If your release was rejected, don't sweat it. Usually, it just means our partners need a few more details or a quick formatting fix to get your music live. Find your rejection reason below to see how to resolve it and get your scene moving.
Artwork
Platforms have specific guidelines for the artwork they’ll accept, and we’re required to adhere to those guidelines. Here are some common reasons artwork might be rejected:
Contributor Not Credited in Metadata
- If you included any contributor names on your artwork(featuring artists, producers, etc.), make sure their names are also included in your track metadata under Contributors.
- Proper attribution not only acknowledges their hard work and talent but also maintains transparency and professionalism in your project.
Format references
- If you've included any mentions of physical packaging or digital formats in your metadata or artwork, this will need to be removed. References to barcodes, vinyl records, or any other type of physical packaging will be rejected for delivery to our partner platforms.
- Additionally, exclude any phrases such as "Out Now," "Digital Release," or similar expressions that pertain to the format or availability of the content.
Generic artwork
- Single-color images, especially all-black ones, and overly simple images are usually rejected by most platforms for lacking originality.
- If your release is rejected for generic artwork, customize it with personal elements like your artist name or album title, or create a new, more unique and visually appealing piece. This helps your submission stand out and meet platform standards.
Inappropriate Artwork
- If your artwork contains nudity, excessive violence, sensitive information, or anything else that platforms would deem inappropriate, it will NOT be eligible for distribution to partner platforms.
- Please upload artwork with appropriate imagery, and we’re happy to get it approved for release.
Logos and Symbols on Artwork
- Using imagery you don’t own in your artwork is not allowed. This includes social media logos, brand logos, and any other copyrighted material. Please note that heavily editing copyrighted images or creating them via AI does not grant you permission to use them.
- Keep in mind that if we can reverse image search your artwork and find results, so can those who own the trademarks or copyrights.
Original Artwork
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Our system sometimes flags artwork if it detects similarities to existing copyrighted images. This doesn't mean you did anything wrong; it's an automated check. You can appeal this by uploading proof of ownership.
If the art is copyrighted, you will have to re-upload with a non-copyrighted image (e.g., something they've created themself or Creative Commons) or provide documentation that you've been granted rights to use it.
If the subject in the artwork is from the public domain (like a statue or building), the photograph itself may be copyrighted by the photographer. You'll need to find the specific license for that image (like Creative Commons) and upload it in the license documentation section of your release.
If you took or created the image yourself, that is totally acceptable. In this case, upload license documentation to show proof -- this can be your original design files (PSD, AI, etc.), a screenshot of your creation process, or a signed rights declaration.
Repeated Artwork
- Platforms won’t allow us to send repeated artwork. If you’ve already used artwork for an approved release, we won’t be able to approve it for use on another release. Pro Tip: You can use the same image, so long as the title accurately reflects the album being distributed!
Text Does Not Match Artwork
- If there is any text on your artwork or cover photo that does not match the metadata you’ve entered when submitting your release, your release will be rejected. On photos, this includes graffiti in the background, logos on clothing, song lyrics, street signs, etc.
- Additionally, make sure the release name, artist name(s), and contributor name(s) are all entered in your track details the same way they display in the artwork.
Uneven Borders / Cut Off Text
- Please ensure that all submitted artwork has even borders and that no text or images are cut off. It is important that the entire design is fully visible and properly aligned within the borders to maintain a professional and polished appearance. Submissions with uneven edges, partially cropped text, or incomplete images cannot be accepted, as these issues compromise the artwork's overall quality and presentation.
Audio
Your audio files are arguably the most important part of your release, so it’s vital you get them right. Here are some things we might need to reject:
Excessive Silence
- Remove any silence longer than 5 seconds at the beginning or end of your audio. This will help maintain a smooth and professional listening experience by eliminating unnecessary pauses that could distract or disengage the listener.
Mixes
- Long-form DJ mixes are not eligible for distribution to our distribution platforms. If you'd like to distribute them, they'd need to be broken down into individual, distinct tracks. We'd also need you to include any licensing information for the content you’re mixing in your resubmission so we can verify you have the rights to distribute it.
