7 Spotify for Artists Features Every Independent Artist Should Be Using

Most artists know Spotify is the world’s biggest music discovery platform, but a lot of people aren’t taking advantage of the tools it gives you. If you’re only uploading music and hoping for streams, you’re leaving a lot on the table. Here are seven features inside Spotify for Artists that can actually move the needle for you.

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1. Canvas

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Those looping visuals you see behind some tracks? That’s Canvas. It’s just a few seconds of video, but it makes your song feel alive and keeps people listening longer. Think of it as a quick, lightweight music video — fans share more, and it makes your page look pro.

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2. Marquee

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Marquee is Spotify’s paid campaign tool that pushes your new release to fans who’ve already streamed you before. For indie artists, it can be worth the spend if you’re strategic — a little push in that first week can help with playlisting and algorithm momentum.

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3. Analytics

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Don’t sleep on the data. Spotify tells you where your fans live, how old they are, and how they found your music. That’s gold for planning shows, figuring out ad targeting, or even deciding what kind of content to make.

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4. Profile Updates

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Your artist profile is like your storefront. Keep it fresh. Update your bio, swap in new photos, and use the “Artist Pick” feature to highlight your latest release or playlist. It shows fans (and Spotify editors) that you’re active and serious.

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5. Spotify Codes

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These are scannable codes that link directly to your music. Perfect for flyers, stickers, business cards, or even merch. It’s an easy way to connect offline promo to your streaming presence.

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6. Pre-saves

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Building hype before a track drops is crucial. A pre-save campaign makes sure fans have your new release waiting in their library the moment it’s out. More early streams = better odds of catching Spotify’s algorithm.

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7. Stay Consistent

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None of these features will work if you use them once and walk away. Keep your profile updated, test out different visuals, and pay attention to your data. Consistency is what really compounds over time.

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Final Thought

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Spotify for Artists isn’t just a dashboard — it’s a toolbox. The artists who win on the platform are the ones who actually use these features, not just upload and wait. Take a few extra minutes to set these up, and you’ll give your music a much better shot at reaching the right ears.

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