Welcome to CD Baby’s monthly Partner Platform Updates roundup, where we break down the latest news, tools, and product updates from the digital platforms shaping how independent artists reach fans.
As a preferred partner of leading platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, CD Baby works closely with the industry’s digital service providers to stay on top of the changes that matter to artists. And as a pioneer of independent music distribution with more than 25 years of experience, we’ve built a deep understanding of the industry and the challenges independent artists face. Our goal is to turn that knowledge into dependable, practical guidance you can use to move your career forward.
Here’s what you need to know from September.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Apple Music adds new artist profile features
With the launch of iOS 27, Apple Music rolled out a number of new profile features that give artists more ways to brand and promote themselves on the platform.
Through Apple Music for Artists, artists can now upload an artist logo, customize the colors of profile buttons, and use Spotlight — a brand new feature — to pin an album, artist playlist, or other featured content to the top of an artist profile.
What this means for you:
If you haven’t already, claim your Apple Music for Artists profile through CD Baby. Then, give your page a refresh:
- Upload a high-quality artist image and logo (see requirements for logo design)
- Choose profile colors that complement your visual branding
- Spotlight your newest or most important release at the top of your profile
- Add lyrics to eligible songs
- Complete your Q&A and other artist details
Instagram adds “First Draft” tools to Reels
Instagram just added an intelligent short-form video editing feature called “First Draft” to its tools for producing Reels.
An artist can select multiple clips, and First Draft automatically trims pauses or dead space and assembles the footage into an editable starting point for a Reel. Any edits the tool makes are fully adjustable and reversible before posting.
What this means for you:
If you’re posting short-form videos to Instagram, use First Draft to tighten your content and speed up the production process. It could be useful for live performance clips, behind-the-scenes footage, talk-to-camera videos, tour or studio recaps, or highlights from a release campaign. Just be sure to review the footage and add a call to action before you post.
TikTok adds Voice, Polls, and Carousels on TikTok
TikTok is giving fans more ways to participate in the conversation beneath your videos. The platform introduced several new comment features over the past few weeks:
- Voice Comments: Fans can leave audio responses up to 60 seconds long.
- Comment Polls: Creators can add polls with up to five choices beneath their own videos.
- Photo Carousel Comments: Fans can add multiple photos to a single comment.
- Live Photo Comments: Fans can share Live Photos directly from their camera roll.
What this means for you:
These features give your fans new ways to actively engage with your content — more than simple likes and replies. Think of ways to creatively leverage these new features:
- Singing contests: Invite fans to sing, play, or react to a part of your latest song using a voice comment.
- Put it to a vote: Ask your fans which songs should make the setlist, where you should play next, or what content fans want to see more of on your profile.
- Memory lane: Encourage fans to share photos from your latest show.
Spotify introduces “Fresh Finds Forward” benefits program for independent artists
Spotify is expanding its support for emerging independent artists with Fresh Finds Forward, a new program expected to serve approximately 10,000 artists each year.
Eligible artists featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds editorial playlists can receive 12 months of benefits that may include perks like studio time, early access to Spotify tools and features, and even mental health and wellness resources.
Artists added to an eligible Fresh Finds playlist since January 1, 2026, can receive an invitation through Spotify for Artists
What this means for you:
If you’ve recently landed a Fresh Finds placement, check your Spotify for Artists notifications for information about Fresh Finds Forward.
Haven’t been featured yet? The best way to get upcoming music in front of its editorial team is to pitch an unreleased song through Spotify for Artists. A pitch doesn’t guarantee placement, but it ensures your release can be considered by Spotify’s editors. We’ve compiled our Spotify playlist pitching best practices and an easy five-step template to help you make your next pitch to Spotify.
Stay ahead of the curve with CD Baby
Keeping you informed is just one way CD Baby supports your career beyond release day. From distribution to industry education and career-building tools, we’re here to help you navigate what comes next.
Ready for your next release? Join more than 2 million artists with a free CD Baby account. Pay once per release at $9.99 per single or $14.99 per album — with no annual fees.