Non-Music Content
- We’re not able to distribute podcasts, radio shows, or audiobooks at this time. While this content can’t be distributed or monetized through SoundCloud, these may be eligible for delivery through our RSS feed if that’s something you’d like to do.
Copyright
At SoundCloud, we take copyright protection seriously. We support creative formats like covers, AI tracks, and collaborations, but we need to verify rights to ensure you have permission to monetize and distribute your content.
If your release is rejected for any of the reasons below, it doesn’t mean we believe you’ve stolen anything; it simply means we need more context to move forward. Make sure your metadata is complete and include any licenses or documentation that confirm you have the rights to your track.
AI Content
- Our terms of service explicitly prohibit generative AI, and because of this, at this time, we’re only able to approve content created with our AI integration partners for distribution or monetization:
- Unfortunately, under our Terms of Service, content created via services such as suno.ai are not valid for distribution or monetization via SoundCloud for Artists. For more information, please refer to this help center article.
- We’ve taken care to thoroughly evaluate our partner companies to ensure they follow ethical training practices. While these platforms use AI as a production-assistance tool, they don’t rely solely on generative technology; each also includes meaningful human oversight. This is why we’ve chosen to work with certain AI tools but not others.
Additional Documentation Required
- When using any content that wasn't 100% created by you, we need to see license documentation that shows your rights to use this content. This could be a beat license, DAW project files, a sample license, terms of use from a production tool used, or an artist confirmation via email, text, or DM.
When you use samples from other recordings, you typically need clearance from both the songwriter (composition rights) and the owner of the specific recording (master rights). Even if a melody is old or in the public domain, the specific recording you sampled from may still be copyrighted.
If you have the necessary clearances or licenses, you can upload that documentation in Step 1 of the distribution process. If you don't have clearance, you may need to remove the sample and re-record your own version of that element.
Artist Confirmation Needed
- When using any content that wasn't 100% created by you, we need to see license documentation that shows your rights to use this content. This could be a label waiver or agreement, written permission from the artist confirming your rights for you to distribute on their behalf, and/or a remix agreement.
- When in doubt, always upload that documentation in Step 1 of the distribution process and include contributing artists in your track metadata. This ensures both parties are satisfied and receive proper credit.
Audio Match
- Our content matching system can sometimes flag original tracks if it detects similarities to music already in the system, even a similar melody or beat pattern. This is an automated process, and it doesn't mean you copied anything. When you go to resubmit, upload any proof of creation, like DAW project files or timestamps, to the license documentation section of your metadata.
- If any third-party samples or beats were used to create your track, that's fine too! You will just need to upload documentation showing that you have acquired the necessary rights to use the content. That typically means you have purchased a license, subscription, or software that granted you permission.
- Uploading proof of purchase if you cannot find an actual license from your sample or beat provider can be very helpful in verifying rights.
Cover Version
- If your track is being rejected for improper rights to distribute a cover, it is likely because you have not obtained a mechanical license from the original writer/publisher.
- A mechanical license grants permission for an artist to reproduce and distribute copyrighted musical compositions, ensuring royalties are paid to the original songwriters and publishers.
- When acquiring a mechanical license for distribution, it is important to purchase a license with a minimum of 100 digital downloads to distribute to Apple Music and other stores that allow downloads.
- Once acquired, please upload the license when you resubmit your release for review.
- If you believe your track has been marked as a Cover Version by mistake, please revisit your track metadata in Step 1 of the distribution process and be sure you have answered "No, this is an original composition" to the question "Is this track a remix or a cover?"
Need Rights Confirmation Before Approval
- When using any content that wasn't 100% created by you, we need you to upload license documentation that shows your rights to use this content. This could be a label waiver or agreement, written permission from the artist confirming your rights for you to distribute on their behalf, and/or a remix agreement.
- When in doubt, always include contributing artists in your track metadata and get their written permission for your agreement. This ensures both parties are satisfied and receive proper credit.
Non-Exclusive Beat/Popular Beat Maker
- It appears that you might be using a free or non-exclusively licensed beat in your release. If this is the case, please upload a valid license or other document that proves your rights to monetize and distribute this content in your release.
