How to Prepare Release Metadata Before Spotify Upload

Why Metadata Preparation Matters

Every distributor — DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, Amuse, LANDR — has a submission form where you enter metadata for your release. But the form is the last step. If you arrive at the form without your ISRC codes ready, artwork prepared, and credits documented, you will either rush through and make mistakes or delay your release.

Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music all have strict metadata requirements. Incorrect artist names, missing composer credits, wrong genre tags, or substandard artwork will cause your release to be rejected or delayed. Preparing metadata in advance eliminates these problems.

Step 1: Obtain and Assign ISRC Codes

ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is the first thing you need. Each track on your release gets its own ISRC. If you have a personal ISRC registrant code, assign codes now. Otherwise, let your distributor assign them automatically.

• If using distributor-assigned ISRCs you do not need to do anything — the distributor generates them during upload. Note the codes from your dashboard after submission.
• If you have a personal registrant assign ISRCs to each track now and enter them in the distributor's form. Format: CC-XXX-YY-NNNNN.
• If re-releasing a track use the same ISRC from the original release. Do not let the distributor assign a new one — this breaks streaming history and playlist placements.

Step 2: Prepare Album Artwork

Album artwork is the most common reason for upload rejection. Every distributor and platform has specific requirements:

• No pricing info Do not include '$9.99' or 'Available Now' — promotional text is rejected.
• No third-party logos Spotify, Apple, or other platform logos are not allowed on artwork.
• No explicit content without flag If your artwork contains explicit imagery, mark the release as explicit in the distributor form.
• Consistent branding Use the same visual style across your releases for recognizable artist identity.

Step 3: Finalize Track Metadata

For each track on your release, you need the following fields filled in correctly:

1. Track title
   Use the official title. Do not include 'Prod. by...' or 'Free type beat' in the title — use the artist field and credits for that. Keep titles clean and searchable.
2. Artist name
   Must match exactly across all your releases. 'John Beats' on one release and 'johnbeats' on another creates two separate artist profiles. If featuring another artist, use 'feat.' in the artist field (e.g., 'John Beats feat. Artist Name').
3. Composer / songwriter credits
   Spotify and Apple Music require songwriter credits. If you produced the beat and wrote the melody, list yourself as composer. If an artist wrote lyrics over your beat, list them as lyricist. First name, last name — not stage names.
4. Genre and subgenre
   Choose the most accurate genre. Hip-Hop/Rap, Electronic, Pop, R&B — pick one. Some distributors allow subgenre tags. Avoid 'Other' or 'Unclassifiable' — it hurts discoverability.
5. Explicit content flag
   If any track contains explicit lyrics, mark it explicit. Marking a clean track as explicit reduces reach; marking an explicit track as clean causes platform rejection.
6. ISRC code
   Enter your pre-assigned ISRC or let the distributor generate one. If re-releasing, paste the original ISRC.
7. Lyrics
   Not required for instrumentals, but if your beat includes vocal chops or spoken word, consider adding them. Platforms like Apple Music display lyrics.

Step 4: Configure Release Settings

• Release date Set at least 2-4 weeks in the future. This gives Spotify time to process the release and gives you time to pitch to playlists via Spotify for Artists.
• Pre-save / pre-order date If your distributor supports it, set a pre-save date 1-2 weeks before the release date. This builds anticipation and captures early streams.
• Territories Select 'Worldwide' unless you have a specific reason to exclude regions. Limiting territories reduces potential streams.
• Release type Single (1-3 tracks), EP (4-6 tracks), or Album (7+ tracks). Choose correctly — it affects how the release appears in your discography.
• UPC Your distributor assigns this automatically. If you have a pre-existing UPC (e.g., from a physical release), enter it manually.

Step 5: Add Detailed Credits

Spotify and Apple Music now display credits on track pages. Proper credits improve your professional reputation, help with sync licensing inquiries, and ensure correct royalty attribution.

Pre-Upload Checklist

Run through this checklist before opening your distributor's upload form. If every item is checked, your upload will go through on the first attempt.

1. Audio files finalized
   WAV or FLAC, 16-bit or 24-bit, 44.1 kHz or higher. No clipping, proper loudness (-14 LUFS for streaming). Each track is the final master.
2. ISRC codes assigned or ready to auto-generate
   Either you have codes from your personal registrant, or you will let the distributor assign them.
3. Artwork ready
   3000x3000px, JPEG or PNG, RGB color space, under 10 MB, text matches metadata.
4. Track titles finalized
   Clean titles without producer tags, version info correct (e.g., 'Explicit', 'Instrumental').
5. Artist names consistent
   Same spelling, capitalization, and format as your previous releases.
6. Composer credits documented
   Real first and last names of all songwriters. Not stage names.
7. Genre selected
   Accurate primary genre. Subgenre tags if supported.
8. Explicit content flagged correctly
   Every track with explicit lyrics is marked explicit. Clean tracks are not.
9. Release date set 2-4 weeks ahead
   Gives time for playlist pitching and pre-save campaigns.
10. Lyrics added (if applicable)
    For vocal tracks, lyrics are entered or uploaded.
11. Territories set to worldwide
    Unless you have a specific reason to exclude regions.
12. UPC assigned or ready to auto-generate
    Your distributor handles this, but verify the field is present.

Common Rejection Reasons

Distributors reject uploads for predictable reasons. Avoid these mistakes:

• Artwork too small Below 1400x1400px. Always use 3000x3000px.
• Artist name mismatch Cover says 'DJ Shadow' but metadata says 'dj shadow'. Pick one format and be consistent.
• Missing composer credits Spotify requires songwriter credits for all tracks. Leaving this blank causes rejection on some distributors.
• Sample clearance documentation If your track contains recognizable samples, some distributors require proof of clearance before distributing.
• Copyright claim on metadata Using another artist's name, trademarked terms, or misleading 'feat.' credits without permission.
• Duplicate release Uploading the same track twice under different titles or ISRCs. Distributors flag duplicates.