Release Management

By Angel Gaitan

• 13 articles

Distributing Music on UGC Platforms: Rules and Tips to Avoid Rejections

Is your music not available on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok? This might be due to recent changes in their rules to ensure original content and prevent duplicates. Below, we explain what UGC is and why some songs may not be accepted. What are "UGC" platforms? User Generated Content (UGC) platforms allow users to upload and share their own content. These include YouTube, SoundCloud, TikTok, and META platforms (Instagram and Facebook). To maintain a 100% original catalog, these platforms have tightened their policies to prevent repeated or non-exclusive content. Subscribe now and boost your music — it’s free. Types of content that will be rejected on UGC platforms: Your music is likely to be rejected if it falls under any of the following categories: - Public Domain Works: Recordings, samples, or manipulations of classical or public domain works are not accepted. - Generic Sounds: White noise, songs with a duration of less than a minute, environmental sounds (such as animal noises), phone tones, laughter, movie snippets, or spoken words without music are not allowed. - Use of Commercial Loops or Samples: Beats or sounds from commercial sample packs are not accepted. You can only use loops or samples if they are 100% original. - DJ Mixes, Full Albums, or Compilations: Files containing multiple tracks within a single file, such as DJ mixes, compilations, or full albums, are not permitted. - Non-Exclusive Licensed Content: If you purchased music from soundtrack libraries or production catalogs but do not hold an exclusive license (i.e., you are not the sole distributor), it cannot be distributed. - Soundalike Versions, Covers, or Karaoke/Instrumentals: Imitations of existing songs, cover versions, and karaoke or instrumental versions are not allowed. - Live Versions Too Similar to the Original: If your live version is nearly identical to the studio recording, it may be considered a duplicate and rejected. - Remixes of Songs by Other Artists: You can only distribute remixes if you have the necessary rights or licenses. - Re-recorded, Remastered, or Remixed Versions: You cannot distribute these versions unless you own the original master recording. How to avoid your music being rejected? To ensure your content is accepted on these platforms, follow these recommendations: ✅ Create 100% original content: Avoid using commercial samples or loops unless you have exclusive rights. ✅ Register your music: Make sure you have the distribution rights to your songs. If your music has been rejected by any of these platforms, don’t worry! It will still be available on other major platforms like Spotify. Follow these guidelines and maximize your music distribution! 🎶 Subscribe to PRO — Boost your music career.

Last updated on Mar 24, 2026

Can I Publish a Cover of a Song and How to Do It Correctly?

If you have a reinterpretation of one of your favourite songs or your fans have asked you for a cover, you can do it. The best way to publish a cover is by first obtaining a license. To do this, you can contact specialized licensing companies such as https://www.harryfox.com or https://www.easysong.com. An unlicensed cover may be submitted for review on Indiefy under certain circumstances however we cannot guarantee its publication or permanence in stores. This will depend on different factors, however, there are some recommendations so that they can be accepted: - It must be a recording and/or own arrangement: Covers that include the same backing track/instrumental base as the original song will not be accepted - It is necessary to add the original writers/composers in the metadata. - The original artist may not be mentioned in the release title, track title or on the cover. Please note that approved covers may have limitations on the stores and territories in which they are published and that these may not generate royalties and if they do, they will be saved in case the original artist claims them. Subscribe to PRO — Boost your music career.

Last updated on Mar 25, 2026

Is Your Music on the Wrong Profile? Step-by-Step Guide to Fix It

Is your music on the wrong artist profile? (Content Relocation) It is quite common that, when distributing new music, your content may end up assigned to the wrong artist page. This usually happens due to naming similarities (artists with the same name) or minor technical mapping errors during the delivery to digital platforms. If your release is in the wrong place, don't worry! We can help you move your music to the right profile through a relocation process. 📋 How to request a relocation To manage this change with the stores, you must complete the specific form depending on where the issue is occurring. 1. For Spotify If the mapping issue is specifically on Spotify, please use this link: 👉 Relocation Form - Spotify 2. For other platforms (Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon, etc.) To fix your profile on any other digital store, please complete the following form: 👉 General Relocation Form 💡 Important Tips - Accuracy is Key: Please ensure all information is entered correctly. Double-check your links and IDs, as incorrect data can delay the process. - Is this your first release? If this is your first time distributing music and you don't have a profile yet, but your song was added to an existing artist's page, please mention it in the form. Explicitly state that you need a brand new artist profile to be created. - Processing Time: Once the form is submitted, the estimated time for the relocation to reflect in stores is 3 to 7 business days. This timeframe depends entirely on each platform's internal processing speed ⏳. Subscribe to PRO — Boost your music career.

