How to Make Money on Spotify in 2025: Complete Monetization Guide

When Spotify launched in 2006, it changed how we listen to music. Instead of buying singles and albums, you can now use your phone to stream endlessly.

Today, Spotify is the top choice for listeners, with over 220 million premium users and more than 640 million monthly users. It's also become a platform where creators can grow their music and audio audience.

Wondering if you can make money on Spotify? You can.

Here's your complete guide to earning on Spotify, with 8 top ways to make money and tips to increase your earnings.

8 ways to make money on Spotify

Ready to make a profit on Spotify? Here are some of the top income streams:

1. Release your music and earn from streams

You can earn money when people listen to your music. A “stream” is counted when someone plays your song for at least 30 seconds, and it can be worth a few cents. 

You’ll have to meet the eligibility criteria, but in the last two years, the music streaming service has paid out almost 4 billion USD to publishing rights holders.

Spotify

If you don’t have a recording contract, you’ll need to sign up with a distributor before you can release music on Spotify. Distributors are responsible for maintaining quality and processing royalty payments. They can also help you grow your audience, even when you’re new to the industry.

Distributors usually charge a commission or a flat fee, and you can find Spotify’s preferred providers here. Of course, you’ll also need to create a Spotify account to manage your music.

2. Leverage Spotify for Artists tools

Spotify gives you a suite of tools to customize your profile and promote your tunes. Make the most of the features to engage with your followers and hit your streaming goals. 

Artist profiles are a space where your fans can learn more about you. Head to Spotify for Artists to start customizing your profile with:

• Clips: Short videos under 30 seconds long. They are tied to your music and give you a chance to connect with fans.

• Canvases: Visuals that loop while your music plays. You can have one for every track on Spotify.

• Countdown pages: Timers that show listeners when your next album or live event is coming. 

• Fan Support: Fans can give you tips to help you fulfill your musical dreams. They can also donate to your favorite cause.

Plus, there are tools to help you get to know your listener base, and you can use these insights to make marketing decisions. For example, the Segments tab will give you a breakdown of the monthly active audience, previously active audience, and programmed audience. You’ll also learn who your Super, Moderate, and Light listeners are.

Keep in mind that some of the tools may be unavailable in your region. Spotify is always trying to make the experience better for artists and listeners. So, you can expect more updates in the future.

If you want more Spotify data, check out the annual Loud and Clear economics report and this Fan Study.

3. Sell merchandise through Spotify

When people love your music, they will be happy to share and even promote it by wearing your merch. Give your fans what they want and make some extra cash by selling merchandise — straight from your artist profile page.

To get started, you’ll need to use the Shopify integration and design your merch. Fortunately, you don’t need to worry about printing or shipping because print-on-demand services like Printful will take care of everything.

You can tag your merchandise on your music pages to make sure the right people see them. Please note that there are fees for using Shopify and print-on-demand services, but you can always factor this into the sale price.

4. Get featured on curated playlists

There are over 100 million tracks on Spotify. While we can search for our favorite songs, all these options can make it hard to know what to play next. 

This is where curated playlists come in. Listeners can choose a genre or theme, and the tunes will keep coming — giving them the chance to discover something new.

So, how do you get your music onto a playlist? You can submit new music via Spotify for Artists, and the editorial team will see if there’s a suitable playlist. You are only allowed to pitch one song from every EP or album, so choose carefully. When submitting a tune for consideration, pick your genre and be sure to include any relevant information, such as the story behind the music and the people you worked with. 

That’s only the beginning because Spotify listeners can also curate their own playlists. So when new users discover your songs, they may add them to their personal lists, too.

5. Use Spotify ads to promote your content

Another way to boost your streams is through Spotify Ads. Lilith from Lilith Publishing is a Fiverr expert who specializes in Spotify Ads, and she shared her insights with us.

Lilith says, “Spotify Ads are one of the most effective tools for artists looking to grow their audience, increase streams, and build a loyal fanbase. Unlike traditional social media ads which rely on visual engagement, Spotify Ads target listeners directly in their element — when they are actively consuming music. Spotify Ads aren’t just about short-term results, they can be a powerful tool for long-term artist growth.”

