findie.
THE ARTIST RELEASE GUIDE

Your music release
checklist.

Before your song leaves the studio, get the details right. Use this checklist to prepare a single, EP or album for Findie's human review and distribution-partner handoff.

By Findie · Updated 5 October 2026

01 / AUDIO

Use your finished master.

Listen to every track from start to finish before uploading. Check the beginning, ending, silence, unwanted clicks and distortion. Make sure you have selected the final version, not an earlier mix or a preview file.

Findie distribution accepts WAV, FLAC or MP3, up to 300 MB per track. An original lossless WAV or FLAC is preferable when available. Converting an MP3 to WAV does not recover lost detail. Export AIFF masters to a supported format before submission.

  • One final audio file for every track, in the correct track order.
  • The right mix or version name, and an accurate explicit-content selection.
  • A preview listen after upload to confirm the file matches the intended song.
02 / ARTWORK

A sharp cover, at the right size.

For Findie distribution, artwork must be square and between 3000 and 5000 pixels per side. Use an original high-resolution export, preferably JPG or PNG. Enlarging a small cover may change its dimensions but will not restore its detail.

If the cover includes artist names or a release title, they must match the metadata. Check it at thumbnail size too. Avoid URLs, social handles, pricing, store logos, misleading badges and material you do not have permission to use.

  • Confirm width and height before uploading.
  • Use the final cover, without accidental borders or crop marks.
  • Check that every visible element is cleared for use.
03 / METADATA

Names are part of the release.

Use consistent spelling for your primary and featured artists across the release, artwork and tracks. Add songwriter legal names, recording owners, recording years, genres and language accurately. A display artist name is not a substitute for songwriting credits.

If an artist already has a Spotify or Apple Music profile, add the correct profile link in the draft where requested. Check that the profile belongs to the right artist, especially when names are similar. For an existing recording, retain its correct ISRC where applicable; do not copy an unrelated recording's identifier.

  • Track titles, version names and running order checked.
  • Primary and featured artists assigned to the right roles.
  • Legal songwriter names and recording ownership confirmed.
  • Existing artist profiles and recording identifiers checked.
04 / PERMISSIONS

Clear it before you send it.

Only submit recordings and artwork you control or are authorized to distribute. Keep relevant agreements and permissions available. Check samples, beats, collaborations, cover songs and third-party visuals before declaring your rights.

A purchased beat or an image found online does not automatically grant every distribution right. If anything is unclear, resolve it with the rights owner and get appropriate advice before submitting. Choose territories consistent with your permissions, and contact Findie support for submission questions.

05 / TIMING

Build in time for corrections.

Choose a release date at least 21 days ahead whenever possible. Findie aims to complete an initial quality review within two business days, but revisions, partner processing and store checks can extend the timeline. Avoid announcing an unconfirmed date as guaranteed.

After delivery, claim or check your artist profiles and plan your launch assets. If you want to pitch an unreleased song to Spotify's editors, its getting-started guidance recommends pitching at least seven days before release. The song needs to be available in the relevant artist tools first; a pitch does not guarantee a playlist placement.

06 / FINAL CHECK

Review the package, not just the song.

  • Final audio and artwork uploaded and previewed.
  • Titles, artist identities, credits and rights declarations complete.
  • Release date, territories and selected stores checked.
  • Membership price, renewal and published commercial terms reviewed before payment.

Submit the complete release when you are ready. It enters Findie review, not instant store delivery. If corrections are requested, follow the note in your workspace. After approval, partner review and store processing still need to happen.

Use the release-status guide to tell the difference between a saved draft, Findie approval, partner handoff and confirmed live availability. Keep the draft ID, release title and any partner reference handy if you need help.

Ready for your next release?

Start free. Save your progress. Submit when the package is ready.

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