Spotify Discovery Mode

What is Discovery Mode?

Discovery Mode is a new Spotify tool that helps you reach listeners and grow your fanbase, with no upfront budget required.

How does Discovery Mode work?

Discovery Mode gives participants the opportunity to influence Spotify's personalization algorithm in select personalized listening contexts.  When Discovery Mode is turned on, it increases the likelihood - but does not guarantee - that songs reach listeners in these contexts.  Participants are able to turn Discovery Mode on or off for any track that is eligible.

How do I get access to Discovery Mode?

If you meet the artist and track eligibility criteria for using Discovery Mode in Spotify for Artists, you should be granted access over the coming months to set up and manage Discovery Mode campaigns directly in Spotify for Artists.  You should receive an email from Spotify once you have access to set up a Discovery Mode campaign in Spotify for artists.

In advance, please verify the following information in Spotify for Artists:

• Confirm that the email address you have on file in Spotify for Artists is up to date so you will receive communications about Discovery Mode. To update your email, follow these instructions.
• Please note that only members of your artist team who have Admin and Editor access in Spotify for Artists will be able to set up Discovery Mode campaigns. Anyone on your artist team, including those who have Reader access, will be able to view Discovery Mode performance reports. If you wish to change your team access levels in Spotify for Artists, follow these instructions.

Additionally, if you’re a Spotify for Artists user interested in using Discovery Mode, you can complete this form. Please ensure that you have accurately entered your Spotify Artist URI in the form, otherwise Spotify will not be able to process your form submission. To find your Spotify Artist URI, follow the instructions here. While Spotify cannot guarantee access at this time, they will reach out with more info should you be provided access.

What does Discovery Mode cost?

Discovery Mode doesn't require an upfront budget.  Instead, a 30% commission is applied to record royalties generated from all streams of selected songs in Discovery Mode contexts - Spotify Radio and Autoplay.  All other streams of selected songs outside of Spotify Radio and Autoplay remain commission free. 

How does UnitedMasters apply the Discovery Mode fee to my account?

UnitedMasters receives financial reporting for all artists opted into Discovery Mode from Spotify. This reporting includes the fee total that is required to be deducted from royalty earnings based on the 30% commission charged for this program. UnitedMasters will then deduct this total from the artist's Wallet on a monthly basis and will be displayed as a negative adjustment amount to your Wallet with the title "Spotify Discovery Mode". 

How do I set up a campaign?

You can find detailed instructions for setting up a Discovery Mode campaign in the Spotify for Artists help center.

How will I know how my Discovery Mode campaign is performing?

You can read more about the performance reporting for Discovery Mode campaigns in the Spotify for Artists help center.

What if I have more questions?

You can always submit a request to our support team via our Contact Form.  We're here to help!