Get ready to rejoice because in your Spotify for Artists dashboard, you will now find an option to upload a three to eight-second video that will play in the background on the Spotify app and when fans share your songs to Instagram stories. Named Spotify Canvas, the music streaming giant describes this widely touted feature as “a marriage of sights to sounds, giving artists a way to express themselves visually while simultaneously deepening listeners’ connection to the music.” 

You can add Canvases to any song or upcoming release and alter or remove them at any time. If your visual aesthetic changes with your next release, you can simply adjust your brand assets to match. The best part? The graphic can be designed entirely by you.

Adding a Canvas to your track or upcoming release is a great way to showcase your brand and allow listeners to dive deeper into who you are as an artist. Not only will it make your tracks more visually appealing, but it will also help drive engagement and bring users back to your music on Spotify. In today’s digital world, that’s a win-win! Spotify data shows that when listeners see a Canvas, they are 5% more likely to listen to your track, 145% more likely to share it, and 20% more likely to add your track to a playlist.

How to Create an Engaging Spotify Canvas

While Canvas is not a Songtradr product, we are committed to informing artists of the best tools available to promote their music. In a world where standing out is essential, it is helpful to know how to create, upload, and add a Canvas to your Spotify releases. 

 

When creating a Spotify Canvas, there are few guidelines to keep in mind: 
  • If using text, it should only relate to the track. 
  • URLs and calls to action (CTAs) are prohibited. 
  • You must own the visuals you are submitting.

 

Here are some tips to help you create an engaging Spotify Canvas: 
  • Your Canvas will not have sound, so use footage without speech, singing, or rapping.
  • Stay away from chaotic cuts or flashing lights. 
  • Center the critical content to avoid overlapping with Spotify’s player controls.
  • Connect your Canvas content to your own personal style.
  • If you have more than one song, switch it up and try different loops, such as continuous, rebound, or hard cut loops.

 

Here are the specifications you must follow to create a fully optimized Spotify Canvas:
  • 9:16 ratio (vertical)
  • At least 720px tall
  • MP4 or JPEG file
  • 3s to 8s long 
 
Not equipped to create your own Canvas?

There are image, video, and GIF editing platforms like Kapwing that can help you do it for free. If you prefer something more customized and have a bigger budget, SoundBetter can connect you with talented Canvas designers who can create an appealing visual experience for you.

 

How to Upload a Canvas to Your Spotify for Artists Account

You need to claim your artist profile before you can upload your Canvas. However, you can only do this after your first track is available to stream online, so you must distribute your music first. If you need help with this, you may want to check out Songtradr’s music distribution service.

The good news is that claiming your profile is quick and easy. You can learn how to claim and set up your Spotify artist profile here. Once approved, a blue checkmark will appear next to your profile, and additional features such as Spotify Canvas and enhanced audience data will become accessible to you. The Spotify team takes approximately three days to review and approve new verification requests.  

After that little blue checkmark is planted next to your name, you can log in to your account and follow these simple steps to upload your first Spotify Canvas:

  • Click the MUSIC tab and select the track to which you would like to add a Canvas. 
  • If uploading from a desktop or laptop, click the ADD CANVAS option. If you are uploading from a mobile device, click CREATE CANVAS. 
  • Once uploaded, it may take up to one hour to be visible to listeners. 

In just a few steps, you will be able to add a new creative dimension to your tracks, showcase unique album artwork and offer your fans something new and exciting to interact with. It’s simple, so why not try it?

 

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digital distribution digital music music streaming spotify spotify for artists