Last updated on Apr 22, 2026

Song Transfer to Indiefy: How to Move Your Music from Other Distributors?

There are times when it’s necessary to move away from your current music distributor and switch to one that better fits your needs. In this article, you’ll find all the information you need to make your transition to Indiefy as simple and smooth as possible. Here’s what you should have on hand before switching to Indiefy: - ISRC and UPC codes of your releases, as they contain all the essential information about your songs and albums. - Your artist profile IDs, such as Spotify and Apple Music IDs. - Example Spotify code: 04EBcoLQIMFcGjAA2Og2RI - Example Apple Music code: 1322214276 - You can learn how to get your Spotify ID here: How to get your Spotify profile ID? - Request the removal of the songs you want to migrate (this process usually takes 3–5 days, though some stores may take 15–21 days) and terminate your relationship with your previous distributor, especially if there’s a contract in place. - Check that your music is no longer available in stores or that the removal request has been completed successfully. Once these steps are completed, you can upload your content to Indiefy via indiefy.net/distributions. If your music isn’t on Indiefy yet, don’t wait any longer! We offer free digital distribution services so your songs can reach the world. Subscribe to PRO — Boost your music career.

Last updated on Mar 25, 2026

How Long Does the Review Process Take in Indiefy?

Review and publication process of your music on Indiefy Once you submit your music, our distribution team listens to it and checks the metadata of your release. This review process includes copyright scans and audio quality checks to ensure everything meets digital store standards. 🎵 We want to give proper attention to each artist, so your release may remain under review for 1 to 2 business days. After this period, the release status will change: - Approved: if no issues are detected, your release will be approved and ready for publication. - Reopened: if minor adjustments are needed, you can make changes and resubmit it. - Rejected: if it doesn’t meet the guidelines, it cannot be published. Subscribe now and boost your music — it’s free. If your release is approved, you only need to wait for the publication date for the status to change to “Published.” Keep in mind: - Indiefy PRO: your release can be published from 7 days after submission for review, although the exact date depends on your chosen schedule. - Indiefy Basic: your release can be published from 21 days after submission for review, which is the minimum time before publication. If your release is reopened, you can make some changes and resubmit it. If it is rejected, it cannot be resubmitted. Once a release has a set launch date, it cannot be changed, unless you are a PRO user. You can check the status of your release in your distributions profile: indiefy.net/distributions From that point on, it is the stores’ responsibility to publish your music on time. By default, releases are published at 12:00 a.m. CT on the selected release date. However, delays may occur due to the high volume of music they handle. 💡 Tip: It is recommended to plan your release well in advance, ideally with at least one month of lead time. This will allow you to: - Submit your music for Spotify pitching. - Prepare and execute promotion strategies. - Reach a larger audience and maximize the impact of your music Subscribe to PRO — Boost your music career.

Last updated on Mar 25, 2026

What to Do When Your Release on Indiefy is Reopened?

