Verification on Spotify is now automatic once you gain access to Spotify for Artists. You no longer need 250 followers or a separate application. Once you claim your profile through your distributor or the Spotify for Artists portal, the blue checkmark appears. However, while verification gives you control over your profile, it does nothing to help you collect the 50% of royalties that distributors often leave behind.
1. The 3-Step Verification Process
In 2025, the process is streamlined. Follow these steps to claim your “Blue Check”:
- Distribute Your Music: You cannot get verified if you don’t have music on the platform. Use a distributor (like DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby) to send your first track to Spotify.
- Claim Your Profile: Once your song is delivered (or live), go to artists.spotify.com. Log in with your personal Spotify account and click “Claim Profile.”
- Authentication: You will be asked to verify your identity. The fastest way is to link your artist social media accounts (Instagram or X) or log in through your distributor’s portal.
- Wait for the Check: Once Spotify confirms you are who you say you are, you gain access to the dashboard, and the blue verification checkmark is automatically added to your profile.
2. What Verification Unlocks
Verification isn’t just for show; it gives you the “admin keys” to your Spotify presence:
- Spotify for Artists Dashboard: Real-time stats on who is listening and where.
- Playlist Pitching: The ability to submit upcoming unreleased music to the Spotify editorial team.
- Artist Pick: Pin a song, album, or playlist to the top of your profile.
- Customization: Edit your bio, upload “Canvas” videos, and change your profile picture.
3. The “Verified Artist” Illusion: The Money You’re Missing
Many artists think that having a blue checkmark and 100% royalties from their distributor means they are “set.” This is a dangerous assumption.
Spotify pays out two separate pots of money for every stream. Verification and distribution only handle the Master Recording pot. They do not touch the Songwriting (Publishing) pot.
The Reality: A “Verified” artist with a million streams might see their dashboard showing thousands of dollars, but without Publishing Administration, they are likely losing $800–$1,200 per million streams. This money is generated by the composition (the lyrics and melody) and is often held in international “Black Boxes” because Spotify doesn’t know who to pay.
4. Why Distribution & Verification Aren’t Enough
| Feature | Spotify Verification | Music Distribution | Audiobulb Administration |
| Primary Goal | Profile Control / Stats | Delivering Files to DSPs | Collecting Total Royalties |
| Money Collected | None ($0) | Master (Recording) Share | Songwriting (Composition) Share |
| Legal Protection | Branding | Basic Metadata | Global Rights Management |
| Tracking | Passive Stats | Sales Reports | Active Web-Wide Tracking |
5. How Audiobulb Completes Your Professional Setup
If you want to be a professional, you need to look verified and act protected. Audiobulb fills the gap that Spotify and your distributor leave wide open.
- We Find the “Missing” Checks: While your distributor collects the recording money, Audiobulb registers your work with global societies (The MLC, PRS, IPRS, etc.) to collect your performance and mechanical royalties.
- 0% Commission: Most services that offer publishing take a 15–20% cut of your songwriter money. Audiobulb charges a flat $19.99/year. We take zero commission.
- Active Tracking: A blue checkmark doesn’t stop people from stealing your music. Our technology actively scans the web for unauthorized use of your melodies and recordings, ensuring you are tracked and paid everywhere.
Summary
Getting verified on Spotify is the “entry fee” to the industry—it makes you look professional. But being professional means actually getting paid. Don’t let your distributor be your only source of income. Claim your profile for the branding, but claim your publishing rights to ensure you aren’t leaving your hard-earned money in a black box.
Your Next Step: Now that you’re getting your blue check, make sure you’re getting your full check. Join Audiobulb for $19.99/year to capture 100% of your global songwriting royalties and protect your music with active usage tracking.