AI Music Release & Distribution Guide — Free Fillable PDF

Choose the service that fits your release

The guide compares three audio-distribution paths and treats music-video distribution as a separate, optional decision:

• DistroKid — audio: AI-music eligibility, file and metadata preflight, human-written lyrics and AI Credits, optional extras, splits, profiles and delivery follow-through.
• DistroVid — music videos: decide whether you need video distribution, check eligible original visuals and technical specifications, and record Spotify-video requirements where applicable. DistroVid is not an audio distributor.
• BandLab — preparation and audio distribution: studio/export steps, membership and renewal consequences, distribution preflight, payouts and catalogue continuity.
• TuneCore — audio: apply its GenAI dataset-licensing eligibility check, record supporting evidence, and hold submission when required facts cannot be verified.

Important: Complete only the provider-specific pages you actually need. If you're distributing audio through DistroKid, there's no reason to complete the BandLab and TuneCore upload sections too.

What is inside the 44-page workbook?

1. Plan your release: identify the finished recording, audience, goals and creative readiness.
2. Document five rights questions: tool permissions, human contributions, source material, identity/voice consent and downstream uses.
3. Compare the providers: fill in real-world costs, AI eligibility, renewal commitments, restrictions and a reasoned final choice.
4. Prepare the upload: audio, artwork, credits, metadata, disclosures and the selected provider's requirements.
5. Record what happened: submission receipt, store-by-store delivery, artist profiles, identifiers and corrections.
6. Review and decide: check the first 7 and 30 days, use the beginner worked examples, and record one final Proceed / Conditional / Hold / Do Not Proceed decision.

Your first 10 minutes

Save the downloaded PDF under your song title. Open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader or another app that properly supports fillable PDFs. Begin with the song brief on page 5, complete the readiness and rights checks, and use the service comparison on pages 11–13. After you submit, return to the shared records on pages 32–39.

The PDF includes two worked examples, including a creator who writes the lyrics personally while using an AI music generator for the recording. It also includes a final one-choice status control and source links for checking current provider policies.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Suno or a paid AI music account?
No. This is an independent planning and documentation guide. It works with different music-making tools, though a chosen distribution service may have its own plan requirements.

Does this PDF upload music for me?
No. It helps you decide, prepare, record and verify. You submit releases through the provider you choose.

Is a distributor's acceptance proof of ownership?
No. Store acceptance, human authorship, AI-generator permissions and copyright are separate questions. Record uncertainty and pause when a material requirement cannot be established.

Are there referral links in the guide?
Yes. It includes optional Jack Righteous referrals for DistroKid audio, eligible DistroKid students, DistroVid/Mixea and BandLab Membership. Jack Righteous may receive a referral benefit from qualifying transactions. No TuneCore affiliate relationship is claimed. Pick a service based on fit, not a discount.

Platform policies, fees, distribution availability, AI-credit options and affiliate offers can change. Edition 2.2 cites a policy review dated October 19, 2026; confirm the live official rules before every release. This educational guide is not legal advice or a guarantee of acceptance, copyright status or earnings.