Music Release Checklist: Audio, Artwork, ISRC and UPC

Releasing music on digital streaming platforms requires more than creating a great song. Before submitting a single, EP or album, artists need to prepare high-quality audio, professional cover artwork, accurate metadata and the correct release identifiers.

Missing information or incorrectly prepared files can delay delivery, cause rejection or create problems with artist profiles and royalty reporting.

This music release checklist will help independent artists, music producers and record labels prepare their releases for digital music distribution with greater confidence.

1. Prepare Your Final Audio Files

Your audio master is one of the most important elements of a music release. A distributor delivers your recording to streaming platforms according to their technical requirements.

Before uploading your music, check the following:

• The final mix and master are approved.

• The audio file meets the distributor's accepted format.

• The sample rate and bit depth meet the delivery specifications.

• The track plays from beginning to end without unwanted clicks, distortion or accidental silence.

• The correct final version has been exported.

• The file name clearly identifies the song and version.

• Explicit lyrics are identified accurately where required.

• You have retained a backup of the final master.

Recommended Audio Format

WAV is a common delivery format for digital music distribution. A typical professional master might use 44.1 kHz sample rate and 16-bit or 24-bit PCM audio, depending on the distributor's requirements.

Do not assume every platform or distributor accepts exactly the same specifications. Always check the current delivery requirements before exporting your final file.

For example, a file named Song_Title_Master.wav is easier to identify than an unclear name such as final_final_new2.wav.

2. Create Professional Music Cover Artwork

Your cover artwork represents your release across streaming platforms and digital music stores. Professional, correctly sized artwork helps present your music consistently.

Use this checklist before submitting your cover:

• The artwork is square.

• The image meets the distributor's minimum resolution requirements.

• The image uses an accepted file format, such as JPEG.

• The design is clear and visually appealing.

• The artist name and release title are accurate if included.

• You own or have permission to use all visual elements.

• No unauthorized platform logos, misleading claims or prohibited promotional elements appear.

• The artwork matches the intended release.

What Is the Recommended Cover Art Size?

A 3000 × 3000 pixel square image is a widely used target for digital music artwork. However, exact minimum dimensions, file-size limits, color profiles and format requirements depend on the distributor and destination platforms.

Keep an original high-resolution copy of your artwork so you can make adjustments if necessary.

Common Cover Artwork Mistakes

Avoid submitting artwork that contains:

• Blurry or stretched images.

• Incorrect artist or song names.

• Unauthorized photographs or illustrations.

• Misleading platform logos or branding.

• Promotional information that violates the applicable artwork guidelines.

• Content that does not represent the actual release.

If you use AI-assisted artwork, verify that the final image complies with your distributor's current policies and that you have the necessary commercial rights.

3. Understand ISRC: The Recording Identifier

ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code. It identifies a particular sound recording or music video, helping the music industry distinguish one recording from another.

An ISRC is not the same as a song title, artist name or album identifier.

For example, a studio recording and a live recording of the same song are different recordings and generally require different ISRCs.

When Do You Need an ISRC?

An ISRC may be required as part of your music distribution submission. It is commonly used for tracking recordings across digital services, reporting and rights administration.

Before submitting your release:

• Check whether each track requires an ISRC.

• Confirm whether your distributor can assign one or whether you should provide an existing code.

• Verify that an existing ISRC belongs to the exact recording being delivered.

• Keep a record of the code assigned to each track.

• Avoid creating duplicate identifiers for the same recording unnecessarily.

Can You Reuse an ISRC?

An existing ISRC can generally be reused when the same recording is delivered again, provided it remains the same recording and the applicable distributor and platform rules are followed.

A substantially different recording, such as a new remix or live version, generally needs a separate ISRC.

Do not assign a new code simply because you are moving the same recording to another distributor. Keeping the correct identifier can help maintain continuity in recording metadata and reporting.

4. Understand UPC and EAN for Music Releases

UPC stands for Universal Product Code. In digital music distribution, a UPC or an equivalent product identifier is commonly used to identify a release package, such as a single, EP or album.

Depending on the distributor and destination, an EAN may also be used as the release identifier.

The distinction is important:

• ISRC: Identifies an individual sound recording or music video.

• UPC/EAN: Identifies the release package, such as a single, EP or album.

For example, an album with 10 tracks can have one release-level UPC or EAN and separate ISRCs for its individual tracks.

UPC Checklist

• Check whether the release already has a UPC or EAN.

• Confirm whether your distributor assigns release identifiers.

• Use the correct identifier for the specific release package.

• Keep a record of the identifier alongside the release metadata.

• Avoid creating duplicate release entries unintentionally.

• If re-releasing an existing product, check the distributor's guidance on retaining its identifier.

A UPC does not prove copyright ownership, and an ISRC does not replace a music distribution agreement or rights documentation.

5. Complete Your Music Release Metadata

Metadata is the information that describes your recording and release. It helps streaming services display the correct titles, artist names and credits.

Incorrect metadata can result in artist attribution problems, inconsistent catalog information or delayed delivery.

