5 Ways to Get More Streams (and Fans) on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and More
As independent artists, we all want our music to reach more people — and in today’s world, that means making the most of streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. While there’s no overnight formula for success, there are proven strategies that help your music stand out, get shared, and connect with listeners. Here are five ways to start growing your streams and your fanbase today.
1. Focus on Consistent, High-Quality Releases
Consistency is key. Listeners are far more likely to follow an artist who regularly releases music than one who drops a song once a year. Aim for a realistic schedule — maybe one single every 6–8 weeks, or 1-2 songs per quarter. This keeps your profile active, triggers algorithmic playlists, and shows fans you’re active in the scene. Even if you’re still refining your sound, frequent releases help you learn and grow faster.
2. Make the Most of Your Metadata and Artwork
Your metadata (song title, artist name, credits, genre, etc.) and artwork matter more than you think. Clean, accurate, and professional presentation builds trust and improves playlist visibility. Be intentional with your cover art — it’s often the first impression listeners get of your song. If your visuals look sharp and your info is complete, you’ll stand out among the crowd. A huge portion of songs on streaming sites are incomplete.
3. Pitch Every Song to Playlists — Big and Small
Playlists are the driving force of streaming growth. Don’t just rely on Spotify’s official curators — smaller, independent playlists can move the needle too. Submit your track through Spotify for Artists before release day, and reach out directly to curators on social media or email. Start small, build relationships, and you’ll see momentum grow over time. Even 500–1,000 plays from a niche playlist can lead to algorithmic boosts and new fans. 🚨 Be careful if paying for promotion or playlist adds, many of these offers are bot driven and can hurt you in the long run
4. Promote Beyond the Platforms
Streaming algorithms love external traffic. When you share your Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Music link on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube and people click through, the platforms take notice. Create short-form video content, shorts, teasers, or behind-the-scenes clips that point people to your streaming links. The more traffic you drive from outside sources, the more likely you’ll be rewarded with better visibility inside the apps.
5. Invest in Great Sound and Production
Listeners might find you once because of a playlist — but they’ll stick around if your music sounds great and they love the song. Investing in your music on all fronts is a must - songwriting, pre-production, professional mixing, mastering, and pro session players can make all the difference in how your song translates on streaming services. Esepcially when your song is in between two major label releases! You want punch, clarity, and emotion that carries across phones, cars, airpods, and speakers alike.
Final Thoughts
Growing your audience takes time, patience, and consistent effort. Keep releasing, keep improving, and keep showing up for your music. Every single you put out is another opportunity to connect with new fans and build momentum. If I’ve learned anything from working with hundreds of independent somngwriters and artists, it’s that this industry is a marathon and not a sprint.
If you’re ready to take your release to the next level with professional remote drum tracks, mixing, or mastering, let’s collaborate — I’d love to help you bring your songs across the finish line and get your streams to a new high.
