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Distributing a Release

Once your release is created and complete, it’s time to send it to streaming platforms. This guide walks you through the distribution process, from selecting stores to monitoring delivery.

Before You Distribute

Make sure your release is ready:

RequirementStatus Check
ArtworkUploaded, 3000x3000 pixels minimum
All tracksUploaded with complete metadata
Release detailsTitle, artist, genre, catalog number filled in
Release dateSet at least 7 days in the future (recommended)
OutletsAt least one distribution outlet selected

Tip: The release form will show validation errors if anything is missing. Address all errors before submitting.


Step 1: Open Your Release

  1. Go to Catalogue > My Releases.

  2. Find your release and click to open it.

  3. You should see the release in Draft status.


Step 2: Select Distribution Outlets

Click the Outlets tab if you haven’t already configured your distribution targets.

Choosing Outlets

You have several options:

Select All Outlets to maximize your reach. Your music will be delivered to:

Major Streaming Services:

  • Spotify
  • Apple Music
  • Amazon Music
  • YouTube Music
  • Deezer
  • TIDAL
  • Pandora

Social Platforms:

  • TikTok
  • Instagram/Facebook (Meta)
  • Snapchat

Regional Services:

  • NetEase (China)
  • QQ Music (China)
  • Anghami (Middle East)
  • JioSaavn (India)
  • And 150+ more…

Why choose all? Wider distribution means more opportunities for discovery. There’s no downside to being available everywhere.

Custom Selection

If you need to limit distribution:

  1. Uncheck All Outlets.
  2. Select individual platforms.

Reasons to limit distribution:

  • Exclusive deals with specific platforms
  • Regional restrictions on your music
  • Specific platform requirements (like Beatport)

Special Outlets

Some outlets have additional requirements:

OutletSpecial Requirements
BeatportElectronic/dance music genres, additional metadata
TikTokMay require separate opt-in
YouTube Content IDEnables monetization but has specific rules

Step 3: Confirm Your Release Date

Click the Date Settings tab to review your timing.

Release Date Timing

Lead TimeBenefits
7+ daysEligible for Spotify Release Radar, time for pre-saves
14+ daysBetter chance for editorial playlist consideration
21+ daysFull editorial consideration, marketing preparation time

Important: Once submitted, changing your release date requires restarting the approval process.

Pre-Order Settings (Optional)

If you want to enable pre-orders on Apple Music/iTunes:

  1. Toggle on Pre-Order/Pre-Save.
  2. Set the pre-order date (must be before release date).
  3. Pre-orders can be set up to 366 days in advance.

Step 4: Run Validation

Before submitting, LabelGrid validates your release to catch common issues.

  1. Click the Validation button (or it may run automatically).

Understanding Validation Results

IconMeaningAction
Green checkmarkPassedGood to go
Yellow warningNon-blocking issueReview but can proceed
Red errorBlocking issueMust fix before submitting

Common Validation Issues

Blocking (Must Fix):

  • Missing artwork
  • Missing catalog number
  • No tracks added
  • Missing release date
  • Audio file format issues

Warnings (Review):

  • Release date very close (less than 7 days)
  • Missing optional metadata (secondary genre, etc.)
  • Artwork close to minimum size

Fix issues: Click on any validation item to jump to the field that needs attention.

See also: Validation and Review for a complete guide to validation errors and how to resolve them.


Step 5: Submit for Review

Once validation passes, you’re ready to submit.

  1. Review all your release details one final time.

  2. Click Submit for Review.

  1. Confirm the submission in the dialog.

What Happens at Submission

When you click submit:

  1. Status changes to “Pending Review”
  2. Release is locked - most fields can’t be edited
  3. Review queue - your release joins the review queue
  4. Notification - you’ll be notified when review is complete

Need to make changes? You can withdraw a submitted release to make edits, but this resets the review process.


Step 6: Wait for Approval

LabelGrid reviews every release to ensure quality and compliance.

Review Timeline

Submission TypeTypical Review Time
Standard release1-2 business days
Complex release (many tracks, special features)2-3 business days
Resubmission (after fixes)1-2 business days

What Reviewers Check

  • Audio quality - Clear, professional sound
  • Artwork compliance - Meets platform requirements
  • Metadata accuracy - Correct spelling, formatting
  • Content policy - No prohibited content
  • Copyright - Proper ownership declared

Possible Outcomes

ResultWhat It MeansNext Steps
ApprovedReady for distributionDelivery starts automatically
Changes RequiredIssues foundReview feedback, make fixes, resubmit
RejectedSerious policy violationContact support for guidance

Learn more: See Validation and Review for details on each review outcome and what to do if changes are required.


Step 7: Monitor Delivery

After approval, your release is sent to streaming platforms.

Delivery Stages

Approved → Queued → Delivering → Delivered → Live
(per platform)

Checking Delivery Status

  1. Go to Catalogue > My Releases.
  2. Click your release.
  3. View the Delivery Status section.

Each outlet shows:

  • Current status (Queued, Delivering, Delivered, Live)
  • Timestamp of last update
  • Any errors or issues

Delivery Times by Platform

Platform TypeTypical Time to Live
Major streaming (Spotify, Apple Music)2-5 days
Social platforms (TikTok, Instagram)2-4 days
Specialist stores (Beatport)5-14 days
Regional services3-7 days

Note: These are typical times after approval. Your actual release date determines when music becomes available to listeners.


Understanding Distribution Statuses

Release Status vs. Delivery Status

Your release has an overall status, and each outlet has its own delivery status.

Release Status:

StatusMeaning
DraftStill being created
Pending ReviewSubmitted, awaiting approval
ApprovedPassed review, delivery starting
DistributedSent to all outlets
LiveAvailable on platforms

Per-Outlet Delivery Status:

StatusMeaning
QueuedWaiting to be sent
DeliveringBeing transmitted to platform
DeliveredReceived by platform, processing
LiveAvailable to listeners
ErrorIssue occurred

Common Distribution Questions

Can I add platforms after submitting?

Yes, but it requires:

  1. Withdrawing the release (if still in review)
  2. Or requesting redistribution (if already distributed)
  3. Adding the new outlets
  4. Resubmitting

What if I need to change something after approval?

Some changes are possible on live releases:

  • Metadata updates (corrections to titles, credits) - Requires redistribution
  • Price changes - Where applicable
  • Adding new outlets - Yes

Some changes require a new release:

  • Changing audio files
  • Changing artwork significantly
  • Adding/removing tracks

How do I know when my release is live?

  1. Check delivery status in your dashboard
  2. Search for your release on streaming platforms
  3. You’ll receive a notification when major platforms confirm

What if there’s an error?

Error statuses include details about what went wrong:

  • Duplicate - Release may already exist
  • Invalid metadata - Formatting issue
  • Technical error - Temporary issue, usually resolves automatically

For persistent errors, contact support.


Tips for Successful Distribution

Do

  • Submit early - At least 2-3 weeks before release date
  • Double-check metadata - Spelling errors are hard to fix later
  • Verify audio quality - Listen to your uploads
  • Monitor delivery - Check status regularly after approval
  • Plan promotion - Have marketing ready for release day

Avoid

  • Last-minute submissions - Limits promotional opportunities
  • Changing dates after submission - Resets the process
  • Ignoring validation warnings - They often point to real issues
  • Assuming instant delivery - Platforms need processing time

After Distribution

Once your release is live:

  1. Get your links - Find store links to share with fans
  2. Promote - Share on social media, submit to playlists
  3. Monitor - Track streams and engagement
  4. Plan ahead - Start working on your next release

Next Steps


Questions about distribution? Contact our support team - we’re here to help your music reach the world.