Stay Ahead: DSP & UGC Platform Updates September 2025

Each month, we round up the latest changes across the DSPs. This month we are sharing with you updates from Spotify, YouTube and Bandcamp— along with what it means for you and your artists. 

Read on to learn more. 🚀

Spotify: Wrapped 2025 Artist Video Submissions Now Open

Spotify is gearing up for Wrapped 2025 and artist participation is front and center. Starting on Oct 1st All Artists will be able to upload short, vertical video clips (30 seconds or less) to thank fans, highlight a standout moment from the year, or tease what’s coming in 2026.

These videos will be featured in Spotify’s personalized Wrapped experience and remain visible throughout the campaign.

How to Make It Work for You:

• Record a clean vertical video (no music, logos, or filters) under 30 seconds
• Upload your clip on Spotify for Artists → Videos and Visuals → Wrapped Banner
• Add a short caption (max 100 characters) and tag a relevant track
• Submissions are open from October 1 to November 14, 2025

Once submitted, your clip will automatically be included in your fans’ Wrapped.

→ Check Spotify for Artists On Oct 1st for More Information

Spotify: Pre-Save Counts Now Public on Countdown Pages

Spotify is adding transparency and urgency to pre-release marketing. Starting September 29, Spotify will publicly display pre-save counts for upcoming releases on its Top 10 Countdown Pages, available through the Upcoming Releases hub.

Each day at 12:00 PM ET, Spotify refreshes a global leaderboard showing the most pre-saved releases - including total pre-save numbers.

How to Make It Work for You:

• Launch a Countdown Page early to build momentum
• Encourage fans to pre-save and track ranking
• Highlight milestones in your marketing narrative
• Use insights to optimize future campaign strategy

→ More on Spotify’s Countdown

YouTube: New Fan Monetization Tools and Release Countdown Features

YouTube recently hosted their annual “Made on YouTube” event and announced features designed to turn casual fans into superfans. These new tools include album and video countdowns, pre-saves, exclusive merch drops, and badges for top supporters all designed to create real fan moments around a release.

How to Make It Work for You:

• Use countdowns and pre-saves to build anticipation
• Schedule merch or video drops to reward engagement

→ Explore YouTube’s new fan features

YouTube: Hype Feature to Support Smaller Creators

YouTube has launched Hype, a fan-powered feature that lets audiences boost videos from smaller creators onto weekly trending charts. Channels with 500 to 500K subscribers are eligible. This gives emerging talent a new way to gain visibility, build momentum, and expand their reach with direct support from fans.

How to Make It Work for You:

• Enable Hype in YouTube Studio > Channel Settings
• Prompt fans to use their 3 weekly boosts on your latest content
• Monitor charts for momentum and visibility trends

→ How Youtube Hype Works

Bandcamp: Launches Curator-Led Subscription Service

Bandcamp has introduced Bandcamp Clubs — a monthly subscription model built around human curation instead of algorithms.

For $13/month, members receive:

• A handpicked monthly album
• Exclusive interviews and commentary
• Curator-led listening parties

Launch curators include Jamz Supernova, Tina Edwards, and NTS Radio’s J Bennett.

How to Make It Work for You:

• Submit standout catalog for consideration
• Build relationships with curators in your genre
• Use Bandcamp Clubs to engage with niche and collector audiences

→ Explore Bandcamp Clubs

Stay Ahead, Stay Informed

This month’s updates reflect the bigger picture: platforms are investing in deeper fan engagement, stronger artist protection, and better tools for monetization and discovery.

Whether you’re planning campaigns, managing catalog, or building audience relationships — every change above is a chance to sharpen your strategy.