Want your tracks approved on the first try?
Upload documentation with your submission so we can verify that you have the necessary rights to distribute and monetize your content.
As a distributor, we can only approve releases when we can confirm you’re the rightsholder. This means you must either own or control all content in your track, or have proper permission to use it. If your track includes anything you didn’t create—such as a beat, stem, or sample—be sure to include the relevant licensing agreements. Providing this upfront helps speed up the review process.
If your track uses non-exclusive beats, samples, or stems, you must remove YouTube Content ID and uncheck TikTok and Meta from your selected platforms before submitting. Only 100% original or exclusive content can be delivered to these platforms. For more information on what is eligible for delivery to these stores, see here.
To ensure all contributors are properly credited, include accurate and complete contributor information in your track metadata.
Using samples? Here’s what to know
If you’ve used samples from other recordings, you’ll typically need permission from:
- The songwriter (composition rights), and
- The owner of the original recording (master rights)
Even if a melody is old or in the public domain, the specific recording you sampled may still be protected by copyright.
If you have the required licenses or clearances, upload that documentation during the distribution process. If not, you may need to remove the sample and recreate that element yourself.
Types of Acceptable Documentation
- Exclusive or non-exclusive beat license
- Purchase receipts for sound packs, beats, or samples
- Collaboration or remix agreements (if working with other artists)
- Mechanical licenses for cover songs (please be sure to license 100 downloads or more)
Resources
- Splice offers a simple way to request license documentation for samples used.
- Easy Song provides an easy way to acquire a mechanical license.
- Guide to Music Licenses from BeatStars
How to Submit Documentation
Monetization Submission
- Navigate to the Monetization tab within your SoundCloud for Artists account.
- Select Monetize this track adjacent to the relevant track.
- Scroll down to the section labeled License Documentation. Here, you can upload the required documentation.
- Submit your Monetization Review and allow up to 3-5 business days for approval.
Distribution Submission
- Navigate to the Distribution tab within your SoundCloud for Artists account.
- Select the release in question.
- In Step One of the release creation process (1. Tracks), click the edit option located on the right-hand side of the track.
- Scroll down until you locate the section titled: Does this track require additional licenses? Here, you can upload the necessary documentation.