Review the following information carefully:

• Track title.

• Primary artist name.

• Featured artists.

• Release title.

• Songwriter and composer credits.

• Producer and other contributor credits, where required.

• Language.

• Genre and subgenre, where supported.

• Explicit or clean version status.

• Release date.

• Track sequence for EPs and albums.

• ISRC for each applicable recording.

• UPC or EAN for the release, where required.

• Copyright and phonogram notices, where applicable.

Why Is Accurate Metadata Important?

Metadata helps digital platforms identify the content they receive and display the information provided with a release.

Use consistent spelling for artist names across releases. Do not add unrelated keywords to track titles or use misleading artist names to attract streams.

If your artist name already exists on a streaming platform, provide the correct profile information through your distributor's artist-mapping process.

6. Confirm Copyright and Distribution Rights

Before distributing music, make sure you have the legal right to deliver the recording and all relevant components.

Depending on your release, you may need to verify rights relating to:

• The master recording.

• The underlying musical composition.

• Lyrics and songwriting splits.

• Instrumentals, beats and samples.

• Featured artists and guest performers.

• Cover artwork, photographs and video footage.

• Remixes and derivative works.

If you purchased a beat or used samples, review the applicable license. Some licenses restrict commercial distribution, monetization or rights-management enrollment.

Keep copies of contracts, licenses, permissions and contributor agreements in an organized location.

7. Choose Your Release Date and Distribution Plan

Your release date should allow enough time for delivery, review and promotion.

Before submitting:

• Select the intended release date.

• Check the distributor's submission deadlines.

• Allow time for technical review and corrections.

• Confirm which platforms are selected for delivery.

• Check whether the release is intended to be worldwide or subject to territorial restrictions.

• Prepare promotional content in advance.

• Review any pre-save or promotional link options available.

Submitting early is particularly useful if you want to coordinate a music video, a social media campaign or an eligible playlist pitch.

No distributor can guarantee that every release will go live at a specific time, because platform processing and approval can vary.

8. Final Music Release Checklist

Use the following checklist immediately before submitting your music to a distributor.

Audio and artwork

• Final master approved.

• Audio file format verified.

• Audio quality checked.

• Cover artwork finalized.

• Artwork resolution and format verified.

Metadata and identifiers

• Artist and track names checked.

• Songwriter and contributor credits reviewed.

• Explicit-content status confirmed.

• ISRCs checked for the applicable recordings.

• UPC/EAN checked for the release package.

• Release date and track sequence verified.

Rights and delivery

• Required rights and permissions confirmed.

• Samples and beat licenses reviewed.

• Distribution territories checked.

• Destination platforms selected.

• Submission deadlines reviewed.

• Backup copies saved.

• Release submitted for review.

Completing these checks before submission can reduce avoidable errors and make catalog management easier over time.

9. Distribute Your Music With Be Musix

Be Musix provides digital music distribution services for independent artists, record labels and music creators.

Before submitting your next release, organize your audio files, artwork, metadata and identifiers so the distribution process can proceed smoothly.

Be Musix can help artists explore music distribution options and prepare eligible releases for delivery to supported digital streaming platforms and music stores.

Visit the Be Musix website to learn more:

Music Distribution: https://bemusix.com/music-distribution

Services: https://bemusix.com/services

Whether you are preparing your first single or managing an established music catalog, a consistent release checklist can help you maintain accurate records and work more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a music release checklist?

A music release checklist is a list of technical, metadata, rights and scheduling requirements that artists review before distributing a song, EP or album.

What audio format should I use for music distribution?

WAV is a widely accepted professional delivery format. Confirm the required sample rate, bit depth, channel configuration and other specifications with your distributor.

What is the difference between ISRC and UPC?

An ISRC identifies an individual sound recording or music video, while a UPC or EAN identifies a release package, such as a single, EP or album.

Do I need an ISRC for every song?

Each distinct recording generally needs its own ISRC. Different versions of a song, such as a remix or live recording, generally use different codes.

Does every single, EP or album need a UPC?

A release-level UPC or equivalent identifier is commonly used for digital music products. Your distributor can explain whether it assigns the code and what applies to your release.

Can I use the same ISRC when changing distributors?

Generally, yes, if you are transferring the exact same recording and the code is valid. Check with both distributors before transferring the catalog to avoid duplicate releases or metadata problems.

What size should my music cover artwork be?

A square 3000 × 3000 pixel image is a common target. Always follow the current technical specifications of your distributor and destination platforms.

Can I distribute music without owning every component myself?

You may distribute music you do not exclusively own if you have the necessary permissions and licenses. However, some rights-management services require more extensive or exclusive rights, so review the applicable conditions.

Final Thoughts

A successful music release starts with careful preparation. High-quality audio, compliant artwork, accurate metadata, valid identifiers and clear rights documentation can help prevent common distribution problems.

Save this music release checklist and use it whenever you prepare a new single, EP or album.

Ready to release your music? Explore digital music distribution with Be Musix: https://bemusix.com/music-distribution