Bulk Upload Guide

For labels with large catalogs, bulk upload tools save significant time. LabelGrid supports two methods for uploading multiple releases: API integration and DDEX import.

Bulk Upload Methods

Available Options

Method	Best For	Plan Required
API integration	Automated workflows, custom integrations	API plan
DDEX import	Industry-standard feeds, major label workflows	API plan

Note: Bulk upload methods are available for API plan customers only. If you’re on a Solo, Basic, or Pro plan, you can create releases individually through the LabelGrid dashboard.

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API Integration

Overview

The LabelGrid API allows you to programmatically create and manage releases, enabling fully automated workflows for large catalogs.

What You Can Do

• Create releases programmatically
• Upload audio files via API
• Manage metadata in bulk
• Automate distribution workflows
• Integrate with your existing systems

Getting Started

1. Upgrade to API plan if not already subscribed
2. Generate API credentials in your account settings
3. Review API documentation for endpoint details
4. Implement your integration or use our SDKs
5. Test with staging environment before production

Example Request

POST /api/v1/releases
Content-Type: application/json
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY

{
  "title": "Album Title",
  "type": "album",
  "primary_artist": "Artist Name",
  "release_date": "2024-03-15",
  "tracks": [
    {
      "title": "Track One",
      "track_number": 1,
      "isrc": "USRC12400001"
    }
  ]
}

API Benefits

• Full automation - No manual intervention required
• System integration - Connect with your DAM, CRM, or other tools
• Scheduled releases - Queue releases for future distribution
• Custom validation - Pre-validate content before submission
• Webhook notifications - Get real-time updates on delivery status
• Error handling - Programmatic error detection and retry

Rate Limits

Endpoint	Limit
Release creation	100/hour
Audio upload	50/hour
Metadata updates	500/hour

See API Overview for complete documentation.

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DDEX Import

Overview

DDEX (Digital Data Exchange) is the industry-standard format used by major labels for delivering content to distributors. LabelGrid supports DDEX import for enterprise clients who already have DDEX delivery infrastructure.

What is DDEX?

DDEX is an XML-based standard that packages:

• Release metadata
• Track information
• Audio file references
• Artwork and assets
• Deal terms and territories

Supported Formats

Version	Status
ERN 4.2	Supported
ERN 4.1	Supported
ERN 3.8.2	Legacy support

DDEX Setup Process

1. Contact support to request DDEX enablement
2. Complete onboarding with our technical team
3. Configure delivery settings and file paths
4. Set up SFTP credentials for secure file transfer
5. Submit test delivery for validation
6. Begin production deliveries once approved

Delivery Workflow

Your System → DDEX XML + Assets → SFTP Upload → LabelGrid Processing → Distribution

DDEX Requirements

Requirement	Details
Plan	API plan required
Format	ERN 4.x preferred
Delivery	SFTP only
Assets	Audio files included or referenced
Validation	Pre-flight validation recommended

When to Use DDEX

DDEX import is ideal if:

• You already have DDEX delivery infrastructure
• You’re migrating from another distributor that uses DDEX
• Your content management system exports DDEX natively
• You’re a major label or large independent with established workflows

When to Use API Instead

The REST/JSON API is better if:

• You’re building a new integration from scratch
• You prefer modern web APIs over XML
• You need real-time bidirectional communication
• You want webhook-based notifications

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Choosing Your Method

Factor	API Integration	DDEX Import
Setup complexity	Lower	Higher
Existing infrastructure	Build new	Use existing DDEX
Format	JSON	XML
Delivery method	HTTPS	SFTP
Real-time updates	Yes (webhooks)	Polling required
Best for	New integrations	Enterprise migration

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Processing Times

Once content is uploaded via API or DDEX:

Catalog Size	Expected Processing
1-10 releases	Within 1 hour
10-50 releases	1-4 hours
50-200 releases	4-12 hours
200+ releases	12-48 hours

Processing time depends on:

• Audio file sizes
• Metadata complexity
• Current system load
• Validation requirements

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Need Help?

For bulk upload setup assistance:

• API integration: See API Overview or contact support
• DDEX enablement: Contact our support team with your requirements

Our team can help you choose the right method and guide you through setup.