Before You Start
Rushing a release leads to rejected submissions, delayed launch dates, and metadata errors that haunt you forever. This checklist covers everything distributors require so you can submit once and get it right.
Plan to complete these items at least 3 weeks before your target release date.
Audio Requirements
Every distributor has slightly different specs, but these standards work universally:
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | WAV (preferred) or FLAC |
| Bit depth | 16-bit or 24-bit |
| Sample rate | 44.1 kHz (CD standard) or 48 kHz |
| Channels | Stereo (2 channels) |
| Loudness | -14 LUFS (Spotify target) to -16 LUFS |
Do not upload MP3s. Even high-bitrate MP3s are lossy compressed. Platforms need lossless source files to encode their own streaming formats.
Master your audio. Distributors don't apply mastering. If your mix isn't mastered, pay for professional mastering or use a quality AI mastering service. Unmastered tracks sound quiet and thin compared to other releases.
Check for clipping. Audio that peaks above 0dB will distort. Your mastered file should peak around -0.5dB to -1dB with headroom for encoding.
Name files clearly. Use ArtistName_TrackName.wav format. Avoid special characters that might cause encoding issues.
Artwork Requirements
Cover art appears on every platform, in every size, from phone screens to smart TVs. Quality matters.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3000 × 3000 pixels (square) |
| Format | JPG or PNG |
| Color mode | RGB (not CMYK) |
| File size | Under 20 MB |
| Resolution | 300 DPI minimum |
Content rules to avoid rejection:
- No blurry or pixelated images
- No website URLs, email addresses, or social handles
- No pricing information or "available on Spotify" type text
- No excessive text in outer edges (thumbnails crop margins)
- No explicit imagery that violates platform policies
- No logos of streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple, etc.)
- Text should be readable at thumbnail size
If your artist name or track title doesn't appear on the artwork, that's fine - metadata handles identification. Purely visual artwork is allowed.
Required Metadata
Metadata is the information attached to your release. Get it right the first time - changes after release create discrepancies across platforms.
Artist name: Exactly as you want it displayed everywhere. Consistent spelling and capitalization across all releases. If you use "The Artist" on one release and "the artist" on another, they may create separate profiles.
Track title: No version info unless it's a remix or variant (e.g., "Song Title (Acoustic Version)"). No artist name in the title field. No genre indicators ("Pop Hit" is not a track title).
Album/Release title: For singles, typically matches the track title. For EPs and albums, the project name.
Common Rejection Reasons
Distributors reject submissions for:
Audio issues:
- Wrong format (MP3 instead of WAV)
- Clipping/distortion
- Silence at track start or end
- Sample rate mismatch
Artwork issues:
- Wrong dimensions
- Blurry or low resolution
- Prohibited content (URLs, platform logos)
- Cropping issues
Metadata issues:
- Artist name mismatch with existing profile
- Missing or incomplete credits
- Genre mismatch with actual content
- Inappropriate or misleading titles
Content issues:
- Copyright infringement (samples without clearance)
- Duplicate content already in catalog
- Content that violates platform terms
If rejected, fix the specific issue and resubmit. Most rejections are minor fixes that don't delay release significantly if you have buffer time built into your timeline.
After Release
Within 24-48 hours of release:
- Verify release is live on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon
- Check that artwork and metadata display correctly
- Confirm links are working (share a test link with yourself)
- Note your ISRC and UPC for future reference
- Submit to SoundExchange if you haven't registered your catalog
Within the first month:
- Check first royalty statement shows the release
- Monitor streaming analytics for any anomalies
- Continue promotion as planned
Your first release is a learning process. Note what went smoothly, what caused friction, and refine your process for next time. Distribution gets easier with repetition.