Release Requirements & Validation
Before your release can be submitted for distribution, it must meet specific requirements. This guide covers all validation rules and quality standards.
Required Release Information
Basic Metadata
All of the following fields are required before submission:
Release Title
Cannot be blank
Should accurately represent your release
For single-track releases: Must match the track title exactly
Primary Artist(s)
At least one primary artist required
Can link to existing Spotify profiles or create new
Artist profiles can include Spotify and Apple Music URLs
Release Date
Must be at least 2 weeks (14 days) in the future from submission
This is strictly enforced
Can be changed before approval if needed
Primary Genre
Select from our genre list
Secondary and tertiary genres are optional but recommended
Artwork
Must be 3000x3000 pixels (square)
JPEG format (PNG will be converted)
High quality, no blurry elements
No social media handles or URLs visible
See detailed artwork requirements below
Copyright Information
C-line (Copyright): e.g., "© 2024 Artist Name"
P-line (Phonogram): e.g., "℗ 2024 Label Name"
Both are required for legal compliance
At Least One Track
Releases must contain at least one complete track
Each track must have audio file and metadata
Optional but Recommended Fields
Version Line: Deluxe Edition, Remastered, etc.
Catalog Number: Your internal reference number
UPC: Universal Product Code (auto-generated if not provided)
Pre-order Date: Must be at least 7 days before release date
Original Release Date: For re-releases and remasters
Secondary/Tertiary Genres: Additional genre classification
Territories: Geographic distribution (defaults to worldwide)
Track-Level Requirements
Each track in your release must have:
Required
Track Title
Cannot be blank
For single releases: Must match release title
Audio File
WAV or FLAC format only
Maximum 500MB per file
High-quality master required
Successfully uploaded and confirmed
At Least One Songwriter Credit
Every track must have a writer/composer
Required for royalty collection and copyright
Must specify role: Composer, Lyricist, or Composer/Lyricist
At Least One Performer Credit
Required for LabelGrid/DDEX compliance
Performer roles include: Vocalist, Primary Musician, Instrumentalist, etc.
Can be combined with producer or engineer credits
Optional
ISRC: International Standard Recording Code (auto-generated if blank)
Mix Version: Radio Edit, Extended Mix, etc.
Explicit Content Flag: Mark explicit lyrics or content
Audio Language: Language of vocal content
Lyrics: Full lyrical content (recommended)
Track-specific artists: Can differ from release artists
Artwork Detailed Requirements
Dimensions and Format
✅ Required:
Exactly 3000 x 3000 pixels
Square aspect ratio (1:1)
JPEG format (high quality)
300 DPI recommended
RGB color space
Quality Standards
✅ Acceptable:
Clear, high-resolution images
Professional design quality
Readable text (if any)
Appropriate for all audiences
❌ Not Acceptable:
Blurry or pixelated images
Social media handles (@username)
URLs or website addresses
QR codes (some platforms allow, but not recommended)
Low resolution (under 3000x3000)
Non-square dimensions
Explicit or inappropriate imagery
AI-Generated Artwork
If your artwork was created using AI tools:
Must check "AI-Generated Artwork" checkbox
Examples: Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion
This declaration is required for platform transparency
Using the Artwork Processor
AVL provides an automatic processor:
Automatically crops to 3000x3000
Converts PNG to optimized JPEG
Can upscale up to 2x (minimum 1500px source)
Preview before finalizing
Validates format and quality
Track Credits Requirements
Credit Types
Your tracks must include:
Writers/Songwriters (Required - minimum 1)
Composer
Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Publishing share percentages (should total 100%)
Contributors (At least 1 performer required)
Performers: Vocalist, Primary Musician, Instrumentalist
Producers
Engineers (Recording, Mixing, Mastering)
Other roles per DDEX standards
Publishers (Optional)
Publishing company information
Split percentages
Copyright Owners (Optional)
Master recording ownership
Rights holders
Credit Rules
Maximum 3 roles per contributor (LabelGrid requirement)
Maximum 10 instruments per contributor
Performer role required: At least one contributor must be marked as a performer
IPI/ISNI validation: If provided, must be valid format
IPI: 9-11 numeric digits
ISNI: Exactly 16 characters
Contributor Profile Fields
When adding contributors:
Required:
First name and last name
Optional but Recommended:
Email address
IPI (Interested Parties Information)
ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier)
PRO affiliation (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, etc.)