Spotify

Here are the top benefits of Spotify Ads, according to Lilith Publishing:

• Reach fans of similar artists. One of the most powerful features of Spotify Ads is the ability to target audiences who already listen to similar artists. This way, your music is promoted to people who are most likely to enjoy it.

• Streaming-first audience. Unlike social media platforms, where people are scrolling for various content, Spotify’s users are already there for music. This means they are much more likely to engage with your track. Boost algorithmic growth. Increased streams from targeted ads can help trigger Spotify’s algorithm, leading to placements in playlists like “Discover Weekly” and “Release Radar,” creating an organic snowball effect.

• Direct link to your music. Ads drive listeners straight to your Spotify profile, album, or single, making engaging with your music easy.

• Cost-effective exposure. Compared to traditional marketing, Spotify Ads allow even independent artists to run budget-friendly campaigns that reach the right audience.

In 2025, ‌ad revenue for Spotify is set to hit around 1.17 billion dollars. It’s an area other artists are investing in because the results can pay off.

6. Monetize your podcasts on Spotify

If you’re a podcaster in the US, Canada, Australia, or the UK, you may be eligible for the Spotify Partner Program. To apply, you’ll need at least 12 published episodes and have had 10,000 hours of consumption and over 2,000 streams in the last month.

This program comes with a few different monetization options, including:

• Ad revenue: When an ad plays during your podcast, you can receive a share of the revenue.

• Premium subscriptions: Subscribers who pay for premium content won’t see ads. But you can earn money every time an episode is streamed.

• Video revenue: If you are a video creator, you can earn money from ads and video plays. 

To improve the performance of your podcast, check out the creator dashboard. Spotify gives you data to help you understand how well your show is doing and who your listeners are.

7. Offer exclusive content with subscriptions

You don’t have to give everything away for free. Subscriptions are a good way for podcasters to generate recurring revenue every month. 

To access this revenue stream, you’ll need at least 2 episodes and more than 100 Spotify listeners in the last 60 days. You should also check that your location is on the eligibility list.

To set up your first subscription, head to your creator profile and click “Monetization.” Then, go to “Subscriptions” and “Get Started” for a quick step-by-step process. 

The price of your subscription will depend on the popularity of your podcast, the frequency, and the type of content you create. Your fans will expect a series of subscriber-only episodes, so think about how much time you have to invest before you decide on a price.

Spotify doesn’t take a cut of your profits, so you will receive the full amount minus any processing fees. Please note, you will also need a Stripe account for your payouts.

8. Partner with brands for sponsored content

Once your podcast starts gaining a steady following, you may get attention from brands. Take advantage of these opportunities and create your own unique partnerships that work for everyone. For example, you can talk about products or services on your show with sponsored voiceover segments.

These sponsorships are made outside the Spotify platform and you’ll be responsible for managing terms and payments. Set your own rates and timelines to suit the content of your podcast. And, consider creating a media kit to share with potential sponsors, showcasing your audience demographics.

While it can be tempting to “take the money," make sure the sponsor is a good fit before accepting the deal. You don’t want to lose listeners because you chose the wrong partner. For example, a family-friendly podcast may not be the best place to promote a casino or liquor company.

Tips to increase your earnings on Spotify

Now that you know how to make money on Spotify, let’s talk ‌about boosting those earnings. Here are our top tips to make more money on the streaming platform.

Build a strong social media presence

On Spotify, streams equal revenue, so it makes sense to find more loyal listeners. Social media is a good place to start, and you have plenty of options to choose from. 

Try these:

• Facebook: Use it to connect with your fans and let them know when you have important news to share. Think concert dates, single releases, and more.

• YouTube: Give people another platform to hear your music. Mix it up with video and try filming acapella and live versions of your songs.

• Instagram: Share candid photos and cover art and connect with your favorite brands for potential sponsorships.

• TikTok: Show your audience your fun side with short video clips and DJ drops. Interact with your fans and give them exclusive looks behind the scenes.

Don’t have time? Get social media management services on Fiverr to manage your accounts for you.

Collaborate with other artists or creators

When you collaborate with other artists, it can have a big impact. Not only will you keep your music fresh, but you can also take advantage of each other’s existing fanbase.

