For independent and emerging artists, Spotify often feels like the promised land. With over 600 million users and access to global playlists, it’s one of the most powerful platforms for music discovery and fan engagement. But here’s the catch—most artists are only tapping into a fraction of Spotify’s full potential.
In fact, less than 10% of artists regularly utilize the tools Spotify has built specifically for them. That’s like owning a high-end studio but only recording vocals with your phone. If you’re serious about growing your streams, fanbase, and career—it’s time to understand what you’re missing.
In this blog, we’ll break down what Spotify offers, why artists overlook these features, and how to start using all the tools at your disposal to stand out in a crowded digital landscape.
Why Spotify Is More Than Just Streams
When most artists talk about “doing well on Spotify,” they usually mean hitting a certain stream count. But Spotify for Artists is a robust ecosystem built for long-term career growth—not just vanity metrics.
Some of the powerful (and underused) tools include:
- Canvas
- Marquee
- Clips
- Showcase
- Playlist Pitching
- Audience Segmentation
- Merch + Ticketing Integration
- Fan Study Insights
Yet, most artists focus only on playlist pitching or checking their daily stats.
The artists who grow consistently on Spotify are the ones who treat it like a marketing platform, not just a place to upload music.
The Problem: Artists Don’t Know What They’re Missing
Let’s break it down. Why are so many artists underutilizing Spotify’s tools?
- Lack of Awareness
Many don’t know these features exist. Spotify doesn’t always promote its updates loudly, and unless you’re in marketing circles, you may never hear about them. - Overreliance on Playlists
Playlist placement is great, but it’s not a strategy. When you chase playlist spots without building your ecosystem, you’re setting yourself up for short-term wins and long-term disappointment. - Fear of Tech
Not every artist is wired for analytics, dashboards, and dropdown menus. But if you can learn production software, you can learn Spotify’s creator tools. - No Strategy
Without a release strategy, artists drop music blindly and hope it catches on. Spotify’s tools are designed to amplify momentum—but you have to create that momentum first.
The 10 Spotify Tools You’re Probably Ignoring (But Shouldn’t Be)
Here’s a breakdown of the most slept-on Spotify for Artists features—and how to use them like a pro.
1. Canvas
A looping 3-8 second visual that plays on repeat behind your track. When used effectively, it can increase track shares by up to 200%. Think of it as the “album art of the streaming era.”
Pro Tip: Use vertical visuals that complement the song’s vibe—satisfying loops, animations, or video snippets work best.
2. Clips (beta rollout)
These are short, vertical videos that allow you to speak directly to your fans. It’s like having a built-in TikTok on Spotify.
Pro Tip: Use Clips to tell the story behind your song, shout out your city, or promote your next show. It humanizes you.
3. Marquee (paid)
Marquee is a sponsored recommendation that targets users who’ve already shown interest in your music. According to Spotify, Marquee delivers an average 3x increase in listener conversion.
Pro Tip: Use it on key singles with strong hooks and a compelling visual (Canvas helps here, too).
4. Showcase (new tool, paid)
Appears on the Spotify Home tab as a banner to spotlight a new release. It’s algorithmically placed and high-impact.
Pro Tip: Use Showcase within 30 days of your release to maximize momentum. Budget for it during rollout planning.
5. Playlist Pitching (Properly)
Yes, you probably pitch your music. But are you doing it right? Spotify says only one pitch per artist is accepted per release—so pick the right track, submit early, and tell a compelling story in the description.
Pro Tip: Mention where you’re gaining traction (e.g., TikTok trends, press coverage, hometown buzz) in your pitch.
6. Audience Segmentation
Spotify tells you who’s listening—by city, age, gender, and listening behavior. You can use this data to plan tours, target ads, or build city-specific campaigns.
Pro Tip: Run Instagram/Facebook ads in cities where your music already performs well on Spotify.
7. Fan Study
Spotify’s Fan Study gives deep insights into streaming behaviors. Learn when people listen, how they find you, and what keeps them engaged.
Pro Tip: Use these reports to fine-tune your drop dates, social posting times, and track pacing.
8. Merch Integration (w/ Shopify)
You can list merch directly on your Spotify profile using Shopify. This connects passive streamers to your brand.
Pro Tip: Pin limited-edition merch during releases or tours to maximize hype.
9. Live Show Ticketing
Sync with platforms like Songkick or Eventbrite to show your tour dates directly on your artist profile. Fans looking you up can now buy tickets instantly.
Pro Tip: Add your tour dates at least 4 weeks out—Spotify may recommend them to local fans in-app.
10. Profile Optimization
Having a clean, updated bio, press photos, social links, and pinned tracks makes a major difference. Your profile is your storefront.
Pro Tip: Update your bio at least once per quarter and make sure your pinned track reflects your best current work.
How to Start Using More Than 10% of Spotify’s Tools
If you’re feeling overwhelmed—don’t worry. Start small and build. Here’s a game plan:
- Audit your profile – Is everything filled out and current?
- Plan your next release with Spotify tools in mind
- Schedule a Canvas + Clip for the drop
- Pitch your track early (7+ days pre-release)
- Use analytics to find fan hotspots for ads or shows
- Apply insights from Fan Study to improve your strategy
Every tool you unlock brings you one step closer to building a loyal fanbase, not just chasing streams.
Final Thoughts: Treat Spotify Like a Business Tool, Not a Lottery Ticket
If you’re only logging into Spotify for Artists to check your stream count, you’re leaving 90% of your growth on the table.
Spotify has evolved into a full-suite artist marketing platform. The question isn’t “Will I go viral?”—it’s “Am I doing everything I can to put my music in front of the right people?”
At AMG Music Group, we work with artists every day to unlock these tools, maximize momentum, and turn casual listeners into lifelong fans. If you’re ready to take your Spotify presence seriously, now is the time.
