Music Distribution Setup Guide

🎵 Audio Specifications

• Format: WAV or FLAC (uncompressed)
• Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz minimum (48 kHz preferred)
• Bit Depth: 16-bit minimum (24-bit preferred)
• Channels: Stereo (2-channel)
• Length: At least 30 seconds for most platforms

🎨 Artwork Requirements

• Size: 3000x3000 pixels minimum (square)
• Format: JPG or PNG
• Quality: High resolution, 300 DPI
• Content: No contact info, URLs, or explicit content
• Text: Readable at small sizes

📝 Metadata Checklist

• Artist Name: Exactly as you want it displayed
• Song/Album Title: Correct spelling and capitalization
• Genre: Primary and secondary genres
• Release Date: When you want it to go live
• Copyright Info: © Year Artist Name
• ISRC Codes: If you have them (optional but recommended)

📋 Required Information

• Personal Details: Legal name, address, phone number
• Artist Information: Stage name, genre, bio
• Tax Information: SSN or Tax ID for royalty reporting
• Payment Details: Bank account or PayPal for royalties

💳 Payment Setup

1. Choose payment method: Credit card or bank transfer
2. Select plan: Annual vs. per-release pricing
3. Set up royalty payments: Bank account for earnings
4. Configure tax settings: W-9 form for US artists

🔐 Account Security

• Strong password: Use unique, complex password
• Two-factor authentication: Enable if available
• Backup email: Add recovery email address
• Contact verification: Verify phone and email

📤 File Upload Steps

1. Start new release: Click "Upload" or "New Release"
2. Choose release type: Single, EP, or Album
3. Upload audio files: Drag and drop or browse files
4. Upload artwork: Add your cover art
5. Wait for processing: Files will be analyzed

📝 Metadata Entry

🎯 Advanced Options

• ISRC Codes: Add if you have them (auto-generated if not)
• Pre-order: Set up pre-release sales
• Lyrics: Add synchronized or static lyrics
• Credits: List producers, writers, musicians
• Language: Specify primary language

🎵 Essential Streaming Platforms

📅 Release Date Strategy

• Minimum lead time: 2-4 weeks before desired date
• Best release days: Friday (industry standard)
• Avoid holidays: Major holidays have less engagement
• Consider time zones: Releases go live at midnight local time
• Plan marketing: Coordinate with promotional activities

🎯 Platform-Specific Features

• Spotify: Enable Canvas videos and playlist pitching
• Apple Music: Set up artist profile and spatial audio
• YouTube Music: Link to YouTube channel
• Amazon Music: Optimize for Alexa voice commands
• TikTok: Enable short-form content creation

✅ Pre-Submission Checklist

• Audio quality: Files are high-quality and properly mastered
• Artwork: Meets size and quality requirements
• Metadata: All information is accurate and complete
• Release date: Set appropriately in the future
• Platforms: All desired services selected
• Payment: Distribution fees paid

🚀 Submission Process

1. Final review: Check all details one last time
2. Submit for review: Click "Submit" or "Send to Stores"
3. Payment processing: Complete any pending payments
4. Confirmation: Save confirmation number/email
5. Wait for approval: Most releases approved within 24-48 hours

📊 Tracking Your Release

• Dashboard monitoring: Check status in distributor dashboard
• Platform verification: Confirm music appears on each service
• Link collection: Gather direct links to your music
• Analytics setup: Connect to Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists
• Royalty tracking: Monitor earnings and streaming data

⏱️ Timeline Expectations

• DistroKid: 1-2 days to most platforms
• TuneCore: 1-2 weeks to all platforms
• CD Baby: 2-4 weeks to all platforms
• Spotify playlist consideration: Submit 1 week before release
• Full availability: May take up to 24 hours after release date