Exact asset
Carry forward the same stable filename, link, generation ID or version identifier approved in PREPARE.
How to Distribute AI Music in 2026 | Module 4 Support
STAGE 4 · DISTRIBUTION EXECUTION · UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2026
Choose the Distributor and Destination That Fit This Track
Distribution is the submission and delivery-execution layer. Enter here only after the Release Router says DISTRIBUTE for the exact documented asset. Bring the Release Readiness Record, chosen rail and destinations, stable package and cleared blocking conditions. This stage executes the submission; delivery verification is the next stage.
DISTRIBUTE · ENTER ONLY WITH A DISTRIBUTE DECISION
Bring the exact asset and execute the release plan you already chose.
Start with the exact master or approved release asset recorded in your Creator Project Record and the completed Release Readiness Record. If the asset, release purpose, rights/source position, metadata, artwork or route is still materially changing, stop and return to PREPARE.
Chosen rail + destinations
Bring the already-decided DSP, social/UGC, direct-to-fan or hybrid route and the destinations intended for this release.
Current policy recheck
Recheck the current distributor and destination requirements immediately before submission. A changed rule is a blocker, not a reason to improvise through the upload form.
Submission evidence
Keep the exact package, declarations, confirmation, receipt or status evidence produced by the submission.
Distribution Execution Record v1: exact asset/version + release rail + distributor/service + destinations + submitted package + declarations/answers + submission date/status + confirmation/receipt evidence + unresolved delivery issues + next verification action.
DISTRIBUTE completion gate: the intended submission has been made using the approved asset and package, the submitted declarations are recorded, and confirmation or submission-status evidence is preserved. Submission is not proof of delivery. Carry this record into VERIFY next. If a prerequisite breaks before submission, return to PREPARE instead of forcing the release forward.
The JR distribution execution sequence
1
HANDOFF CHECK
Confirm the Release Readiness Record says DISTRIBUTE and the exact asset has not changed. If it has changed, return to PREPARE before creating release records.
2
POLICY + ELIGIBILITY RECHECK
Recheck current rules for the chosen distributor, destinations and exact recording. Distribution does not certify rights, copyright or platform eligibility.
3
CONFIRM DESTINATIONS
Confirm the intended destinations for this exact release. Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Beatport, YouTube, TikTok, Meta and other services can apply different requirements or restrictions.
4
CONFIRM RELEASE RAIL
Use the rail chosen in PREPARE. Do not reopen release strategy here unless a current policy or eligibility check creates a genuine blocker.
5
CONFIRM DISTRIBUTOR / SERVICE
Confirm the service still fits the actual release: destination coverage, catalogue continuity, timing, support, metadata, AI policy, payout/admin features and cost. If it no longer fits, return to the release decision rather than guessing in the upload form.
6
SUBMIT
Upload the approved master and artwork, complete metadata and declarations accurately, and preserve the exact submission confirmation, receipt or status evidence.
7
HAND OFF TO VERIFY
Once submission evidence is recorded, move to delivery verification. Do not assume an accepted upload means the release is live, correctly mapped or correctly displayed.
Use the Planner as the one-track record across the release process. PREPARE establishes readiness and the route. DISTRIBUTE adds the distributor/service choice, submitted package, declarations and submission evidence. VERIFY records actual destination delivery, artist mapping, live metadata and identifiers. Open the free Release & Distribution Planner →
Execution preflight: recheck before you submit
These are safety rechecks, not a second PREPARE stage. If one fails, return to the Release Router and resolve the blocker before submission.
Track Validation
Confirm the exact approved asset has not changed since PREPARE.
Use the Free Track Validation Checklist →Rights & evidence
Confirm the rights/source position recorded for the intended use still supports this submission. If not, stop.
Open the AI Music Rights Record →Destination eligibility
Recheck where this exact recording can go under the current rules.
Run the Store Eligibility Checklist →Current rules
Use the live policy hub for current distributor and DSP conditions immediately before a time-sensitive submission.
