Stay Ahead: June 2026 DSP & UGC Platform Updates

Each month, we round up the latest updates across DSPs and UGC platforms that matter to artists, labels, distributors, and rights holders.

This month, Spotify expands its investment in video and superfans, YouTube introduces new fan engagement tools, and SoundCloud creates new opportunities for emerging artists.

Spotify: Direct Music Video Uploads in Beta

What’s New

Spotify has begun rolling out direct music video uploads in beta through Spotify for Artists.

The feature is currently available only to selected artists with access to the beta. Artists can check Spotify for Artists to see whether video uploads have been enabled for their account.

Eligible artists can upload official music videos, live performances, acoustic sessions, studio sessions, and cover performances directly through Spotify for Artists. Videos are royalty-bearing and may also be eligible for chart inclusion.

Spotify says listeners who watch a music video go on to stream that song 64% more over the following three weeks. They’re also 1.4x more likely to save, share, or add the track to a playlist, while streaming more of the artist's catalog overall.

How to Make It Work for You

• If your artists have access to the beta, consider adding official music videos or live performances to key releases.
• Check Spotify for Artists regularly to see if video uploads have been enabled for your artists.
• Upload high-quality landscape (16:9) videos. Lyric videos, visualisers, and multi-song concert recordings aren’t currently supported.
• Track how video impacts streams, saves, and overall engagement as Spotify expands the feature.

🔗 More on Spotify Direct Video Uploads →

Spotify: Reserved Ticket Access for Superfans

What’s New

Spotify Reserved is now live, giving eligible Spotify Premium subscribers early access to concert tickets before they go on general sale.

Eligibility is based on factors such as listening activity, saves, shares, and location, although Spotify has not disclosed exactly how these signals are weighted. Eligible fans receive notifications via email, push notifications, the Spotify app, and the Live Events Feed. Purchase windows typically remain open for around 24 hours, with a limit of two tickets per fan.

Reserved tickets further strengthens the connection between streaming engagement and live events, rewarding an artist’s most engaged listeners with exclusive early access to tickets.

How to Make It Work for You

• Ensure upcoming shows are listed through Spotify's supported ticketing partners.
• Encourage artists to drive engagement around new releases through pre-saves, playlist additions, shares, and consistent fan activity.
• Promote tours on Spotify to maximize eligibility for Reserved notifications.
• Incorporate Reserved into your fan engagement strategy as another benefit of building an active, loyal audience.

🔗 More on Spotify Reserved →

YouTube: Top Fan Videos

What’s New

YouTube has launched Top Fan Videos for Official Artist Channels, allowing artists to share exclusive videos with their top 1% of viewers, based on watch time over the previous 28 days.

Eligible fans receive a notification inviting them to watch the content. Anyone who isn’t eligible cannot access the video, even with a direct link.

The feature supports both Shorts and long-form videos, making it ideal for behind-the-scenes content, personal messages, early previews, alternate versions, and exclusive announcements.

How to Make It Work for You

• Reward your most engaged fans with exclusive content during release campaigns and key moments.
• Plan ahead, as Top Fan Videos cannot currently be scheduled.
• Share content that deepens the fan relationship, such as behind-the-scenes footage, thank-you messages, or early previews.
• Pair Top Fan Videos with Community posts, livestreams, and premieres to create a more connected fan experience.

🔗 More on YouTube Top Fan Videos →

SoundCloud: Sessions with Twitch

What’s New

SoundCloud has partnered with Twitch to launch SoundCloud Sessions, a recurring live performance series showcasing emerging artists across both platforms.

The initiative reinforces SoundCloud's focus on artist discovery while creating new opportunities for artists to reach audiences through live streaming and creator communities.

How to Make It Work for You

• Consider SoundCloud Sessions as a potential promotional opportunity for emerging artists.
• Encourage artists to build an active presence on both SoundCloud and Twitch to maximize future opportunities.
• Follow SoundCloud for future submission or application announcements as the program expands.

🔗 More on SoundCloud Sessions →

YouTube for Artists: Livestreaming Masterclass

What’s New

YouTube is hosting a free YouTube for Artists Masterclass on June 30, focused on helping artists get more from livestreaming.

The session will cover how to set up livestreams, incorporate them into release campaigns, improve stream quality, and learn from artist case studies, followed by a live Q&A.

How to Make It Work for You

• Share the session with artists and managers looking to grow their YouTube presence.
• Apply the best practices to future livestream campaigns.
• Register in advance, as spaces may be limited.

🔗 Register for the YouTube for Artists Masterclass →

Stay Informed

This month's updates reinforce a clear trend: streaming platforms are creating more ways for artists to deepen relationships with their biggest fans. Whether through video, exclusive content, or early ticket access, fan engagement is becoming an increasingly important part of every release strategy.

We'll continue tracking the latest updates from DSPs and UGC platforms each month, helping you stay ahead of new opportunities and make the most of the tools shaping the music industry.