Before you open the upload form

Create one folder for the release. The minimum useful record is:

The six-question decision check

DistroKid upload form: field-by-field guide

1. Release format and number of tracks

Select single, EP or album based on the actual release package. Confirm the track count before uploading because store formatting, pricing and release identity can depend on it.

2. Artist or band name

Use the exact identity you intend to keep. Check capitalization, spacing and punctuation. A small difference can create a separate artist profile or send music to the wrong page.

3. Existing artist profile mapping

When DistroKid asks whether the artist already has profiles on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube, verify the links rather than choosing the first similar name. Save screenshots or URLs of the selected profiles in the release folder.

4. Release date

Choose a date that leaves time for store delivery, profile verification, editorial pitching and promotion. A rushed release gives you less time to correct profile mapping, artwork or metadata errors.

5. Record label

Use your actual label or imprint when permitted by your plan and business setup. Do not invent a company relationship or imply representation by a label that has not authorized you.

6. Cover artwork

Upload the final square image, not a social-media crop or temporary mockup. Keep the visible artist and release text consistent with the metadata.

7. Language and genre

Select the language of the lyrics and the closest useful genre categories. Genre fields help stores route the release, but they are not a place to stuff keywords or list every influence.

8. Song title and version information

Keep the core title clean. Use version fields only when the recording is genuinely a remix, instrumental, live version, radio edit or other distinct version. Do not add promotional phrases, streaming keywords or artist comparisons.

9. Audio file

Submit the final approved master. Listen from beginning to end after export. Check silence, clipping, abrupt endings, accidental count-ins, unwanted tags and mismatched versions.

10. Songwriter and composer information

Enter the real people who wrote the lyrics and composition. The performing artist name can be a project identity; songwriter credits generally identify the actual human contributors.

11. Explicit lyrics

Mark the track accurately. Do not rely only on obvious profanity: stores may treat sexual content, slurs, graphic violence or other mature language as explicit.

12. AI Credits

Select every contribution that accurately applies: lyrics, music, all audio or part of the audio. Detailed examples appear below.

13. Original song or cover song

An original song uses a composition you are authorized to release. A cover re-records an existing composition. A remix, sample-based track, translated rewrite or substantially altered derivative work may require permissions beyond a standard compulsory cover licence.

14. ISRC and UPC

DistroKid can assign identifiers, or eligible users can supply existing ones. Never reuse an ISRC for a materially different recording. Save every assigned code with the final metadata sheet.

15. Store selection

Select stores based on your release plan, not because every checkbox appears. Store delivery, social music libraries and automated rights claiming are different services with different risks.

16. Optional extras

Review each extra separately. Decide whether it solves a real problem for this release. Do not assume a paid extra changes the underlying ownership, copyright or exclusivity of the music.

17. Final certifications

Read the declarations before submitting. You are making statements about authorization, identity and rights. Save the upload confirmation, submission date and a copy of the final metadata.

How to complete DistroKid AI Credits

Common AI music workflows

Songwriter names are not the same as the artist name

The artist field tells listeners whose release this is. Songwriter and composer fields identify the people responsible for the words and composition.

• Use real human names where the form requires songwriter names.
• List collaborators according to the actual writing contribution and agreed splits.
• Do not list ChatGPT, Suno or another tool as a human songwriter.
• Do not claim sole authorship when another person supplied lyrics, melody or composition.
• Save split sheets or written agreements before release.

Human artist or AI persona?

When a release uses all AI-generated audio, DistroKid may ask whether the artist identity represents a human or an AI persona.

The central test is whether a reasonable listener could be misled about who performed, participated in or endorsed the release.

Original song, cover, remix and sample are different

DistroKid's cover-song process is designed for qualifying covers—not remixes, unauthorized samples or fundamental changes to the original lyrics, melody or title.

Artwork checklist

• Square JPG, at least 1000 × 1000 pixels; 3000 × 3000 is a stronger working target.
• RGB colour mode.
• No website URLs, QR codes, prices or social-platform logos.
• No claims such as “new single,” “limited edition” or promotional ranking language.
• Artist and release text match the upload metadata.
• No unlicensed logos, photos, characters, stock assets or celebrity likenesses.
• No blurry, stretched, pixelated or screenshot-based design.
• Save the editable source and proof of rights.

Release dates: upload early enough to fix mistakes

Future release dates are not only promotional tools. They create time for profile mapping, store processing, editorial pitching, pre-save links, visual assets and corrections.

Confirm that your DistroKid plan supports the scheduling controls you need. Save the intended release date and time zone in your metadata sheet.

Store delivery is not one universal approval

DistroKid sends your release and metadata to selected services. Each service can apply its own rules for disclosure, profile mapping, discovery, fraud review, monetization and removal.

Before submitting, verify:

• the correct Spotify artist page
• the correct Apple Music artist page
• the correct YouTube channel or Official Artist Channel path
• the stores and social libraries that matter to your audience
• territory restrictions in any licence you rely on

YouTube Music delivery and YouTube Content ID are not the same decision

You can distribute a recording to YouTube Music without automatically qualifying it as a Content ID reference. Content ID requires sufficiently distinct material and exclusive rights that support automated claims against matching uploads.

Content ID go/no-go check

Optional DistroKid extras: decide release by release

Most extras can be considered after upload. Do not let optional upsells rush a rights decision.

The permanent AI music release paper trail

Create a dated PDF or document with the following sections and save it beside the final audio:

1. Release identity: artist, title, version, label, release date, UPC and ISRC.
2. Creation timeline: concept date, generation dates, edit dates and master date.
3. AI contribution map: lyrics, music, vocals, instrumental, audio, mix, master and visuals.
4. Human contribution log: writing, performance, arrangement, editing, production and selection.
5. Rights record: subscriptions, terms, licences, permissions and collaborator agreements.
6. Source-material record: every upload, sample, loop, stem and external asset.
7. Identity record: artist persona, voice source and likeness consent.
8. Metadata snapshot: every form answer exactly as submitted.
9. Content ID decision: enrolled, excluded or held for review—and why.
10. Post-release record: store links, corrections, warnings, claims, disputes and royalty statements.

Upload mistakes that create avoidable problems

1. Calling fully generated audio merely “AI-assisted.”
2. Using an artist name that resembles or implies a famous performer.
3. Entering a stage name where the form requires a real songwriter name.
4. Marking a remix or adaptation as a standard cover.
5. Uploading artwork with URLs, platform logos or unlicensed imagery.
6. Mapping the release to the wrong artist profile.
7. Reusing an ISRC for a different recording.
8. Selecting Content ID because distribution rights exist.
9. Using a non-exclusive loop or beat as an automated claim reference.
10. Uploading too late to correct problems before release day.
11. Buying optional extras without understanding the continuing fees or eligibility.
12. Keeping no copy of the submitted metadata.
13. Assuming DistroKid acceptance guarantees permanent store approval.
14. Assuming AI disclosure proves copyright ownership.
15. Submitting every generation instead of building a selective catalogue.

Final five-minute audit before submission

• The audio file is the correct final master.
• The artist name matches existing profiles exactly.
• The title and version information are clean and consistent.
• The artwork matches the metadata and meets store requirements.
• Every songwriter and contributor is accurately recorded.
• The explicit-content answer is correct.
• The AI Credits match the final released version—not an earlier draft.
• All uploaded audio, samples, loops and voices are authorized.
• The original-versus-cover answer is correct.
• The release date leaves enough preparation time.
• Content ID eligibility was reviewed separately.
• The metadata sheet and rights folder are complete.
• You saved the final upload confirmation.

Frequently asked questions