Go to Distribution on The Artist Platform, click Create new release and complete the five steps: tracks, track details, release details, distribution settings, and final review. After you submit, our review takes 1–2 business days, and your release can take up to 7 days to reach every store.
What this means
Getting your music out is simpler than it looks. A release is your single, EP or album, plus its artwork and details. A progress bar walks you through five steps.
When you submit, we check your release against each store's rules, so it isn't rejected later. Then we deliver it to the stores you chose.
When this applies
You're releasing music through The Artist Platform for the first time.
You're creating a new single, EP or album.
You're moving a release from another distributor. In that case, also read Move from another distributor without losing streams first, because some details must match exactly.
What you need before you start
Your final audio files and cover art. Specs and common rejection reasons are in Essential music metadata tips.
Accurate release details (metadata) for every track: titles, artists and contributors, and publishing and rights information. Release details help fans find you, put your music on the right artist profile and get your royalties to you. Wrong details can delay your release or cost you money.
Your own UPC and ISRC codes, if you have them. No codes? No problem: we can create them for you. ISRC, UPC, ISWC and IPI explained
A release date at least 5 weeks away, so there's time for review, delivery and playlist pitching. How to choose a release date
Music that meets our Content Policy.
Step-by-step
Log in to The Artist Platform and open Distribution. The first time, you'll be asked to read and accept our Distribution Agreement. Then click Create new release.
Add tracks to the release. Upload a new audio file or choose one from your catalog. We read basic details, like track title and duration, from the file for you.
Add track details. Enter the track title, artists and contributors, origin and track properties, and publishing and rights details.
Add release details. Upload your cover art and fill in the release title, main and featured artists, genres, UPC and the other required fields.
Choose distribution settings. Pick the stores you want to deliver to, worldwide or regional availability, the release timing (As soon as possible or On a specific date), and a pre-order start date if you want one.
Review and submit. Check everything once more, then submit. A quick check now saves a rejection later.
What happens next
Review: we check your audio, artwork and release details. This takes 1–2 business days.
Delivery: once approved, we send your release to your chosen stores. It can take up to 7 days to be available on every store, depending on each store's backlog. Spotify is often quicker, at 1–3 days.
If something needs fixing, we'll tell you exactly what to change. Fix it, submit again, and we'll pick it straight back up.
To see when your release usually goes live in stores, read How long until my release is live?
Troubleshooting
Problem | What to do |
I can't find Create new release | Make sure you've accepted the Distribution Agreement in Distribution. If you still can't see it, contact us with a screenshot. |
My release was rejected | Open the release to see the reason, fix it and resubmit. Why was my release rejected? |
I made a mistake after submitting | Contact us with the release title and UPC and tell us what needs to change. What you can and can't change after release |
My release is still in review after 2 business days | Open your release and check for a message from us first. If there's nothing there, contact us with the release title and UPC. |
Need help?
Stuck at any step? Chat with us in The Artist Platform or email [email protected]. Send your release title, UPC and a screenshot of where you're stuck, and we'll get back to you within 1 business day.