In 2022, Nigerian singer/songwriter Rema released a song called “Calm Down.” It did well in Africa, but when Rema collaborated with Selena Gomez, things took off. Over the next six months, the collab saw Calm Down streams jump by 230%. It was good for Selena, too, because her popularity in Africa grew by more than 120%.

Engage with your audience on Spotify and beyond

Remember we spoke about those customization features in your profile? Clips, canvases, and countdown pages can all be used to engage your audience and create buzz around your music.

But Spotify isn’t the only place where you can engage with your fans. You can diversify with other streaming services such as Apple Music and Tidal. You can also promote your music off-platform via an email newsletter, website, and social media.

There are opportunities to engage in person, too. Whether it’s a concert, festival, or gig at a local pub, anyone who enjoys your music may look for you on Spotify.

Optimize your Spotify profile and playlists

When listeners click on your profile, it should tell your story. Don’t forget to customize this page with high-quality graphics and descriptions. 

Use the "About" section to share your background, accomplishments, and what makes your music unique. Improve your profile with "Artist Playlists." These can feature your own music and tracks that inspire you, giving listeners a deeper connection to your sound.

Don’t forget to verify your profile with a “blue tick” so your fans know your page is legit. It’s free and only takes a few minutes.

How payments work on Spotify

Here is what you should know about Spotify payments:

Revenue sharing: How Spotify splits income from streams

Spotify pays you every time your music is streamed for 30 seconds or more. The amount does vary, but most artists get between $0.003 and $0.005 per stream. 

The breakdown is said to be around 70% for rightsholders and 30% for the streaming service. The rightsholder's share may be split between multiple people, including record labels, songwriters, and artists.

Distribution platforms: How to get your earnings from Spotify

To get paid for your podcasts and merchandise, you’ll need a Stripe account. If you are a musician, your distributor will pay you your streaming royalties.

This is usually monthly, but every agreement is different. Make sure you read the fine print to understand how and when your distributor will settle your account. 

Timing: When and how often Spotify pays artists

You won’t get your first Spotify payout straight away. You will have to wait 30 days to be eligible, then payments are made once a month.

You need at least $10 in your account to get paid. Once processed, you can expect the money to be in your bank account within 3 business days.

Factors affecting payouts: Country, subscription type, and more

Location can have an impact on your revenue. Some countries have higher membership fees, so those streams are more valuable. And, when those with premium subscriptions stream your content, it can also be worth more than those listening for free.

Keep in mind that when Spotify is making a healthy profit, it is good for artists because there is a bigger pool of money to share. 

Hire or collaborate with musical artists on Fiverr today

Spotify is a unique platform with a range of income streams. If you want to make the most of the music streaming service, a Fiverr professional can help.

Whether you need someone to write lyrics for a new song, or vocalist services for your next collaboration, you'll find the right fit at Fiverr. There are even Spotify marketing experts and professionals who can enhance your audio, and you can hire cover designers, producers, and composers.

For freelance musicians, Fiverr Music offers a thriving marketplace to connect with other music professionals, collaborate on projects, and find paid opportunities. Additionally, the Fiverr Music community provides valuable insights and inspiration by showcasing how other musicians are successfully using Fiverr to grow their careers and generate income.

Get started on Fiverr and start making money on Spotify today.

Spotify monetization FAQs

How much does Spotify pay per stream?

Spotify pays artists a percentage of each eligible stream. This amount varies, but reports suggest it is between $0.003 and $0.005. At these rates, 1,000 streams would give you between $3 and $5.

Can you monetize podcasts on Spotify?

Yes, you can monetize podcasts with subscriptions, ads, and sponsorships. You will need multiple episodes and a healthy listener base to qualify for these opportunities.

What is the best way to get on curated playlists?

The Spotify editorial team accepts submissions for curated playlists. You can only submit one song from an album, and you should give the editors time to review it before its release.

You can also encourage listeners to add your tunes to their personal playlists.

Is it possible to sell merchandise directly on Spotify?

Yes, you can sell merchandise from your Spotify artist profile page. You will need to connect to the Shopify app and consider printing and shipping costs. 

To make it easy, Shopify integrates with on-demand printing companies such as Printify and Printful.