Spotify to allow musicians to upload music directly

A new feature allowing musicians to upload their creations directly to Spotify is now in beta testing, the streaming platform announced on Thursday.

Artists will be able to preview how music will appear and sound on Spotify prior to release day, and royalties will be deposited directly to bank accounts. The service is free, with no commission charged.

The addition of direct uploading has been in the works for months, Spotify said, and is currently invite-only to "a few hundred US-based independent artists." The company added that the uploading system was designed with indie musicians in mind using feedback from artists like Noname.