Releasing Music · 5 min read · Free
Release Basics: Metadata, Credits, ISRC and UPC
What your distributor will ask for before a release goes out, in plain language: metadata, credits and splits, and the two codes every release needs.
Why this matters
Stores and royalty systems match money to songs using the information you enter at upload. Small mistakes, like a misspelled artist name, can send streams to the wrong profile or delay payments.
Metadata checklist
- Artist name: spelled exactly the same on every release.
- Track title: no extra words like "official" or "final mix". Add versions in the version field if your distributor has one (for example "Remix" or "Instrumental").
- Featured artists: list them in the featured field, not inside the title, unless your distributor tells you otherwise.
- Genre, language and explicit flag: choose honestly. If a song has explicit lyrics, mark it explicit.
- Release date: pick a date a few weeks out so stores have time to process it.
Credits and splits
Write down who did what (writer, producer, performer) and who gets what share before you release. Get everyone to agree in writing. Your distributor or publishing service may let you enter split percentages so each person gets paid directly.
ISRC and UPC
- ISRC is a code for one recording. Each song gets its own. Keep the same ISRC when the same recording appears on a single and later on an album.
- UPC is a code for the whole release (the single, EP or album).
Most distributors can create both for you for free. Save them somewhere safe, because you will need them for pitching, registrations and royalty reports.
Before you upload
Check your distributor's current requirements for artwork size, audio format and lead time, because these change from time to time.
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