Distribution

Distribution is how your music gets from LabelGrid to streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and 150+ other stores worldwide. Once your release is ready, LabelGrid handles the technical delivery so your music appears on every platform you choose.

How Distribution Works

Getting your music to streaming platforms involves four main steps:

1. Select Your Outlets

Choose which streaming platforms and stores should receive your release. LabelGrid offers:

• All outlets — Distribute to every available platform (recommended for most releases)
• Custom selection — Choose specific platforms for targeted releases
• Exclude outlets — Remove specific platforms while keeping the rest

2. Set Your Release Date

Pick when your music goes live. Keep in mind:

• Most platforms need at least 7 days advance notice for new releases
• Pre-orders can be set up to 6 months in advance
• Some stores like iTunes and Amazon support pre-order sales

3. Submit for Delivery

Once your release passes validation, submit it for distribution. LabelGrid will:

• Package your music and metadata for each platform
• Deliver to all selected outlets
• Track delivery status for each store

4. Monitor Delivery Status

After submission, you can track progress in your dashboard. Each outlet will show:

• Pending — Queued for delivery
• Delivered — Sent to the platform
• Live — Available to listeners
• Error — Issue that needs attention

Key Concepts

Understanding these terms will help you navigate distribution:

Outlets

Outlets are the streaming platforms and stores where your music appears. These include:

• Streaming services — Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, TIDAL
• Download stores — iTunes, Amazon, Beatport
• Social platforms — TikTok, Instagram/Facebook, YouTube Music
• Regional services — NetEase, QQ Music, Anghami, and more

Lead Times

Each platform has different processing times:

Platform Type	Typical Lead Time
Major streaming (Spotify, Apple)	1-5 business days
Download stores	3-7 business days
Beatport	5-14 business days
Some regional stores	Varies

Tip

Submit your release at least 2 weeks before your target date to ensure it’s live everywhere on time.

Territory Availability

Control where your music is available:

• Worldwide — Available in all territories (default)
• Specific territories — Limit to certain countries or regions
• Exclusions — Block specific territories

Delivery Status

Track each outlet’s status in your release dashboard:

Status	What It Means
Pending	Waiting to be sent to the platform
Delivered	Successfully sent, awaiting processing
Live	Available to listeners on the platform
Error	Problem occurred — check details for resolution

Distribution Guides

Learn more about specific distribution topics:

• Distributing a Release — Submit your release to streaming platforms
• Supported Stores — See all available distribution outlets
• Lead Times — Plan your release timing
• Monitoring Deliveries — Track your release progress

Direct Upload Services

For certain platforms, LabelGrid offers direct API-based uploads that provide faster delivery and more control:

• Direct Upload Overview — Learn about direct upload vs DDEX distribution
• Bandcamp Integration — Upload releases with pricing and download options
• SoundCloud Integration — Post tracks with clips and buy links
• YouTube Integration — Create auto-generated track videos

Note

Direct upload features may require specific subscription plans. Contact support if you don’t see these options in your account.

Before You Distribute

Make sure your release is ready:

• All tracks uploaded and metadata complete
• Artwork meets platform requirements (3000x3000 pixels)
• Release passed validation with no errors
• You’ve reviewed all details carefully

Note

Once a release is delivered to stores, some changes may not be possible. See Validation and Review for details on what can and cannot be changed after distribution.

Need Help?

If you encounter issues with distribution, contact LabelGrid support and we’ll help you get your music where it needs to go.