Music Distribution
26 Things Before You Release a Song or Album.pdf
Step by step
- 1
Prepare your audio master
Export your final mix as WAV, 44.1kHz / 24-bit minimum. Listen on multiple systems (headphones, laptop speakers, car). The master should be loud enough for streaming (target -14 LUFS integrated) without distortion.
- 2
Create and register your ISRC code
Your distributor assigns ISRC codes automatically. If you need one manually, register at usisrc.org. ISRCs are unique identifiers for each recording and are required for royalty tracking across all platforms.
- 3
Register the composition with your PRO
Before release, register the song with ASCAP (ascap.com) or BMI (bmi.com). Without this, you will not collect performance royalties when the song is streamed, played on radio, or performed live.
- 4
Submit to your distributor
Upload your WAV master, artwork (3000x3000px minimum), and complete all metadata fields: title, featured artists, songwriter credits, publisher, ISRC, genre, language. Incomplete metadata causes royalty collection failures.
Checklist
- Final master exported as WAV 44.1kHz / 24-bit
- Artwork created at 3000x3000px minimum, RGB, JPEG/PNG
- ISRC code obtained and recorded
- Composition registered with ASCAP or BMI
- All metadata fields complete in distributor dashboard
- Release date set at least 7 days out
Frequently asked questions
Which distributor should I use — DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby?
DistroKid is best for artists releasing frequently — flat annual fee, unlimited releases, keeps 100% of royalties. TuneCore charges per release but offers more detailed royalty reporting. CD Baby takes a one-time fee per release plus 9% of royalties but never expires. Most independent artists choose DistroKid for cost efficiency.
How far in advance do I need to submit my music?
Submit to your distributor at least 5-7 days before release. For a new release on a Friday, submit by Friday of the previous week. For editorial playlist pitching on Spotify, submit at least 7 days before release via Spotify for Artists. Many artists submit 3-4 weeks out to allow time for editorial review.
What audio format do DSPs require?
WAV or FLAC, minimum 44.1kHz / 16-bit. Most distributors accept 24-bit which is ideal. MP3 is not acceptable for distribution masters. Your artwork must be minimum 3000x3000px, RGB color mode, JPEG or PNG.