The short version
Prepare first, upload second.
Have the final audio, final square artwork, exact artist and song names, songwriter information, explicit-content status and release date ready before opening the form. If a specific release day matters, upload early rather than relying on last-minute store processing.
1. Finish the release package
Do not start with a temporary master or unfinished cover. Your upload should already be the version you intend listeners to hear and see. DistroKid currently accepts WAV, FLAC, MP3, M4A, AIFF and WMA, and recommends lossless WAV or FLAC for the best audio quality.
Official reference: DistroKid audio file formats.
2. Prepare compliant cover art
DistroKid currently requires JPG artwork of at least 1000×1000 pixels and recommends a square 3000×3000 image in RGB. Avoid URLs, QR codes, prices, streaming-service logos, social-media logos and artwork you do not have permission to use.
Official reference: DistroKid artwork requirements.
3. Open the DistroKid upload form
Sign in and open the upload page. Select the services you want DistroKid to deliver to, then choose how many songs are on the release. A one-track release is treated as a single; multiple tracks require release-level information such as an album or EP title.
Do not select paid add-ons automatically while moving through the form. Decide whether each extra solves a real need for this release.
Official reference: Understanding the DistroKid upload form.
4. Confirm the artist name carefully
Use the same artist spelling and capitalization that you want across Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and the rest of your catalog. If you already have artist profiles, make sure you are connecting the release to the correct artist rather than accidentally creating a second profile.
5. Choose the release date
Musician Plus and Ultimate currently allow a custom future release date. The basic Musician plan sends the release to stores as soon as it is processed. If the launch date matters, DistroKid recommends uploading roughly four weeks in advance so stores have enough time to process the release.
Official references: future release dates and release timing.
6. Upload the audio and enter the track title
Upload the final audio file and enter only the actual song title in the title field. DistroKid's current guidance says not to place featured artists or version information directly in that field when the form provides separate controls for those details.
Official reference: entering track information.
7. Add featured artists and version information in the correct fields
If the track has a featured artist, remixer or another supported artist role, use the dedicated artist controls. Likewise, identify alternate versions through the form rather than building unnecessary metadata into the song title.
8. Enter songwriter information
Prepare the legal names of the songwriters before you start. Credits should describe who actually wrote the composition. Keep your own records of collaborators and splits outside the upload form as well.
9. Mark explicit content correctly
Answer the explicit-content question based on the lyrics and recording. Do not use the clean setting simply because the artwork is clean or because you would prefer to avoid an explicit badge.
10. Check ISRC and release identifiers
For a brand-new recording, you generally do not need to obtain an ISRC before uploading because DistroKid can generate identifiers during the release process. If the exact same recording has already been released elsewhere, preserving the existing ISRC can matter when moving distributors.
11. Review every field before submission
Read the artist name, title, release date, credits and explicit status one more time. Listen to the exact audio file you selected and open the exact artwork file you selected. Fixing an error before submission is much easier than correcting a live release across multiple services.
12. Use HyperFollow after upload
DistroKid currently creates a free HyperFollow landing page for releases. Before release day it can collect Spotify pre-saves; after release it can act as a multi-service destination for listeners. Treat that page as the beginning of promotion, not the end of the upload process.
Official reference: DistroKid step-by-step release guide.
Quick DistroKid upload checklist
✓ Final lossless master selected.
✓ Final square JPG artwork selected.
✓ Artist name and song title checked exactly.
✓ Release date chosen with enough lead time.
✓ Featured artists and version information entered in the proper fields.
✓ Songwriter legal names ready.
✓ Explicit-content status confirmed.
✓ Existing ISRC preserved if this is the same previously released recording.
✓ Rights to audio, lyrics, artwork, samples and AI-generated material confirmed.
✓ Promotion plan ready for after submission.
DistroKid Upload 2026 FAQ
What should be ready before opening the upload form? Final audio, cover art, artist name, song title, songwriter credits, release date and rights information should already be decided.
Can you choose a future release date on every DistroKid plan? DistroKid reserves customizable future release-date control for Musician Plus and Ultimate.
Should you reuse an existing ISRC? Use the existing ISRC when you are re-delivering the same recording and the identifier should remain attached to that exact master.
What should you do after upload? Review the delivery, set up HyperFollow or another release link, claim artist profiles where needed and prepare the promotion timeline.
Ready to upload?
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