Platforms, like Spotify and Apple Music, have strict guidelines for metadata, audio, and artwork. If you don't follow these rules, your release may be rejected and delayed.

To speed up approval, avoid these common mistakes:

Artwork

• Use Original Artwork: Only use artwork you own or have rights to. If using copyrighted images, provide documentation. 
• Keep Artwork Appropriate: Don't submit artwork with nudity, excessive violence, or blurry images.
• Avoid Generic Artwork: Generic images (like plain or single-color covers) may be rejected. Personalize your artwork.
• Match Text to Metadata: Any text on your cover art needs to exactly match your release title and artist name in the metadata. Even small differences, such as extra words, symbols, or a different artist's name, can lead to rejection.
• Don't Be Misleading: Avoid artwork that imitates famous covers or pop culture, which could confuse listeners.

For more details, see our artwork guidelines here.

Audio

• Distribute Only What You Own: Only submit content you have full rights to (no unofficial remixes or uncleared samples).
• Provide Licensing: Even royalty-free samples or third-party beats need proper documentation.
• If your release contains covers or music you don't exclusively own, it may not be eligible for services like YouTube Content ID, TikTok, or Meta. Learn more about Digital Rights Management here.

We can only approve content if you verify you own or control all parts of your track or have the proper rights. If your track includes elements like beats, stems, or samples you didn’t create, upload the relevant licenses. 

Our content-matching system may flag original tracks if they resemble existing music, even in their melody or beat. This automated process doesn't imply copying. You can dispute the flag by resubmitting your submission with supporting documentation, such as project files or timestamps.

Pro Tip: Providing these documents upfront helps speed up the review.

Metadata

Title: Only list contributors in the proper field, not in track or release titles. Additionally, don't use popular artist/song names or generic SEO terms in your metadata.

Version Information: Only include a version title if a previous version has been distributed. For first-time releases, no version title is needed.

Content Rating: Mark tracks as explicit if they contain profanity or drug references. Only use Clean if an Explicit version has already been distributed; use Non-Explicit.

Original, Remix, or Cover: Avoid using terms like remix, cover, version, or another artist's name in the title unless accurate. If it is a remix or cover, be ready to provide proof of rights; if not, label it as original.

Contributors: Match your artist name exactly as it appears on Spotify/Apple (case sensitive) to avoid misplacement. Also, make sure you are listing each artist separately. NO social media handles.

Songwriters: Platforms require full legal names (no initials) for composer information.

Lyrics: If your track contains vocals, provide accurate audio language. For instrumental tracks with no vocals, answer "No" to "Does this track have lyrics?".