Your release was sent back because something in it doesn't meet store rules or our Content Policy yet. Your notice tells you exactly what to change. Fix that item, resubmit, and your release goes back into review. Most fixes take a few minutes.
What this means
A rejection can feel like a setback, but it's usually a quick fix.
We check every release before it goes out, against the rules of each store and streaming service. We do this so a store doesn't refuse or remove your music later, when it's harder to fix.
A rejection isn't a judgement on your music. It means one or more details need to change. Once they're fixed, you can resubmit the same release.
Most rejections come down to one of these:
artwork
release details (metadata), like titles, artist names and credits
audio quality
rights we can't confirm, for example for a sample, cover or AI-generated part
You'll find the full audio and artwork requirements, and the most common rejection reasons, in Essential music metadata tips for a smooth release. It's worth keeping open while you work through this article.
When this applies
You've received a rejection or "changes needed" notice from us.
You want to get your next release right the first time.
This article is about releases sent back by our review. A store can also refuse or remove music later under its own rules. If your release was approved but isn't showing in a store, see Music missing in stores.
What you need before you start
Your rejection notice, so you know exactly what to fix.
Access to your account on The Artist Platform.
Your original audio and artwork files, in case you need to replace them.
Licences or written permission for any cover, sample or beat you didn't create yourself.
If you used AI tools: a short note on how you made the track and what you created yourself.
Step-by-step
Read the reason in your notice. Then find it under Troubleshooting below.
Log in at app.theartistmusic.com.
Open Distribution and choose your release.
Fix the item in your notice. If it lists more than one, fix them all now.
Check the rest of your release against the metadata guide. This saves you a second review for a different reason.
Save and resubmit your release.
What happens next
Your release goes back into review. You'll find review times in How long until my release is live?
If everything looks good, we'll deliver it to the stores you chose.
If something still needs changing, we'll tell you what. You can fix it and resubmit again.
Is your release date coming up soon? Consider moving it back, so every store has time to get your music ready. How to choose a release date
Troubleshooting
Find the reason from your notice below. The exact rules and specs are in the metadata guide.
Audio
Audio is usually sent back when it's silent, clipped or distorted. Long silence at the start or end, or audio that doesn't match the track title, can also cause it. Export a clean master from your original project and upload it again.
Artwork
Your cover art should be square, sharp, and show only what belongs to the release, like the title and your artist name. Remove website links, social handles, store logos and prices, then upload the new file. This keeps stores from refusing your cover.
Release details
Your artist name, titles and credits need to be accurate and match your artwork. Take out extra keywords, genre tags or "feat." names that aren't real features. Add each contributor in the right field so everyone gets credited correctly. How to credit artists and contributors
Explicit label
Mark a track explicit if it has strong language or adult themes. If any track is explicit, mark the whole release explicit too. This helps stores show your music to the right listeners. The full criteria are in the metadata guide.
Rights and content policy
You can release anything you have the rights to. If your release uses a cover, sample, beat or recording you didn't create, we'll need to see a licence or permission. Read our Content Policy and the guides on covers and samples.
Music made with AI
Our Content Policy is the baseline rule for every release. Music made with AI tools is reviewed case by case, as explained in Can I release music made with AI?
If your release was sent back for AI reasons, we usually need three things from you:
You've told us how you used AI.
You can show your own creative contribution.
You have the rights to everything in the track, including the AI part.
We can't accept a cloned voice of a real artist, or a track built from someone else's song.
Content ID rejections (UGC stores)
Sometimes only YouTube Content ID, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok can't take a release. These services have extra rules for music used in other people's videos. See Unauthorised content for UGC stores. You can remove those services, or the affected track, and resubmit for everywhere else.
Problem | What to do |
The notice doesn't say clearly what to fix | Contact us with your release title, release ID and the notice text. We'll explain what needs changing. |
I fixed it, but it was rejected again | Read the new notice first. It may be a different item. If it's the same reason, contact us with your release title and release ID before you resubmit. |
I don't have a licence for a sample or cover | Remove that track or replace it with a cleared version. Then resubmit. |
My release used AI and you've asked for proof | Reply with a short note on how you made the track. Add demos, project files or the AI tool's commercial-use terms. What proof can help |
I think the rejection is a mistake | Contact us with your release title, release ID, the notice text and why you think it's wrong. We'll take another look. |
My release date is very close | Fix and resubmit straight away. Then think about moving the date. How to choose a release date |
Need help?
We're here to help you get your release out. Contact us through the chat in The Artist Platform, or see how to contact us. Send your release title, UPC and the text of your notice. That way we can check straight away. We aim to get back to you within 1 business day.