly on your profile. This feature is invaluable for converting listeners into concert-goers. Make sure to keep your events updated and link them to ticket sales platforms;
• Collaborate with Other Artists: Both platforms highlight collaborations prominently. Being verified makes you a more attractive collaboration partner to other verified artists. These collaborations can be a powerful way to reach new audiences and gain followers;
• Utilize Playlist Pitching: Spotify allows verified artists to pitch unreleased music directly to their editorial team for playlist consideration. This can significantly increase your track’s visibility if it gets placed in one of Spotify’s curated playlists;
• Apple Music Voice Memo: Apple Music offers a unique feature called Voice Memo which allows artists to share raw snippets of songs, behind-the-scenes content, or personal messages directly with fans. This can help in creating a more intimate connection with your audience, giving them insights into your creative process.

So in conclusion, getting verified on Spotify and Apple Music can significantly enhance your music career by boosting your profile’s visibility and legitimacy. It provides you with powerful tools to control your artist image, engage with fans, and track the performance of your music. Verification might seem like a small step, but its impact on your career’s trajectory can be substantial. Follow this guide, take the right steps towards verification, and you’ll be well on your way to maximizing your potential on these crucial music platforms.