To ensure your music is delivered to global stores like Spotify, Apple Music, and JioSaavn without any delays or rejections, it is crucial to follow strict formatting guidelines. Digital Service Providers (DSPs) automatically scan and review all uploads, rejecting releases that don't meet their technical and editorial criteria.
This checklist is compiled directly from our official Tune X Help Center to help you submit a perfect release on your first try.
1. Audio Specifications & Formatting
DSPs require high-fidelity, uncompressed audio formats. Low-quality audio, noise, or clips will result in immediate rejection:
- Standard Format: Always upload your audio as a WAV file (16-bit, 44,100 Hz, Stereo). Do not mix multiple formats in the same release.
- HD Audio Format: For high-definition releases, you can submit 24-bit WAV files at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, or 192kHz.
- Track Length: For singles, EPs, and albums, at least half of the tracks must be longer than 60 seconds. Shorter snippets or loops are restricted by stores and can only be delivered to TikTok and Facebook.
- No Audio Duplicates: Tracks with identical audio files and metadata as an existing track in the database (verified via MD5 checksums) will not be accepted.
2. Cover Art Rules
Your artwork is the first thing listeners see. It must represent your release professionally and honestly:
- Dimensions: Must be a perfect square (usually 3000 x 3000 pixels) in JPG or PNG format.
- Text Matching: The text on the cover art must match the metadata exactly. Only include the release title and main artist names.
- Prohibited Items: Do not include social media handles, phone numbers, email addresses, websites, barcodes, pricing details, store logos (like Spotify/Apple logos), or blurry images.
Need more help with your release?
For more detailed rules and guides, check out our Help Center or sign up with Tune X to get free support from our team!
Visit Help Center3. Artist Names & Metadata
Metadata determines how search algorithms display your music on DSPs:
- Artist Spelling: Ensure your spelling and capitalization are consistent. Do not use generic names or include secondary artists in the primary artist field.
- Third-Party IP: Never mention third-party intellectual property or copyright-protected names without prior authorization.
- Public Domain: Releases containing public domain content (e.g., songs produced before 1965 in France) may be rejected by certain stores like Spotify and Apple Music due to territorial copyright laws.
4. Content Restriction & Prohibited Material
Tune X maintains a safe and clean distribution network. The following content will be rejected instantly during review:
- Pornographic Content: Audio designed to cause sexual excitement by describing or showing sexual acts.
- Advertising: Full or partial tracks that advertise another product, album, or business.
- Terrorism & Hate Speech: Content that promotes terrorist activities, National Socialism (Nazi propaganda), harassment, extreme violence, or discriminatory speech.