Spotify Builds a Bigger Launchpad for 10,000 Independent Artists With Fresh Finds Forward
A coveted playlist placement will now open the door to studios, creative tools, industry connections, and mental health support.
Spotify has launched Fresh Finds Forward, a global support program expected to provide approximately 10,000 emerging independent artists each year with resources designed to help turn early attention into lasting career growth.
The yearlong program expands Spotify's Fresh Finds playlist network beyond music discovery. Eligible artists added to any Fresh Finds playlist beginning Jan. 1, 2026, will receive invitations through Spotify for Artists and gain access to the program's benefits for 12 months.
Those benefits include early access to select Spotify tools and features, prioritized access to tour and music video partnerships, educational events, and opportunities to connect with Spotify team members and Fresh Finds alumni. Participating musicians will also receive a Fresh Finds badge on their Spotify profiles.
U.S.-based artists will be eligible for free recording time at several prominent studios, including Electric Lady Studios in New York City, The Lighthouse at Ocean Way Nashville, and Spotify Music Studios in Los Angeles.
Fresh Finds Forward also provides premium access to LANDR Studio Pro and Splice's Creator Plan, along with mental health and wellness support that includes six months of therapy through BetterHelp.
Spotify says participation is free and does not require artists to accept a reduced royalty rate. The distinction separates Fresh Finds Forward from promotional programs such as Discovery Mode, which offers increased algorithmic exposure in exchange for a different royalty rate on selected streams.
Fresh Finds playlists are curated by Spotify's global editorial team and focus on independent, unsigned and early-career musicians across numerous genres and markets. During the past decade, the playlists have featured more than 80,000 artists from 127 countries.
Laufey, Clairo, Ethel Cain, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Royel Otis, and Omar Apollo are among the artists who appeared on Fresh Finds playlists before reaching larger international audiences.
Spotify reports that Fresh Finds has generated more than 128 million new artist discoveries since 2024, with nearly 70% of playlist streams coming from listeners hearing an artist for the first time. More than half of the musicians featured later receive placements on other editorial playlists, including New Music Friday and RapCaviar.
Notifications are now rolling out to eligible artists through Spotify for Artists. Musicians hoping to be considered for future Fresh Finds placements can submit upcoming releases to Spotify's editorial team through the platform.
