Why Spotify's New Lossless Audio Is a Game-Changer for Artists
Spotify just dropped a big update. Premium users can now stream music in lossless audio using FLAC files up to 24-bit/44.1kHz.
This means your fans can finally hear your songs in full detail. More clarity. More punch. More of everything you put into the mix.
If you’re serious about your sound, this update is a win. Now it’s your job to make sure your tracks are ready for it.
What Is Lossless Audio?
Lossless means audio that’s not compressed or downgraded. Think of it like the difference between a high-quality RAW photo vs a compressed JPEG.
MP3s and standard streams cut corners to save space. Lossless keeps all the details. More texture. Cleaner highs. Bigger lows.
Spotify now joins Apple Music in offering high-fidelity streaming. If you're thinking Spotify vs Apple Music, this closes the gap.
Who Gets It and How?
This isn’t for free users. Spotify Premium is required to stream in lossless. It’s rolling out in over 50 countries, including the US, UK, Germany, Australia, and Japan.
It works on mobile, desktop, tablets, and many devices that support Spotify Connect, like Sonos, Sony, and Bose.
No support for Bluetooth yet. Use wired headphones or high-bandwidth devices to get the full experience.
What Artists Need To Do Right Now
Start with your masters. Use high-quality files when recording and mixing. Aim for 24-bit WAV or FLAC. Avoid squashing the dynamic range.
When uploading, go through a distributor that preserves quality. Don’t let them downgrade your files. Check out our top distributor recommendations here.
Use proper metadata and high-res cover art. People using lossless audio care about details. Give them a clean, professional experience.
Promote Your Lossless Music
Tell your fans. Use Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to let them know they can now hear your music in better quality.
Show them how to enable lossless in the Spotify app. Use screenshots or a short video.
Include the Spotify logo in your visuals or use one of Spotify's New Instagram Tools to maximize reach. Highlight that your music is available in FLAC. Add this to your link-in-bio and email newsletter.
Mix and Master for High-Quality Playback
When mixing, leave room for dynamics. Don’t over-compress your tracks.
Master for clarity. Use tools like reference tracks and check your mix on wired headphones. Bluetooth won’t cut it for this level of quality.
Export in 24-bit WAV or FLAC. Keep your sample rate consistent, 44.1kHz is the Spotify standard for lossless. Check out our detailed guide on how to mix music here.
Test Your Music on Spotify
Play your own music on Spotify with lossless enabled. Listen on different devices.
Check how it sounds on wired headphones, studio monitors, and high-quality speakers. Avoid Bluetooth for testing.
If something sounds off, go back and tweak your mix. What works in lossy might not translate in lossless.
Show Fans How to Turn On Lossless
Many fans are unaware that lossless even exists.
Create a simple guide:
- Open the Spotify app
- Tap profile > Settings & Privacy
- Go to Media Quality
- Choose “Lossless” under Wi-Fi and downloads
Add this to your stories, TikTok, or make a Reel. Quick and easy content that adds value.
Make It Part of Your Brand
Audiophile fans love quality. Use that.
Add “now in lossless” to your album drops or cover art posts. Use Spotify’s official logo and colors.
Offer bonus content like isolated stems, alternate versions, or acoustic takes that sound amazing in FLAC.
This is also a good excuse to reach out to press or blogs. Pitch your release as optimized for the new Spotify lossless format.
Keep an Eye on Fan Feedback
Ask fans if they hear the difference. Use polls or Q&As.
Track your Spotify for Artists data. See if listening hours or engagement increase after promoting lossless.
Lossless audio won’t make bad music sound good. But great songs in high-quality format? That’s a flex.
Watch Out for the Gotchas
Lossless audio files are big. Fans may need more storage or data to stream or download them.
Bluetooth headphones don’t support full lossless. If fans complain about not hearing a difference, it’s probably their gear.
Some older phones and laptops might struggle with FLAC playback. Keep that in mind when recommending setups.
Use It to Stand Out
Most artists won’t make any changes with this update. You can.
Use it as part of your pitch to curators, blogs, or brands. Mention your lossless-ready tracks in your Spotify bio or EPK.
You want to be the artist who cares about quality. It sets you apart.
Final Thoughts
Spotify lossless isn’t just a feature. It’s a way for your fans to hear every detail you worked hard on.
Make sure your music is ready for it. Promote it. Use it to level up your image and sound.
This is your chance to treat streaming like a professional release, not just a file upload.
FAQs
How do I enable lossless audio on Spotify? Go to your Spotify app, tap your profile, open Settings & Privacy, find Media Quality, and switch to “Lossless.”
Do I need special gear to hear the difference? Yes. Use wired headphones or a good audio interface. Bluetooth won’t give you full quality.
Will this cost extra? Nope. Lossless is included in Spotify Premium at no extra charge.
Does this work everywhere? It’s rolling out to over 50 countries. Most major markets are already live.
Should I still release music on Apple Music too? Yes. Apple Music also supports lossless. Being everywhere helps.
Looking to Promote Your Music?
Use our TikTok Music Promotion and Spotify Playlists Promotion service.
