Song upload guidelines

1. Audio Quality & Format Requirements

DSPs have strict standards for audio ingestion. Failing these checks will result in immediate rejection or audio distortion after platform processing.

• File Formats: Deliver your audio as a FLAC or uncompressed WAV file. (Never convert a lossy MP3 back into a WAV file, as stores can detect compression artifacts).

• Sample Rate & Bit Depth:

  • Native Masters: Deliver at your native master resolution. Industry standard is typically 24-bit / 44.1 kHz(or higher).
    Spotify

  • 16-bit / 44.1 kHz is accepted only if no higher bit-rate master exists.
    Spotify

• Channels: Must be a Stereo (2-channel) mix. Mono files or multi-channel surround files will be rejected.
  Spotify

• Headroom & Loudness: Leave adequate headroom in your master (aim for around -1.0 dB True Peak).Streaming services use loudness normalization (lowering loud tracks and boosting quiet ones), so overly compressed, brickwalled masters will distort and sound worse after normalization.
  Beats by Shaz

• File Naming: Use simple, clean file names using alphanumeric characters (e.g., ArtistName_SongTitle_FinalMaster.wav). Avoid special characters like /, \, :, *, ?, or |.

2. Cover Artwork Guidelines

Artwork is heavily scrutinized by content moderation teams. Rejections here are among the most common causes of release delays.

• Dimensions & Resolution: Exactly 3000 x 3000 pixels (or a minimum of 1400x1400px depending on the aggregator, though 3000x3000px is standard).
  Loop Fans

• File Format: Perfect square JPG or PNG in the RGB color space (not CMYK).

• Prohibited Content (Strict Store Policies):

  • No social media logos (Instagram icons, TikTok handles, etc.).
    Beats by Shaz

  • No contact info, websites, or QR codes.
    Jack Righteous

  • No pricing info, "New Album" banners, or promotional text.

  • No pixelated, blurry, or low-quality stretched images.

  • No unauthorized copyrighted images, characters, or trademarks.

3. Metadata & Tagging Rules

Metadata dictates how your music is indexed, searched, and monetized. Mistakes can cause your music to land on the wrong artist profile.

Music Rights Management+ 1

• Artist Names: Must match your existing profile precisely. Changing capitalization or spelling can splinter your profile and create a duplicate page.
  Beats by Shaz

• Song Titles & Versioning:

  • Type titles in standard title case (avoid ALL CAPS and emojis).
    Beats by Shaz

  • Do not type "feat. Artist Name" directly into the track title field. Use the dedicated "Featured Artist" metadata slot provided by your distributor.
    Beats by Shaz

  • Use proper version tags only when applicable (e.g., "Radio Edit," "Remix," "Instrumental," "Acoustic").

• Explicit Content: Accurately flag tracks containing explicit lyrics, profanity, or mature themes. Mislabeling explicit content can get a release taken down.

• Songwriters & Publishers: Have the legal full names of all composers and lyricists ready. This is vital for collecting publishing royalties via PROs (Performance Rights Organizations).
  Music Rights Management+ 1

• ISRC & UPC Codes:

  • UPC (Universal Product Code): Required for albums/eps (distributors auto-generate this).

  • ISRC (International Standard Recording Code): Unique identifier for each specific track recording. If you already own an ISRC from a previous release of the same master, use it; otherwise, your distributor will generate one.
    Music Rights Management

4. DSP Policies & Operational Rules

Streaming platforms and distributors enforce structural rules regarding what kind of content can be uploaded.

• Sample Clearances & AI Content: If your song contains unauthorized samples, copyrighted loops, or unverified content, platforms can remove it and withhold royalties. For AI-generated music, check specific distributor policies regarding disclosure and copyright ownership.

• Beat Licenses (Leases): If you purchased a beat online under a lease agreement, check the streaming limits clause. Many basic leases cap total streams at 50,000 or 500,000, requiring you to upgrade your license beforewider distribution.
  Beats by Shaz

• Minimum Track Length: Avoid uploading micro-tracks or tracks under 60 seconds unless part of an intentional conceptual interlude, as some platforms flag or restrict them.