Uploading your music to digital platforms is the first step to monetizing your art and growing your audience. In this complete tutorial we explain exactly how to do it with DISTROM by 1M Music Group, from preparing your files to seeing your song live on Spotify.
Step 1: Prepare your audio files
Digital stores require audio files in WAV or FLAC format at 44.1 kHz and at least 16-bit (24-bit recommended for better quality). Before uploading, verify that your master has no clipping (distortion peaks) and that the loudness level is within the recommended range of -14 LUFS for Spotify and -16 LUFS for Apple Music.
Free tools like LANDR or Youlean Loudness Meter let you measure and adjust levels before exporting.
Step 2: Prepare your cover art
The cover must meet these industry-standard requirements:
- Size: minimum 3000 x 3000 pixels
- Format: JPG or PNG in RGB (not CMYK)
- Content: no URLs, prices, store logos, or contact information
- Quality: no pixelation or white borders
Step 3: Fill in the metadata correctly
Metadata is the data that will appear on Spotify, Apple Music, and all platforms. An error here can cause rejection or the music to appear miscatalogued. Fill in carefully:
- Track title: exactly as you want it to appear, without version notes in parentheses unless applicable
- Artist name: consistent with your existing Spotify profile
- Composers and producers: required for collecting publishing royalties
- Genre and subgenre: helps algorithms recommend you correctly
- Release date: choose at least 7 days in advance to be able to pitch on Spotify
Step 4: Upload your release on DISTROM
In your DISTROM dashboard, click + New Release, select whether it's a single, EP, or album, and follow the upload wizard. The system automatically validates the audio and cover art before sending it to stores.
Approval time varies between 24 and 72 hours. Once approved, your music will appear on Spotify and Apple Music within 1 to 5 business days.
Step 5: Claim your artist profile
After your first release, claim your profile on Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists. From these dashboards you can see your stats, customize your profile photo, and editorially pitch your upcoming songs to playlist curators.
Ready to publish your music? Choose your DISTROM plan and upload your first release today.