ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique 12-character identifier assigned to individual sound recordings. It is used worldwide by streaming platforms, royalty collection agencies and music databases to identify and track recordings.

UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit barcode used to identify music releases (albums, EPs and singles) as commercial products. Every release requires a UPC for distribution and sales tracking.

Why is metadata important?

Accurate metadata ensures correct royalty collection, proper attribution to artists and contributors, proper categorization on streaming platforms and successful distribution. Incomplete or incorrect metadata can result in lost revenue and rejected releases.

How should artwork be prepared?

Artwork must be at least 3000x3000 pixels, in JPEG or PNG format, with RGB color mode and a 1:1 aspect ratio. It should be high quality, visually striking and compliant with platform guidelines. Use the Artwork Validator tool to check compliance.

What audio format should I use for distribution?

WAV (PCM) at 44,100 Hz sample rate and 16-bit or 24-bit depth is the industry standard. FLAC is also widely accepted as a lossless alternative. Avoid distributing in lossy formats like MP3 when possible.

DSP Guidelines — Music Resources | Zaventra Music Group

DSP Guidelines

12 min read Updated 2025-01-15

Spotify

Audio: WAV/FLAC, 44.1kHz, 16/24-bit.
Artwork: 3000x3000, JPEG, RGB.
Loudness: -14 LUFS, -1 dBTP true peak.
Metadata: Full metadata required, ISRC per track.

Apple Music

Audio: WAV/FLAC/ALAC, 44.1kHz or 48kHz, 16/24-bit.
Artwork: 3000x3000, JPEG/PNG, RGB.
Loudness: -16 LUFS, Sound Check normalization.
Supports lossless and Spatial Audio (Dolby Atmos).

Amazon Music

Audio: WAV/FLAC, 16/24-bit.
Artwork: 3000x3000, JPEG/PNG.
Loudness: -14 LUFS.
HD and Ultra HD audio tiers available.

YouTube Music

Audio: MP3/AAC/FLAC, 320kbps+.
Artwork: 1400x1400 minimum, 3000x3000 recommended.
Video: 1080p+ H.264 MP4.
Content ID integration for rights management.

Tidal

Audio: WAV/FLAC, 16/24-bit.
Artwork: 3000x3000, JPEG/PNG.
HiFi and HiFi Plus tiers for lossless audio.
MQA support for master quality.

Deezer

Audio: WAV/FLAC, 16-bit.
Artwork: 3000x3000, JPEG/PNG.
CD Quality tier for lossless streaming.

SoundCloud

Audio: MP3/WAV/AIFF, 320kbps+.
Artwork: 800x800 minimum.
Supports direct uploads from artists.

Napster

Audio: WAV/MP3, 320kbps+.
Artwork: 3000x3000.
Standard metadata requirements.

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