To credit a producer on Spotify, add them as a producer in your distributor's credits when you upload the song. Spotify shows whatever credits your distributor sends, and there is no way to edit them in Spotify for Artists. On DistroKid, go to distrokid.com/credits (or Features menu, then "Enhance your music", then "Credits"), pick the release, choose "Add New..." then "Producer", save it, and click "Done, submit to streaming services". You can do this even after the song is live, and updated credits usually show on Spotify within about a week.
The producer made the beat, the song is out, and they have messaged you asking why their name is not on it. Or you are about to upload and want to get it right first time. Either way, crediting a producer properly takes a couple of minutes once you know where it goes, and it matters more than most people think: credits are how producers get found, get paid and decide whether to work with you again.
Where producer credits actually come from
Spotify, Apple Music and the other services do not let artists type credits in directly. They show the information that comes in with the song from your distributor or label: the songwriters, producers, engineers and featured artists. Spotify says so in its own help pages: if a credit is missing or wrong, you ask your distributor to send the corrected information.
So "how do I credit a producer on Spotify" really means "how do I add a producer in my distributor". The steps differ by distributor, but the idea is the same everywhere.
How to credit a producer on DistroKid
DistroKid lets you add credits before or after a release goes live.
- Go to distrokid.com/credits, or open the Features menu at the top right, click "Enhance your music", then "Credits".
- Find the release and open its credits page.
- Click the "Add New..." dropdown and choose "Producer".
- Pick the type of producer from the next dropdown, type their name exactly as they want it to appear, and click "Save this credit".
- Add any other credits, like a co-producer, mix engineer or featured artist, the same way.
- Click "Done, submit to streaming services". Nothing changes on Spotify until you do this.
On the upload form itself, DistroKid also asks for the real names of the songwriters. If the producer helped write the song, which in hip hop, R&B and pop usually means they made the beat, their real name belongs in the songwriter section too.
Other distributors
Most distributors have a credits or contributors section on each track, often right next to the songwriter or composer field. Look for words like "Credits", "Contributors", "Producer" or "Track details" when you upload. If you cannot find it, or your distributor does not support credits yet, message their support and ask how to add a producer credit and get it sent to the stores. If you use a distributor that does not offer producer credits at all, that is worth knowing before your next release.
Producer credit vs songwriter credit
These are two different things, and a producer can be owed one or both.
- The producer credit says who produced the recording. It is what shows as "Produced by" in the song credits.
- The songwriter credit says who wrote the song. This is the one tied to publishing money. If the producer helped write it, they need this credit and their share registered with the right organisation, such as PRS in the UK or ASCAP or BMI in the US, or they will not be paid for it.
Agree who wrote what as soon as the song is finished and put it on a split sheet. Our free split sheet maker makes one in a couple of minutes, and how to split royalties on a song explains the two kinds of money.
Should I put "prod. by" in the song title?
Not on streaming services. Distributors and stores want the title field to be just the song's name, and extra names in the title are a common reason releases get sent back for changes. Put the producer in the credits instead.
"Prod. by" in the title is normal on YouTube and SoundCloud uploads and in social posts, so use it there. Tagging the producer's account when you post the song is a nice touch and helps them share it.
What if the beat was leased?
Read your lease. Almost every beat lease says how the producer must be credited, often something like "Produced by [name]" in the credits and the description. Getting it wrong can break the lease, so copy the wording they ask for. If you are unsure what a lease covers, how much to pay a producer explains leases, exclusive rights and custom beats.
Common questions
How do I add a producer credit on Spotify?
Through your distributor, not Spotify. Add the producer in your distributor's credits section and submit it to the stores. Spotify shows the credits your distributor sends, and there is no credit editor in Spotify for Artists.
Can I add a producer credit after the song is released?
Yes. On DistroKid you can add credits to a live release from the credits page and then submit them to streaming services. Other distributors usually let you update track details or will do it through support.
How long do credits take to show on Spotify?
Spotify says updated credits usually appear within about a week of it receiving the new information from your distributor.
Why is the producer not showing in my credits?
Usually because the credit was never added on the distributor's side, the update was saved but not submitted to the stores, or not enough time has passed. Check your distributor first, then ask their support to resend the information.
Does a producer credit mean they get royalties?
Not by itself. Royalties come from what you agreed: points on the recording, a share of the publishing if they helped write it, or nothing beyond a fee. The credit just shows who did the work. Agree the money in writing separately.
A note from us
Tonivo is a free place to find producers and artists and message them directly. You can browse producers on Tonivo, hear their work, and post a call for the beat your song needs. When you find someone, credit them properly and they will want to work with you again.
The short version
Producer credits go in through your distributor, not Spotify. On DistroKid, add them on the credits page and submit to streaming services. Put the producer in the songwriter section too if they helped write the song, keep "prod. by" out of the title on streaming services, and write the splits down on a split sheet.