PROGRAM OVERVIEW
What is the Tidal Spotlight program?
Tidal Spotlight is an opportunity for artists who use Tidal Upload to be considered for promotion by the Editorial team. If you share a track publicly using Tidal Upload and it’s selected by the Editorial team for a playlist or in-app feature, you'll be eligible to receive a one-time award of $1,000 USD.
Which countries are eligible for Spotlight awards?
The Spotlight program is available to account holders who are at least 18 years old and located in one of the following countries or territories: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Poland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland.
What types of tracks are considered?
All original tracks uploaded through Tidal Upload that are made public and meet the Spotlight Program Terms are eligible for review by our Editorial team. Tracks are selected based on quality and fit for curated playlists and in-app features.
How do I submit a track for consideration to Tidal Spotlight?
There is no separate application. You enter the program by uploading an original track and making it public. If your track is selected, you become eligible for awards and will receive an email with next steps. To receive your award, you’ll need to accept the Spotlight Program Terms and link your Cash App account or bank account depending on your location.
What can I do to improve my chances of being featured?
While selection is at the Editorial team’s discretion, we recommend:
• Adding an up-to-date artist photo to your profile
• Using clean, finalized track titles (avoid placeholders like “DRAFT” or file extensions like “.wav”)
• Reviewing your release for typos or formatting issues
How will I know if my track was selected?
You’ll receive an email if your track is featured by the Editorial team. That message will explain how to accept the Spotlight Program Terms and receive your award.
Where will listeners see my spotlighted track?
Your track may appear in an editorial playlist or an in-app feature curated by Tidal’s Editorial team. All tracks featured by the Editorial team also appear in a section of our home page called Spotlighted Uploads, where your music will gain additional visibility.
RECEIVING SPOTLIGHT AWARDS
When are award payouts processed?
Award payouts are processed on the Friday after you’ve been notified that your track was playlisted. For example, if your track is featured starting on a Friday, your award payout will be sent the following Friday.
Does my location affect how I receive my Spotlight award?
Yes. The process for receiving Spotlight awards depends on the country associated with your Tidal account.
Can I choose a different method to receive my award?
No. The method used to receive Spotlight awards is based on your location and cannot be changed.
Who should I contact with award delivery issues?
For issues related to receiving your award, please contact Tidal Support.
Spotlight awards for U.S. based artists
How do U.S. artists receive Spotlight awards?
Artists located in the United States must link a valid Cash App account in order to receive Spotlight awards. Cash App is currently the only supported method for U.S. artists.
When do I link my Cash App account?
If your track is selected, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to link your Cash App account.
Spotlight awards for artists outside the U.S.
How do artists outside the U.S. receive Spotlight awards?
Artists located outside the United States will receive Spotlight awards through our payment partner, Stripe. If your track is selected, you’ll be prompted to connect a bank account in order to receive your award.
Do I need to connect my bank account in advance?
No. If your track is selected, you’ll be notified via email with a prompt to connect your bank account.
How do I connect my bank account?
To link your bank account, follow the steps below:
• Click Link bank account from the email you received regarding your track being Spotlighted
• You’ll be redirected to our payment partner, Stripe, to enter your personal details
• Add your bank account details
• When you return to Personal details, you may see an “Invalid” message — this means identity verification is still needed (identity verification is required to enable payouts)
• Click Edit and complete the identity verification steps (you’ll be asked to confirm details and upload a photo ID)
• Once verification is complete, return to the final step and click Agree and submit
After submitting, you’ll be redirected back to Tidal and you’ll see confirmation that your bank account has been successfully linked.
SPOTLIGHT AWARD PLACEMENTS
What in-app placements are eligible for a Spotlight award?
Only editorial placements qualify. If your track is eligible for a Spotlight award, you’ll always receive an email from us.
Eligible placements include:
• Editorial playlists
• In-app features curated by the Editorial team
Algorithmic features like My Mix are not eligible.
If my track is featured in more than one editorial playlist or in-app feature, will I receive additional awards?
No. Each track is eligible for one $1,000 USD award, even if it appears in multiple editorial placements.
LEGAL & TERMS
What are the Spotlight program terms?
Before receiving an award, you’ll need to accept the Spotlight Program Terms. They’ll be linked in your notification email and shown in-app and on the web. These terms cover eligibility, rules, payout structure, and other program details.
Will I receive US tax forms if I win?
For US-based winners: If you meet the reporting threshold, you’ll receive a 1099-MISC form issued by Block, Inc.
For winners outside the US: Next year, you’ll receive a Form 1042-S that reports your US source income and serves as a receipt for any US withholding taxes paid on your behalf by Tidal. You are solely responsible for reporting any taxes owed in your locality.
How do I opt out of the program?
If you don’t want your track considered for Spotlight, set it to private or delete it from your account.
If your track has already been featured and you’d like to opt out of receiving Spotlight awards while keeping the editorial placement, contact Tidal Support and include:
• Your artist name
• The selected track name
• Your request to opt out of Spotlight awards