In this article, you will find how to create and distribute a release step by step.
Create and distribute your release step by step
To distribute your release, you must select "Create a release" (regardless of the format) in Catalog > releases. This is the process that must always be done, whether it's an album, an EP, or a single.
Once created, you will have to follow the 6 tabs of the release and fill in the necessary metadata:
1. Release info
In the tab "1. Release info" you must enter the following metadata:
- Title (release, EP or album title). If it is a single of one track, the title must be the same at track level (tab 3. Tracks).
- Remix or version. This field is not mandatory, it should only be filled in the case the release is a remix, a version, or a special edition.
- Language of titles. The primary language of the release.
- Release type (Format). It's necessary to specify if it's a single, an EP, or an album.
- Cover Art. You must upload a cover image from your computer.
- Genres. You can introduce primary and secondary genres.
- Credits (Artists). You can enter different artists with different roles.
- Label. If you're not with any label, you can enter the name of the main artist. The name you choose here will be displayed in the claim for videos on YouTube.
- UPC Code and Reference number. If you do not have the codes you just have to check the box "Request a new UPC/Reference Number", and the platform will assign them automatically as soon as the distribution process begins after the QC approval.
2. Licenses
In the 2. Licenses tab you will have to enter the following metadata:
- Digital Release Date. The date for it to be available on the channels. Keep in mind that channels can take 2 to 15 days to publish.
- Release time. This feature is still in beta status.
- Original Release Date. The date on which the release was originally released. If it has not been released before, the date will be the same as the Digital Release Date.
- License Type. Copyright or Creative Commons.
- (C) Legal owner of the creative works.
- (P) Legal owner of the release. The name you enter here will appear at the bottom of the release on Spotify.
- Territories.
- Price category. Select a price range. This will set the price of your release in online stores.
3. Tracks
If it is the first time you distribute a release and you never uploaded these tracks to the platform before, you must select "From your Computer", since the tracks won't be available "From catalog".
Once the tracks are uploaded correctly, review and edit the information of each track by clicking the edit icon on the right. More information can be found here.
If you have already created the tracks from the Catalog >Tracks section, you can add them to a release by selecting the “From Catalog” option.
4. Preview and distribution
Here you will see all the information about the album that has been added. In the upper right, the button "Distribute this release" will appear indicating that you can distribute.
By clicking that button you will see all available distribution channels. Select the channels you want. Once the channels have been selected, the summary of your order will appear and you can proceed to checkout. You only have to add your billing information and confirm the payment.
5. History
Once the release has been validated and sent to distribution, you will be able to verify the status of the pending deliveries as well as the QC approval in the tab "5. History", a "Finished at" date and "Completion time" indicates that the delivery has been processed. Take into account that the content will be available within a period of 2 to 15 days depending on each DSP.
6. Distribution
From this tab, you'll be able to Distribute/Update/Takedown your release. If you are interested in operating for all channels, you'll find the options "to all channels" in the upper part of the tab. On the other hand, if you want to request it for a specific channel, you'll find the option under the "Actions" column.
Note for the Admin:This information may vary depending on the setup being applied.