If the status of your release changed to "Reopened," it means our review team identified an issue that must be resolved before it can be sent to the stores. Don’t worry, this is a normal process. Here we explain how to proceed. Step by Step: How to Fix Your Release 1. Check the notification: You should have received an email about the reopening of the release. 2. Access your release: Go to your distributions profile: indiefy.net/distributions 3. Fix the issues: Select the reopened release and click on the "Fix issues" button. This will allow you to edit all the details. 4. Make the necessary changes: Below, we show you the most common reasons and how to solve them. Subscribe now and boost your music — it’s free. Common Reasons and Their Solutions 1. Release Data Confirmation (Inconsistencies) Our team needs to verify that you are the legitimate owner of the music, to protect you and other artists. You must complete a verification form where you show the creation process. - Go to indiefy.net/tools, then to "Forms," and you will find the form called “Release Data Confirmation.” - Video requirements: - It must show your production session (DAW – recording software). - The audio must be audible and match the song you are distributing. - Do not use only still images that do not show your full session, nor only audio. 2. Special Content (Traditional, Religious, Public Domain) This is material that does not necessarily infringe copyright; however, its origin is not very clear and it may be considered risky content. 3. Artist Data Confirmation (Social Media) Your social media accounts are missing, or the links are not valid (personal accounts, private accounts, or ones that do not correspond to the artist). Go to your Artist Profile on Indiefy and add or update the links to your official and public social media accounts. 4. Copyright Infringement (Unauthorized Samples) - Problem: The use of third-party samples, beats, or vocals without the proper license was detected. - Solution: - Option A (Recommended): Obtain a valid and certified license from the rights holder and upload it as proof. - Option B: Remove the problematic track or sample from your release. 5. Use of "Free Beats" The use of free beats was detected. Even if they are “free,” they almost always require a license for commercial distribution. Provide the license that the beat’s creator gave you. If the license allows free use, include the document or link that specifies this. Otherwise, you must remove the track. Subscribe now and boost your music — it’s free. 6. Low Audio Quality - The audio file does not meet the quality standards required by the stores. - What to check and fix: - Mastering quality (avoid noisy, distorted, or cellphone-recorded audio). - Remove long silences at the beginning (>10 seconds) or end (>10 seconds) of the song. - Remove any prolonged silence in the middle of the song. 7. Song Already Released by Another Distributor If your music is already in the stores through another service, you must request the complete removal of that release from the previous distributor. Only after it has disappeared from all stores will you be able to redistribute it through Indiefy. Need more help? If after reviewing this guide you still have questions, our support team is here to help you. Contact us directly at: support@indiefy.net Subscribe to Pro — Boost your music career.

Last updated on Mar 24, 2026

What does receiving a strike on Indiefy mean?

At Indiefy, we strive to provide the best possible service to all our artists and users. To achieve this, it is essential that every release complies with our guidelines and terms of use. Sometimes we detect suspicious activities or practices that do not comply with our policies. To maintain quality standards and protect both artists and the platform, we have implemented a strike system. A strike is a disciplinary warning applied when a user commits a serious violation of our terms and conditions. Below, we explain the most common cases in which strikes are generated: Subscribe now and boost your music — it’s free. 1. Copyright Rejection When a user submits a song that clearly belongs to another artist, our systems detect it through databases and verification tools. In this case, the content is rejected, and a strike is applied to the responsible user. 2. Copyright Claim A release may be approved, but later another user could file a claim alleging ownership of the work. In these cases, our team reviews the information, and if the accused artist cannot provide valid proof of ownership, a strike will be applied. If you have legitimate evidence that the content belongs to you, you may appeal the claim. 3. Invalid Featuring A featuring can only include artists who actually participated in the song. For example, you cannot upload a release and add a famous artist as a collaborator if they did not participate in the recording. In this case, the content will be rejected, and a strike will be applied. 4. Multiple Reopenings of a Release If a release reaches three reopenings due to not meeting the requirements, it will be permanently rejected. This does not generate a strike, but it does result in the rejection of the release. That is why it is very important to carefully review the reopening reasons and make the necessary corrections on time. Subscribe now and boost your music — it’s free. 5. Artificial Streams Music stores may report suspicious activity such as using paid services to inflate streams or being added to fraudulent playlists. In these cases, a strike will be applied immediately, as this damages both the artist’s credibility and relationships with the stores. We recommend monitoring your analytics closely and avoiding any stream growth services, as they are artificial and do not reflect real growth. Important Information about Strikes - Strikes cannot be removed and will always remain on your account. - If you reach three strikes, your account will be permanently banned. - After the first strike, your account will be automatically frozen. To unfreeze it, you must contact our support team at: support@indiefy.com. The best way to protect your account is to avoid strikes altogether by following the guidelines and ensuring your music complies with our standards. Subscribe to PRO — Boost your music career.