Check Distribution Rules 2026 →The release rail should already be chosen
Use these as a reference check, not a new routing exercise. If your intended rail has changed, go back to PREPARE and update the Release Readiness Record first.
DSP distribution
Use when the recording, artist identity, metadata and rights position are ready for formal music-store delivery.
Social / UGC-first
Use when the immediate job is audience testing, short-form sound use or creator content rather than a permanent catalogue release.
Direct-to-fan
Use when downloads, supporter editions, project context, owned audience or client delivery matter more than broad streaming distribution.
Hybrid
Use when a formal DSP release and an owned campaign home support the same track. The two jobs should reinforce each other, not compete.
Two first-class JR distributor lanes
BandLab · Create → Finish → Release
BandLab is not only a distributor in the JR system. It can bridge editing, vocal work, mastering, project preservation, community testing and formal distribution. BandLab currently distributes to 20+ DSPs and requires an active BandLab Membership to keep distributed releases live.
DistroKid · Repeat-Release Execution
DistroKid remains a strong execution lane for creators who expect repeated releases and want a dedicated distribution workflow. Once the broader Planner says DistroKid fits the job, run the DistroKid-specific preflight before opening the upload form. Then use the complete guide for field-by-field execution.
Free DistroKid Release-Readiness PreflightComplete DistroKid Release GuideUpload Form + Paper TrailGet 7% Off DistroKid
Affiliate disclosure: JackRighteous.com may receive referral credit if you register through the DistroKid link, at no additional cost to you.
Other distributor routes
Free-entry / RouteNote
Use when upfront cost matters more than speed. RouteNote currently reports a 25–27 working-day moderation window, with AI releases potentially taking longer, before additional store ingestion time.
Compare Free Distribution Options →TuneCore and other paid routes
Use the live policy hub rather than assuming every paid distributor handles AI-generated or AI-assisted music the same way.
Compare Current Rules →Switching distributors
If the track is already live, preserving identifiers, metadata and catalogue continuity becomes the job.
Use the Free Distributor Switch Tool →Submit the release package you already prepared
DISTRIBUTE should not rebuild the package. Confirm that the approved package still matches the exact asset, then submit that package without silent substitutions.
Audio
- approved lossless master;
- correct title/version;
- clean start/end and export;
- preserved editable/source files.
Metadata + identity
- artist and contributor names;
- songwriter/producer roles;
- language, genre and explicit status;
- AI/synthetic-media answers where required.
Artwork
- correct square master art;
- readable at thumbnail size;
- rights to included elements;
- no misleading identity or endorsement.
Evidence
- rights/source record;
- final declarations;
- submission confirmation or receipt;
- submission date and current status.
Distribution rule: distributor acceptance does not prove copyright ownership, clear third-party material, guarantee discovery or establish Content ID eligibility.
Next stage: VERIFY DELIVERY
Do not mark the release complete by assuming submission equals delivery. Carry the Distribution Execution Record into verification and check what actually arrived at each intended destination.
Artist mapping
Confirm the release landed on the correct artist/profile pages.
Metadata & artwork
Confirm title, version, artwork, explicit status and available credits.
Identifiers
Record ISRC, UPC and other assigned identifiers with the project record when they are available.
Rights products
Treat Content ID and UGC monetization as separate eligibility decisions rather than automatic consequences of distribution.
AFTER SUBMISSION
Verify first. Measure after the release is actually live.
Preserve the Distribution Execution Record and move into delivery verification before campaign measurement. Once the release is verified, use the free JR Release Command Center to keep active release status, identifiers, live links and follow-up visible across releases. Then use the Creator Campaign Builder and Module 15 for audience and performance evidence.
Jack Righteous provides creator education and release-planning guidance, not legal representation or distributor account support. Policies, pricing, review times and store relationships can change; verify current official terms before purchasing, uploading or making a rights declaration.
