Growing your first 1,000 fans on Spotify takes time, patience, and some smart moves. Whether you're a new artist or someone who’s been making music for a while, reaching that first milestone can feel like a big step. Let’s break down a realistic timeline and a few tips that can help you get there. And remember, you're not alone — places like buzzclick-music offer guidance that can support your journey.
Month 1-2: Start Strong & Set Things Up
In the beginning, focus on getting your profile ready. That means uploading a good photo, filling out your bio, and making sure your links to social media are working. Next, start by releasing one great song. Quality matters more than quantity at this point.
Use this time to share your music with friends and family. Post about it on your personal social accounts. These first listeners can help give your track a little push.
Month 3-5: Keep Going & Build Connections
Now it’s time to get your song onto playlists. Start with small ones — indie playlist makers on Instagram or smaller curators on Spotify. You can also make your own playlists that include your song along with other artists in your genre. This helps your music be found by people with similar taste.
Engage with people who support you. If someone shares your track, send them a message saying thanks. These small moments build real fans over time.
Month 6-9: Release More & Stay Active
Keep releasing new music every couple of months — even if it’s just a single. Every release is a chance for new listeners to find you. Be consistent with posting clips, behind-the-scenes content, or thoughts about your music. If you’re active, people are more likely to stay interested.
Continue pitching your songs to Spotify through the artist dashboard before the release date. The more you do this, the better your chances that an editor might notice you.
Month 10-12: Momentum Builds
By now, you’ve probably built up a small group of listeners who keep coming back. Make sure to keep them in the loop by using the Spotify “Artist Pick” feature or linking to your latest song in your socials. Little by little, 1,000 fans starts looking much closer.
Growing on Spotify isn’t a race. It takes small steps, honest music, and time. Keep showing up, keep creating, and your crowd will come.