Elementor #18914

The platform also prioritizes speed and creative freedom. According to TIDAL, “Independent artists are busy enough. The faster they can share music on TIDAL, the more time they have to focus on creating and connecting with fans who want to hear what’s new.” Once uploaded, tracks sit alongside TIDAL’s searchable catalog of over 180 million songs, giving artists the chance to be playlisted and discovered.

One of Upload’s standout features is Spotlight payouts, which put real money behind playlist discovery. “Streaming royalties alone aren’t nearly enough to support independent artists getting started,” the TIDAL team said. Every week, TIDAL’s editorial team adds fresh tracks to curated playlists, and featured artists receive $100 per day per playlist, paid directly to their Cash App accounts. “We’ve heard that the recognition from our team and the uplift of getting in front of an audience of new listeners is really valuable, too,” they added.

TIDAL is also making larger bets on independent artists through Upload Headliners, a contest that offers six-figure financial support with no strings attached. “Upload Headliners gives indie artists a life-changing amount of money to invest in their careers as they see fit,” the team explained. “As part of Block, home to Cash App and Square, we’re focused on helping artists build financial freedom.” The first Upload Headliners winner is Lily Amiclo, whose ethereal track “Close Encounters” earned her the top prize. Amiclo said of the opportunity, “It’s the craziest thing to ever happen to me. An artist can only dream of something like this, and usually to acquire this type of investment in your music, you have to give something away, and I think that’s what makes this so special and such a statement, I think, to the rest of the music industry.”

Matthew “Matty” Bernal from Cash Money Records highlighted how Upload removes traditional gatekeeping while still maintaining high standards for curation and artist support. “Upload gives independent artists direct access to a global platform that values ownership, transparency, and quality. Artists can distribute their music, retain control of their rights, and immediately be placed in an ecosystem designed to amplify their work, not bury it. That combination of accessibility and respect for the artist is what fundamentally changes the playing field,” Bernal said.

Bernal emphasized Upload’s long-term career benefits. “Discovery today is no longer just about viral moments, it’s about consistency, data, and intentional growth. Tools like Upload allow artists to move strategically, not just creatively. By providing real visibility, performance insights, and direct pathways to editorial consideration, Upload empowers artists to build careers step by step.”