Creating a Release
This guide walks you through creating a release on LabelGrid, explaining each field and its requirements.
Before You Start
Make sure you have:
- Audio files - WAV, AIFF, or FLAC format (lossless only, 16-bit/24-bit/32-bit, 44.1kHz+ stereo)
- Cover artwork - 3000×3000 pixels minimum, JPEG or PNG, sRGB color space
- Release information - Title, artist name, genre, catalog number
Tip: You can save your progress at any time. Releases stay in draft until you submit them.
Step 1: Start a new release
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Go to Catalogue → My Releases in the navigation.
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Click Add Release.
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The Distribution Information dialog appears:
- Select No if this is a brand new release
- Select Yes if transferring from another distributor (enter the previous distributor’s name)
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Click Continue to open the release form.
Step 2: Upload cover artwork
The form opens on the Artwork tab.
Cover image requirements
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum size | 3000 × 3000 pixels |
| Format | JPEG or PNG (PNG auto-converts to JPEG) |
| Color space | sRGB (CMYK auto-converts) |
| Max file size | 300MB |
Why this matters: Streaming platforms require high-resolution artwork. Images below 3000×3000 will be flagged during review.
AI disclosure (required)
You must disclose how AI was used in creating your artwork:
| Option | When to use |
|---|---|
| No generative AI was used | Traditional artwork, photos, hand-drawn |
| Some parts were created with generative AI | AI-assisted (e.g., AI background with hand-drawn elements) |
| Entirely generated with AI | Fully AI-created artwork |
Why this is required: Streaming platforms now require AI disclosure. This information is sent to all DSPs.
Apple Music Motion Artwork (optional)
You can upload animated artwork for Apple Music. This appears as a looping video on Apple devices.
Step 3: Set general information
Click the General tab.
Record Label (required)
Select which label this release belongs to. The label determines:
- Available distribution outlets
- Default copyright information
- Barcode pool (for auto-generated UPCs)
UPC/EAN barcode
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Format | 12 digits (UPC) or 13 digits (EAN) |
| Uniqueness | Must be unique across all releases |
| Auto-generation | Leave blank to auto-generate from your label’s barcode pool |
Tip: If you have an existing barcode from another distributor, enter it here to maintain streaming history.
Catalog Number (required)
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Max length | 20 characters |
| Uniqueness | Must be unique within your label |
| Allowed characters | Any characters |
Example: LABEL001, HR-2025-001, ABC123
Best practice: Use a consistent format across all releases for easy organization.
Release Type (required)
| Type | Definition |
|---|---|
| Single | 1-3 tracks, each under 10 minutes, total under 30 minutes |
| EP | 4-6 tracks with total runtime under 30 minutes, OR 1-3 tracks where at least one is 10+ minutes |
| Album | 7+ tracks, or over 30 minutes total |
| Compilation | Tracks from various artists |
| Mix | DJ mix or continuous mix |
| Podcast | Audio podcast content (requires podcast-enabled account) |
Primary Genre (required)
Select the main genre for your release. This affects:
- How platforms categorize your music
- Which playlists you may be considered for
- Search discoverability
Secondary Genre (optional)
Add a secondary genre if your music spans multiple styles.
Copyright P-Line and C-Line
| Field | Purpose | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| P-Line | Sound recording copyright (who owns the master) | YEAR Name | 2025 Horizon Records |
| C-Line | Composition copyright (who owns the song) | YEAR Name | 2025 Luna Martinez |
- Max length: 255 characters each
- Optional: If left blank, uses your label’s default copyright settings
- Year must be: Greater than 1500
Important: Changing copyright on an approved release triggers redistribution.
Step 4: Add title information
Click the Title tab.
Release Title (required)
Enter your release title. You can add the title in multiple languages to support international audiences.
How multiple languages work:
- Add translations - Click to add titles in different languages (Japanese, Chinese, Korean, etc.)
- Set a default - Select which language version is the “preferred” title
- Latin characters required - Always include a title in Latin characters (English, Spanish, etc.) for global compatibility
How DSPs use translations: Streaming platforms may display the localized title to users in that region, or they may use only the default/Latin title globally. This varies by platform - not all DSPs support localized titles.
