Getting your music onto major streaming platforms is easier than ever, but doing it right requires understanding the process, the players, and the best practices. Here is everything you need to know as an East African artist.
Choose a Distributor
You cannot upload directly to Spotify or Apple Music. You need a digital distributor — a service that delivers your music to platforms and collects your royalties. Popular options include DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, and Ditto Music. For East African artists, Mdundo and Boomplay also offer regional distribution with strong local presence.
Prepare Your Release
Before uploading, ensure you have: mastered audio files (WAV, 16-bit/44.1kHz for CD quality), album artwork (3000x3000 pixels, JPEG or PNG), metadata (song titles, artist name, ISRC codes, genre), and release date planned at least 4 weeks in advance.
Mastering for Streaming
Streaming platforms normalize audio to specific loudness levels. Spotify targets -14 LUFS, Apple Music targets -16 LUFS. At Kili Studio, we provide streaming-optimized masters that sound loud and punchy while working within these normalization standards.
Timing Your Release
Submit your music at least 3-4 weeks before your desired release date. This gives you time to pitch to Spotify's editorial team for playlist consideration. Go to Spotify for Artists and use the pitch tool — this is how independent artists get on major playlists.
Promote Your Release
Use pre-save campaigns to build momentum. Share snippets on social media. Reach out to blogs and playlist curators. Create content around your release — behind-the-scenes footage, lyric videos, and acoustic versions all help extend the life of your release.
The streaming landscape offers incredible opportunities for East African artists to reach global audiences. With proper preparation and strategy, your music can compete on the world stage.