Redistributing Track
- If you have distributed or monetized this audio before via SoundCloud or another service, please ensure all metadata (artist, title, ISRC) matches exactly with what was previously used. Platforms will not accept this otherwise. This will also ensure you keep any existing play counts/playlistings, etc.
- For more assistance on migrating your music catalog to SoundCloud, see here.
Unofficial Remix/Uncleared Samples
- Our content matching system can sometimes flag original tracks if it detects similarities to music already in the system, even a similar melody or beat pattern. This is an automated process, and it doesn't mean you copied anything.
- If any third-party samples or beats were used to create your track, that's fine! You will just need to upload documentation showing that you have acquired the necessary rights to use the content. That typically means you have purchased a license, subscription, or software that granted you permission.
- Uploading proof of purchase if you cannot find an actual license from your sample or beat provider can be very helpful in verifying rights.
Metadata
This section covers common metadata issues that can delay or block your release.
Track Details
Audio Language
- It is important to specify the language of your audio to ensure proper cataloging and user accessibility. In cases where a track is purely instrumental and does not contain any spoken or sung language, please answer "No" to the question "Does this track have lyrics?". Correctly identifying the audio languages helps maintain the quality and organization of the release on platforms.
Clean Content Rating
- Use the label 'Clean' only if there's an explicit version of your track already available. If your track is the only version and has no explicit content, label it 'Not Explicit.' This helps accurately categorize your music and inform listeners.
Composer & Lyricist Names
- When filling out the Composer, Lyricist, Writer, and Studio Musician fields, it is important to provide only the full legal names of the individuals involved. This means you should include both the first name and the last name, ensuring that no nicknames, initials, or partial names are used. Providing complete and accurate legal names helps maintain proper records and avoids any confusion or errors in attribution.
Cover Version Composer
- If you are distributing a cover version of an original song, please be sure to credit the original composer in the Contributor field and ensure that the Main Artist is listed as your artist name.
- If there is no known composer, please list "Traditional" in the Composer field.
- If your track is NOT a cover and was flagged by mistake, please answer "No, this is an original composition" to: "Is this track a remix or a cover?"
Misleading Metadata
- Avoid submitting misleading metadata, like using popular artist or song names (e.g., "Lil Tecca Type Beat") that create false expectations.
- Do not use broad SEO terms such as "Christmas Hits," "Sleep Music," or "Music for Concentration," as they can misrepresent your content.
- Avoid vague genre labels like "Lofi," "Ambient," "Chill," or "Chillout," which lack specific descriptions of your music.
- Use clear, accurate metadata to help listeners find exactly what they want without confusion.
Label Name as Artist Name
- Record labels and production houses should never be used in the Main Artist field. These entities serve different purposes within the music industry and should be clearly distinguished. When entering metadata, make sure to list record labels and production houses exclusively in the "Label" field. This helps maintain clarity and accuracy.
- Artists should be identified solely by their individual or group names, while record labels and production houses should be recognized as the organizations responsible for producing and distributing the music.
Multiple Languages / Side-By-Side Translations
- Please avoid including side-by-side translations within the titles of your artwork, tracks, or releases. The platforms where your content will be distributed have their own systems in place to translate titles appropriately for their audiences. Avoid adding multiple language versions to the title to keep it clean and professional, allowing stores to handle translations efficiently.
Original Mix
- Avoid including the phrase "Original Mix" in the title of your tracks. When it comes to original mixes, it is unnecessary to add any extra descriptors or information beyond the track title itself. The title should simply reflect the name of the track without any additional qualifiers.
- If you have alternate versions like live performances, radio edits, or remixes, specify this in the title to clearly distinguish them while keeping original mix names consistent and clean.
Remix Role Error
- If you are distributing a remix, please be sure to credit the remixer in the contributor field and ensure that the original artist is credited as the main artist. If your track is NOT a remix and was flagged by mistake, remove any mention of "Mix" or "Remix" from the title and answer "No, this is an original composition" to: "Is this track a remix or a cover?"
