General Requirements
All major streaming platforms and digital service providers (DSPs) have strict artwork requirements. Non-compliant artwork will be rejected during distribution.
- Minimum resolution: 3000 x 3000 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 1:1 (perfectly square)
- Format: JPEG or PNG
- Color space: RGB (not CMYK)
- Maximum file size: 10-20 MB (varies by platform)
- No transparency (flatten all layers)
Resolution & Format
While 3000 x 3000 is the minimum, 4000 x 4000 or higher is recommended for future-proofing. The artwork must be high quality enough to look sharp on large displays and in print merchandise.
- Use 72-300 DPI for digital distribution.
- Avoid upscaling low-resolution images.
- PNG for graphics with sharp text, JPEG for photographs.
Color & Design
- Use vibrant, high-contrast colors that stand out in thumbnails.
- Test artwork at small sizes — it should be recognizable at 50x50 pixels.
- Avoid excessive white space or overly busy designs.
- Ensure text is readable at thumbnail size.
Text & Branding
- Artist name and album title are optional on cover art (metadata handles this).
- If including text, ensure it is legible and not misleading.
- Parental advisory labels should be in the bottom-right corner.
- Do not include pricing, website URLs or promotional text.
Prohibited Content
- Explicit sexual content or nudity
- Graphic violence or gore
- Hate symbols or offensive imagery
- Misleading artist or title information
- Third-party trademarks without authorization
- Low-quality, blurry or pixelated images
Platform-Specific Notes
- Spotify — Prefers 3000x3000 JPEG, max 20 MB.
- Apple Music — Minimum 3000x3000, RGB, JPEG or PNG.
- YouTube Music — Minimum 1400x1400, recommended 3000x3000.
- Amazon Music — 3000x3000 minimum, 300 DPI recommended.
Best Practices
- Use the Artwork Validator tool to check compliance before submission.
- Create artwork that looks good at both full size and thumbnail.
- Maintain consistent visual branding across releases.
- Keep a high-resolution master file for future use.
Related Resources