Publishing share percentage
Cover Songs & Derivative Works
If your release includes covers, remixes, samples, or interpolations:
Derivative Type Selection
Choose the appropriate type:
Cover: New recording of existing song
Remix: Altered version of existing recording
Sample: Uses portions of existing recording
Interpolation: Re-records portions of existing song
License Information Required
If you selected a derivative type:
Original Work Information:
Original artist name
Original song title
ISRC (if known)
License Status:
Not applicable
Not required (public domain, owned outright)
Required - Pending
Required - Obtained (must provide details)
Required - Unavailable
License Documentation:
If "Obtained": Provide license notes/documentation
Upload any relevant licensing paperwork
Include mechanical license numbers if applicable
Important: Most covers require mechanical licenses. Ensure you have proper clearance before distribution.
Single-Track Release Special Rule
For releases with only one track:
The track title MUST match the release title exactly.
This is automatically validated and will prevent submission if they don't match.
Pre-Submission Validation
Before you can submit, the system checks:
✅ Automated Checks:
All required fields completed
Release date meets 2-week minimum
Artwork meets size requirements
Audio files successfully uploaded
At least one songwriter per track
At least one performer per track
Single-track title matches release title (if applicable)
⚠️ Warnings (can proceed with override):
Tracks missing ISRC codes
Publishing shares don't total 100%
Missing production or performance credits
Artist profile URLs incomplete
❌ Errors (must fix to proceed):
Any required field missing
Invalid file formats
Release date too soon
Copyright information missing
Common Validation Errors and Fixes
"Release date is required"
Fix: Select a date at least 2 weeks in the future
"At least one primary artist is required"
Fix: Add or select a primary artist profile
"Artwork is required"
Fix: Upload artwork meeting 3000x3000px requirement
"Track title must match release title for single releases"
Fix: Update either the track or release title so they match exactly
"Songwriter is required (1 role)"
Fix: Add at least one writer credit to each track
"Missing performer role"
Fix: Ensure at least one contributor has a performer role (Vocalist, Musician, etc.)
"File size exceeds 500MB limit"
Fix: Compress your audio file or ensure it's properly exported
"Only WAV and FLAC files are accepted"
Fix: Convert your audio to WAV or FLAC format
"Image dimensions are below required 3000x3000"
Fix: Use a higher resolution source image
Quality Review Standards
After submission, your release will be reviewed for:
Audio Quality
No clipping or distortion
Professional mastering
Appropriate loudness levels
No technical errors or artifacts
Metadata Accuracy
Artist names match streaming profiles
Proper title formatting (no spam, excessive caps)
Explicit content correctly flagged
Genre appropriate and accurate
Artwork Quality
Meets technical specifications
Professional appearance
No copyright violations
No inappropriate content
Rights Compliance
Proper copyright attribution
Cover song licensing (if applicable)
No copyright matches detected (or properly explained)
After Validation
Once your release passes all validation:
Submit for Review: Click submit button
Label Review: If applicable (sub-accounts)
Admin Review: Platform team reviews (1-2 days)
Revisions or Approval: You'll be notified of the outcome
Distribution: Approved releases are queued for platforms
Tips for Faster Approval
Double-check everything before submitting
Use high-quality masters for audio
Ensure artist names match your verified profiles
Complete all optional fields for better platform presentation
Link Spotify/Apple Music artist profiles
Provide detailed credits for professional appearance
Allow extra time for your first release (learning curve)
Need help meeting requirements? Contact support or check our specific guides for audio mastering, artwork preparation, or metadata best practices.