Uncredited Producer
- Please give proper credit to the producer on your release exactly as their name appears in the licensing agreement. This means you should carefully check the agreement to ensure the producer’s name is spelled correctly and formatted properly. Accurate credit respects the producer’s work and meets legal licensing requirements. Failing to do so may cause disputes, so verify this information before release.
Version Information Removal
- Please remove the version information from your release. Version details should be used exclusively to distinguish between variants of the same track. Please only include version information in your track metadata if different versions or remixes of the same song are already distributed.
Release Details
Incorrectly Labeled Soundtrack Genre
- Please reserve the use of the "Soundtrack" genre exclusively for compositions that are officially licensed from films, television shows, or video games. If your content does not fall under this category, we kindly ask that you select a different genre that more accurately represents your material.
- If you believe your work qualifies as an officially licensed soundtrack, please provide appropriate documentation or a valid license that clearly demonstrates your legal right to distribute this content under the soundtrack genre.
Profile Mapping
- Complete the profile mapping section of your release (Step 4) to link your release to a new or existing profile on Spotify and Apple Music. If you already have a profile on either or both of these platforms, connecting your release to those profiles will help ensure that your music appears correctly and is easily found by your audience.
- If you already have artist profiles on these stores, but your profile did not populate once you arrived at this place, please ensure the artist name you entered in Step 1 of the distribution process matches exactly how it appears on Apple Music and Spotify. If this is not the case, jump back to Step 1 and update your metadata.
- If you do not have an existing profile on Spotify or Apple Music, you have the option to create a new profile during this process. This will ensure your release is properly associated with your artist identity, making it easier for listeners to discover your music.
Record Label Information
- Please only include your record label information in the record label field. If you are unsigned or an independent artist, please use your artist name here.
UGC Services
Only content in which you own 100% of the exclusive rights to--including any beats or samples--can be distributed to User-Generated Content(UGC)-fingerprinting platforms. UGC-Fingerprinting services include YouTube Content ID, Facebook / Instagram, and TikTok. Just because you have a license doesn't mean you have exclusive rights to something.
Ineligible Content
- In order to approve your release, we will first need you to disable all UGC Fingerprinting services (TikTok, Facebook/Instagram, and YouTube Content ID).
- To disable YouTube Content ID, you will need to uncheck the box within Step 1 of the distribution process within each track's metadata. Please note, you can still deliver your release to YouTube as an Art Track in Step 3 of the distribution process.
- For Meta and TikTok, this can be done in Step 3 by unchecking the boxes next to these platforms. Once you have removed these stores, you can resubmit your release for approval.
- For more information on User Generated Content (UGC) Services and eligibility requirements, please refer to this article from our help center.
License Restriction
- This rejection reason means you've uploaded a license to verify your rights for distribution. That's great! However, the uploaded license specifies a non-exclusive deal in which you are essentially using a sample, beat, or cover track on a loan. The content you've included in your track is not exclusively yours and can be included in other tracks by other artists.
- To avoid your track or other artists' tracks from being flagged for copyright infringement on UGC-fingerprinting services, we cannot deliver any releases without exclusive rights to these platforms.
- The license provided or production platform used does not allow for delivery to UGC-fingerprinting services. Please remove these services before resubmitting.
- In order to approve your release, we will need you to disable all UGC Fingerprinting services (TikTok, Facebook/Instagram, and YouTube Content ID).
- To disable YouTube Content ID, you will need to uncheck the box within Step 1 of the distribution process within each track's metadata. Please note, you can still deliver your release to YouTube as an Art Track in Step 3 of the distribution process.
- For Meta and TikTok, this can be done in Step 3 by unchecking the boxes next to these platforms. Once you have removed these stores, you can resubmit your release for approval.
- For more information on User Generated Content (UGC) Services and eligibility requirements, please refer to this article from our help center.
Still need help?
If your rejection mentions documentation or you’re unsure what to fix:
Contact support via our AI agent with:
- Your release UPC
- A short explanation of the issue
- Any licenses or agreements (if applicable)
This information will be escalated to a support specialist who can provide further assistance.
Important tips
- Submit your release at least 6 weeks before your release date to allow time for fixes.
- Do not resubmit without making changes; this will delay approval.
- Make sure all files, artwork, and metadata are final before submitting.