Last updated on Mar 24, 2026

Indiefy Guidelines: How to Identify and Avoid Risky Content in Your Releases

Indiefy considers the following as risky content reserving the rights to distribute the material received in these cases: - Remixes of famous artists without authorization from the label or the original artist - Cachengue genre - Mashups - Dj sets - Covers that use original music - Karaoke tracks without licenses. - Content that has hate messages within its cover art or music - Artists who purchase a playlist placement and generate artificial streams - Artists who add a famous artist's name as a contributing artist - Artists who add the Spotify ID or the DSP identifier of the famous artist so that his music reaches that profile directly - Content that infringes copyright using someone else's material (using parts of a song or a complete song. ie, beats with no license or samples) - Artists that create multiple Basic accounts instead of buying the PRO account. It is always best to follow these guidelines to prevent rejection, takedowns, receiving strikes, and/or having your account deactivated. To read more about how to prevent this to happen click here. Subscribe to PRO — Boost your music career

Last updated on Mar 25, 2026

How to Avoid Rejections on Apple Music: Metadata, Cover Art, and Covers Guide

1. General Principles - All content must be legally authorized for worldwide distribution (or by territory). - The content must be completely original, meaning it must not have any matches in the beat with other songs. For example, using royalty-free beats or those with basic licenses; in these cases, an exclusive license is necessary. - Apple automatically rejects any delivery that contains copyright infringements, unlicensed samples, or serious incorrect metadata. - Other non-allowed content. Content belonging to any of the following musical categories will be hidden: - Subliminal content - Music videos and karaoke ringtones - Karaoke tracks with lead vocals or vocal versions - Ringtones delivered as tracks in music albums - DJ Mix albums delivered as a single audio file - Advertising tracks - Live albums, alternate takes, rare recordings, early recordings, radio broadcasts, interviews, and other albums commonly known as "bootlegs" Subscribe now and boost your music — it’s free. 2. General Metadata - Album and song titles must be exact (without adding “(Deluxe)”, “(Remastered)”, etc., unless it is part of the official title). - Do not use “(Clean)” or “(Explicit)” in the title; this is indicated with the explicit content label. - Prohibited to include URLs, hashtags, emojis, prices, release dates, or promotional phrases in titles or artist names. - Language: Use the original language of the work (including the original alphabet: Cyrillic, Japanese, Arabic, etc.). 3. Artist Names and Roles Always use first and last name, never add artist name in the credits, and there must always be credits for producer and for performer. 4. Cover Versions - Covers: A legal license must be obtained. The original composer appears as Composer, but the current performer is the Primary Artist. 5. Explicit Content and Censorship - Mark correctly: Explicit, Clean, or No Advisory. - If there is a Clean and Explicit version of the same album, they must be delivered separately. Subscribe now and boost your music — it’s free. 6. Cover Art Quality - Images must not be low quality, pixelated, misaligned, rotated, or have other quality issues. Additional information. - The cover art must not contain website addresses, logos, QR codes, or references to competitors of Apple Music and the iTunes Store. - The cover art must not contain references to the audio file format, such as Atmos, Dolby Atmos, spatial audio, lossless, high-resolution audio, high resolution, 24-bit, or 192 kHz. - The cover art must not promote another product nor include references to prices such as “Reduced Price”, “Low Price”, “Available for $9.99”, or “For Promotional Use”. - Pornography. The art must not contain pornography nor a URL to a website that contains or links to pornography. - Cultural Sensitivities. The art must not promote hatred based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national/ethnic origin, or other identities. - Use of non-original Parental Advisory image. Subscribe to PRO — Boost your music career.

Last updated on Mar 25, 2026

How to Properly Complete the Release Data Confirmation Form

1️. Artist name Enter your artist name exactly as shown in the release. 2️. Release name Select the name of the reopened release, without abbreviations or errors. Subscribe now and boost your music — it’s free. 3️. Video showing the creation process You must upload a video showing how the song was created. Video requirements: - 3.1 The video must show your DAW or audio editor, including tracks or stems. - 3.2 It must be short, clear, and precise, clearly showing the project. - 3.3 The video must include the original project audio (no external audio allowed). - 3.4 Avoid uploading videos not related to the reopened song. - 3.5 If you used loops or pads, mention the source of the samples and confirm usage rights. - 3.6 Do not upload music videos or talking videos; only the DAW should be visible. - 3.7 Audio, text files or image files are not accepted instead of the required video. 4️. Loops or samples If loops were used, attach an image showing the source, for example a screenshot from Splice. 5️. Contributors If your release includes contributors, add links to their social media profiles to confirm their participation. Subscribe now and boost your music — it’s free. Form review After submitting the form: - The Indiefy team will review the information You can check the result at: 👉https://indiefy.net/form-submissions You will see if it was: - ✅ Approved: YOU MAY RESEND YOUR RELEASE FOR REVIEW - ❌ Rejected: Check the reason by clicking “View” and correct the information Final recommendation Make sure to submit clear, complete, and accurate information to avoid further rejections and delays. Subscribe to PRO — Boost your music career.