Do:
- Use the official release title
- Include featured artists in the title if relevant
- Always provide a Latin-character version for searchability
Don’t:
- Add promotional text (“OUT NOW!”, “NEW!”)
- Include the artist name (that goes in the Artist field)
Version/Mix (optional)
Use for remixes, acoustic versions, live recordings, etc.
Examples: Radio Edit, Extended Mix, Acoustic Version, Live at Madison Square Garden
Step 5: Add artists
Click the Artists tab.
Artist roles
| Role | Description | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Main Artist | Primary performer | Yes - at least one |
| Featured Artist | Guest appearances | Optional |
Important rule: Each artist can only have ONE role per release. An artist cannot be both Main Artist and Featured Artist on the same release.
Platform note: If you add more than 3 main artists, our system automatically displays “Various Artists” on platforms like Spotify that have this limit. You can still credit all individual artists - they’ll appear properly on platforms that support more artists.
Adding an artist
- Click Add Artist
- Search for an existing artist or create new
- Select the role (Main Artist or Featured Artist)
Artist requirements
- Minimum: At least one Main Artist is required
- Album rule: Main artists at release level must appear on at least one track
- Consistency: Artists appearing on ALL tracks should be listed at release level
Step 6: Configure release dates
Click the Date Settings tab.
Original Release Date (required)
When your release goes live on streaming platforms.
Rules:
- Can be today or a future date
- If set in the past, automatically adjusts to today
- Recommend setting at least 7-14 days in advance for playlist consideration
Pre-Save / Pre-Order Date (optional)
When pre-orders become available before the release date.
Rules:
- Must be before the release date
- Apple Music/iTunes limit: Maximum 366 days before release date
Advanced date controls
Toggle Enable advanced release date control for:
- Territory-specific release dates
- Scheduled takedowns
- Custom preview dates for cover art and track listings
See also: Advanced Date Settings for territory-specific scheduling.
Step 7: Configure settings
Click the Settings tab.
Additional release settings including:
- Explicit content flag
- Auto-distribution preferences
- Additional metadata options
Step 8: Select distribution outlets
Click the Outlets tab.
Note: You must select a Record Label in the General tab before outlets appear.
Select which streaming platforms to distribute to:
- All outlets - Distribute to all available platforms
- Select specific - Choose individual platforms
Available outlets depend on your label’s configuration and subscription plan.
Step 9: Add external links (optional)
Click the Links tab.
Add existing store URLs if this release is already live elsewhere:
- Spotify URL
- Apple Music URL
- Other platform links
This helps LabelGrid link to existing catalog entries.
Step 10: Save and continue
Click Finish to save your release.
Your release is now in Draft status. Next steps:
- Add tracks to your release
- Validate and submit for review when complete
Field reference summary
| Field | Required | Max Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cover Artwork | Yes | 300MB | 3000×3000px min, JPEG/PNG |
| AI Disclosure | Yes | - | none/some/all |
| Record Label | Yes | - | Determines outlets |
| Catalog Number | Yes | 20 chars | Unique per label |
| UPC/EAN | Auto | 13 chars | Auto-generated if blank |
| Release Type | Yes | - | Single/EP/Album/etc. |
| Primary Genre | Yes | - | From genre list |
| Title | Yes | 255 chars | Per language |
| Main Artist | Yes | - | At least one |
| Release Date | Yes | - | Today or future |
| P-Line/C-Line | No | 255 chars | Format: “YEAR Name” |
Common issues
”Catalog number already exists”
Each catalog number must be unique within your label. Solutions:
- Add a suffix (e.g.,
LABEL001-A) - Use a different numbering format
”Artist can only have one role”
Remove the duplicate artist and add them with a single role. If an artist is both performing and remixing, add them once as Main Artist.
”Artwork dimensions too small”
Resize your artwork to at least 3000×3000 pixels before uploading.
”AI disclosure is required”
Select one of the three AI disclosure options in the Artwork tab.
What’s next?
- Adding Tracks - Upload audio files to your release
- Validation and Review - Submit for distribution
- Advanced Date Settings - Territory-specific scheduling
Need help? Contact our support team