How to Add Your Own Music to Spotify: The Ultimate Guide for Listenres and Artists

Whether you have a folder full of rare MP3s, unreleased voice memos, or you’re an independent musician looking to get your tracks streaming next to your favorite global artists, adding your own music to Spotify is entirely possible.

However, the method you choose depends entirely on what you want to achieve. Are you looking to listen to your personal audio files privately on the app, or do you want to publish your original music for the world to hear?

This guide covers both paths step-by-step.

Path 1: For Personal Listening (Using “Local Files”)

Best for: Rare tracks, DJ sets, unreleased demos, or music not available on Spotify’s official catalog.

Spotify allows you to pull music files stored directly on your computer or phone into your library. While these files remain private to you, you can add them to playlists, download them for offline listening, and stream them seamlessly.

Step 1: Set up Local Files on Desktop (Windows & Mac)

Spotify’s desktop app is the command center for adding local files.

1. Open the Spotify desktop application.
2. Click on your profile picture or display name in the top-right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Your Library section and toggle on Show Local Files.
4. Underneath that, click Add a Source.
5. Select the folder on your computer that contains your music files (