Last updated on Mar 25, 2026

How to Complete the Music Licensing Form for Reopened Releases

If your release has been reopened due to a music license requirement, it means our review team has identified content that requires legal documentation. This usually occurs when using a licensed beat or when your track is a cover song. Submitting this information is essential to: - Ensure your release is approved for distribution. - Prevent copyright strikes on digital platforms. - Protect your account from future DMCA takedown issues. Steps to Complete the Licensing Form Once you access the form provided in your reopened release, please provide the following details: 1. Artist Name: Enter your official stage name exactly as it appears on the release. 2. Select the Track: Choose the specific song that has the copyright flag. 3. Song Title: - For Albums/EPs: Select the specific track title causing the reopening. - For Singles: The release title and song title will be the same. - Upload a Valid License: Attach your proof of use in the designated field. - For Beats: Ensure you have a valid license from platforms like BeatStars. - For Covers: You must provide a mechanical license from services like EasySong.com What Happens Next? After submitting your information, follow these steps to finalize your distribution: - Check the Status: Navigate to Account > Form Submissions to monitor the progress of your request. - Resubmit for Review: Once your form status shows as "Accepted," you must manually resubmit your release for review so our team can finalize the approval. Pro Tip: Make sure your license document is clear, legible, and includes the correct terms of use to avoid further delays.

Last updated on May 05, 2026

How to Update Metadata or Audio for Your Release

Did you spot a typo in your song title? Do you want to refresh your cover art or even upload a better-mastered version of your audio? As an Indiefy PRO Artist, you have the exclusive benefit of requesting changes to your releases without having to take them down. This means you keep your play counts and playlist placements intact while perfecting your content. ✨ What can you modify? Through our specialized tools, you can request updates for: - General Metadata: Song/album titles, cover art design, artist names, featured guests, and royalty splits. - Audio Files: Replace an existing audio file with a higher-quality version. ⚠️ Update Limits (PRO Accounts) To ensure smooth processing with digital stores, this service has the following monthly limits: - 5 General Metadata changes per month. - 2 Audio file replacements per month. Pro Tip: We recommend double-checking all your information before submitting the form to make the most of your monthly requests. 📋 How to request a change It’s simple! Just click the link below and fill out the required information: 👉 Metadata & Audio Change Form - PRO Artists ⚡ Not a PRO Artist yet? This feature is a powerful tool designed for those who want full control over their music career. Users on the Basic plan cannot edit releases once they have been distributed. If you are a Basic user, you can: 1. Takedown and Re-upload: This requires deleting the release and uploading it again, which means losing your current stream counts and data. 2. Go PRO today!: Get immediate access to these editing tools, keep your stats, and enjoy the flexibility of monthly audio and metadata updates. 🚀 Take full control of your music! Don't let a small mistake hold you back. Upgrade to PRO and keep your professional image flawless. UPGRADE TO PRO NOW!

Last updated on May 05, 2026

How to Complete the Artist Data Confirmation Form

If your release has been reopened with an Artist Data Confirmation request, it means our team needs to validate the legitimacy of your musical project. This process is a vital security measure to prevent the proliferation of "Fake Artists." Our goal is to verify that behind every release, there is a real artist with an active project, thus avoiding generic or artificially created profiles that compromise the quality and transparency of music distribution. This is commonly required for first-time releases if sufficient references were not initially provided. Steps to Complete the Identity Form Once your release is reopened, go to your distribution dashboard, access the form, and provide the following: 1. Artist Name: Enter your official stage name. 2. Select the Release: Choose the reopened project from the list. 3. Full Legal Name: Ensure you enter your complete name as it appears on official documents. 4. Social Media Links: Provide links to your official profiles. - Note: Your profiles must be set to Public so our team can verify your artistic activity. 5. Identity Verification: Upload a clear copy of a government-issued ID (Passport, Driver’s License, National ID). Next Steps - Monitoring: You can check the status of your verification under Account > Form Submissions. - Final Resubmission: Once your form is marked as "Accepted," you must manually resubmit your release for review to move forward with the distribution.

Last updated on May 05, 2026