If you’ve ever wondered how to get your lyrics scrolling in real-time on Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram Stories, Amazon Music, or Tidal, there is one primary gateway to make it happen: Musixmatch.
Streaming platforms do not pull lyrics from your distributor (like DistroKid or Amuse) by default, nor do they type them out manually. As an independent artist, you must claim your profile and manage your lyrics through Musixmatch Pro.
Why Musixmatch is Mandatory
Universal Distribution: It is the official lyrics partner for almost every major Digital Service Provider (DSP) and social media platform.
The "Instagram Story" Effect: Verification allows fans to search, share, and tag specific lines of your tracks directly in social posts.
Better Discoverability: Fans can find your music on streaming apps simply by typing a memorable line into the search bar, even if they don't know the song title.
How to Claim Your Artist Profile (Step-by-Step)
Before you start, make sure you have at least one song already released and live on Spotify or Apple Music. Musixmatch cannot create a profile for an artist with zero live metadata.
Step 1: Sign Up on Musixmatch Pro
Head over to Musixmatch Pro and create a business account. You can register using your standard business email, Google account, or Facebook.
Step 2: Request to Claim Your Artist Page
Once logged in, navigate to the "Roster" or "Claim Your Profile" tab. Type your artist name into the search bar.
Note: If your release is very brand new and your name doesn’t pop up, you will need to manually paste your Spotify or Apple Music Artist URL to help their system index your discography.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
To ensure fans or random curators don't lock you out of your own music, Musixmatch requires proof. You will be asked to:
Link your official Spotify for Artists or Apple Music for Artists credentials.
Provide active social media links (Instagram, Facebook, or an official website) to cross-verify your identity.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
Standard verification is typically reviewed and processed within a few business days to a week.
Adding and Syncing Your Lyrics
Once approved and verified as a Verified Artist, you can manage your catalog directly from your dashboard:
Add Plain Text: Copy and paste your exact lyrics. Follow standard formatting guidelines (no headers like "Chorus" or "Verse", spell out words completely, and avoid using punctuation at the end of lines).
Time-Sync: Use the Musixmatch web tool or mobile app to sync the lyrics line-by-line (or word-by-word) with the audio playback. This is what triggers the scrolling effect on Spotify and Apple Music.
Publish: Once you submit, the synced lyrics typically update across global streaming platforms within 24 to 48 hours.