Author
Sneha Desai
Release Operations Manager
Date & Time
12 Apr, 2026
6 min read
Most release problems are preventable. A misspelled artist name, artwork with a website address on it or a missing songwriter credit can delay a release by days or send it to the wrong artist profile.
Use this music release checklist before every release. It covers music metadata, ISRC and UPC codes, audio and artwork specifications, rights checks and release timelines, in the order a release is prepared, reviewed and delivered.
Audio and artwork specifications
Deliver lossless audio, usually a WAV file at 16-bit or 24-bit with a sample rate of 44.1 kHz or higher. Do not upload MP3 files converted to WAV, and make sure each file contains the complete track with no unwanted silence or clipping.
Artwork should be a square image of at least 3000 by 3000 pixels in JPG or PNG format. Stores reject artwork that includes website addresses, social handles, pricing, store logos, blurry images or text that does not match the release information.
Music metadata checklist
Music metadata tells stores who made a release and how to display it. Spell artist names exactly as they appear on their existing store profiles. Credit featured artists in the correct field rather than in the track title. Use standard capitalisation, choose the right language and mark explicit content honestly.
Release and track titles that match the artwork.
Primary and featured artists in the correct fields.
Songwriter, composer and producer credits.
Genre, language and explicit content rating.
Label name, copyright and production lines.
What are ISRC and UPC codes?
An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) identifies a single recording. It is twelve characters long and stays with that recording wherever it is released. A UPC (Universal Product Code) identifies the release as a product, such as a single, an EP or an album.
Never reuse an ISRC for a different recording, including remixes, live versions or radio edits. Each one needs its own code. When the same recording appears on a new release, such as a single that later appears on an album, keep the same ISRC so its streaming history stays connected.
Rights checks, review and approval
Before submitting, confirm you hold the rights to the recording, the composition and every sample. Keep licences and agreements where you can find them, because reviewers or stores may ask for them. Our guide on how to protect your music explains why clear rights matter.
After submission, your distributor reviews the release. If something needs changing, it is returned with a reason. Fix the issue and resubmit. A rejection at this stage is far cheaper than a removal after the release is live.
Music release timeline: when to submit
Submit three to four weeks before your release date. Review, store processing and editorial pitching all need time, and some stores take longer than others. A release scheduled for next week rarely goes as smoothly as one prepared a month ahead.
Four weeks before: submit audio, artwork and metadata.
Three weeks before: confirm approval and pitch to editors.
Two weeks before: share pre-save links and announce the date.
Release day: check every store and share your Smart Link.
Corrections and takedowns
Some details can be corrected after release, such as a spelling mistake or a missing credit. Others, such as changing the audio, usually require a new release. Corrections are sent to each store and can take time to appear.
A takedown removes a release from stores. Request one only when necessary, and remember that removing and re-releasing the same music can break its connection to existing playlists and play counts.
Transfer-In: keep your stream history when switching distributors
When you move a release from another distributor, keep its original ISRCs, UPC, titles, artist names and release date. Where the stores and the transfer process support it, matching identifiers allow the new delivery to be mapped to the existing one, so play counts and playlist placements can carry over.
ASUP Records offers Transfer-In for existing releases to help bring your catalog across with its identifiers preserved. Only take the release down from your previous distributor after the new delivery is confirmed live. New to distribution? Start with music distribution explained for beginners.
Keep the identifiers, keep the history. Change them and the stores may treat your release as brand new.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an ISRC and a UPC?
An ISRC identifies a single recording. A UPC identifies the whole release, such as a single, an EP or an album.
Can a remix use the same ISRC as the original?
No. Every different recording, including remixes, live versions and edits, needs its own ISRC.
Will my stream counts transfer when I change distributor?
They often can when you keep the same identifiers and metadata and the stores support the transfer, but it is not guaranteed for every service.
How early should I submit a release?
Three to four weeks before the release date gives enough time for review, store processing and pitching.
Release with fewer surprises
Manage metadata, codes, approvals and delivery for every release from one dashboard.