Avoid Delays: How to Submit Your Album to Streaming Platforms Faster

Releasing music has never been easier, thanks to the rise of digital streaming platforms. However, even in this streamlined era, delays in the submission process can be frustrating and detrimental to your music career. Whether you’re an independent artist or part of a band, ensuring a smooth release is essential to maintaining your momentum and satisfying your fans. To stay ahead in this competitive industry, learning how to submit your album on all streaming platforms quickly is a critical skill. This guide will walk you through proven strategies and tips to help you avoid delays and make your music live faster than ever.

Why Speed Matters in Album Submission

In today’s fast-paced music industry, timing can make or break an album’s success. Releasing your music quickly ensures that you:

Stay relevant with current trends.
Avoid losing traction from pre-release marketing campaigns.
Take advantage of high-demand moments, like seasonal releases or viral trends.

Fans expect immediacy, and delays can lead to missed opportunities for engagement, playlist placements, and overall visibility.

The Most Common Causes of Submission Delays

Understanding the root causes of delays can help you avoid them entirely. Here are the most common reasons:

Incomplete Metadata
Metadata includes all the critical details of your album, like track names, artist names, release dates, and genre tags. Even a small typo can cause distributors to reject your submission.
Album Artwork Issues
Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have strict guidelines for album artwork. Artwork that doesn’t meet the required specifications (e.g., size, resolution, or file format) can delay the approval process.
Audio File Errors
Uploading files in the wrong format or with technical issues can cause problems during the submission process. Most platforms require WAV or FLAC files with specific bit rates.
Missed Deadlines
Distributors often require submissions weeks before your intended release date. Submitting late can push your release to a later time, especially if you want playlist consideration.
Choosing the Wrong Distributor
Not all music distributors prioritize speed. Choosing the wrong one can lead to unnecessary delays in getting your music live.

How to Prepare for a Smooth Submission Process

Preparation is the key to avoiding delays and ensuring a quick release. Follow these steps to streamline your album submission:

1. Organize Your Metadata
Create a document or spreadsheet with all the essential metadata for your album. Include:

Album and track titles.
Featured artists.
Song durations.
ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) for each track.
Genre and sub-genre tags.

Having this information ready will speed up the submission process and prevent errors.

2. Perfect Your Album Artwork
Before submitting, ensure your album artwork meets the following guidelines:

Size: 3000 x 3000 pixels.
File format: JPEG or PNG.
Resolution: 72 DPI or higher.
No text violations: Avoid including logos, URLs, or copyright text unless required.

High-quality artwork not only ensures approval but also grabs attention on streaming platforms.

3. Use High-Quality Audio Files
Prepare your audio files in WAV or FLAC format with a bit rate of 16-bit or 24-bit and a sample rate of 44.1 kHz. Double-check each file to ensure there are no glitches or distortions.

4. Schedule Your Release in Advance
Most distributors recommend submitting your album at least 2-4 weeks before your planned release date. This gives them time to process your music and ensures you don’t miss out on playlist placement opportunities.

5. Choose the Right Distributor
Research distributors to find the one that best fits your needs. Some of the fastest and most reliable options include:

Delivermytune: Known for quick submissions and user-friendly features.
TuneCore: Offers fast delivery but with a focus on high-quality metadata.
Amuse: A free option with slightly longer processing times but solid reliability.

Top Tips for Speeding Up the Submission Process

1. Double-Check Your Work Before Submitting
Mistakes in metadata, artwork, or audio files can lead to rejection or delays. Before submitting your album, review all your materials carefully to ensure they meet the required standards.

2. Use Metadata Templates
Create a template for your metadata that you can reuse for future releases. This will save time and help you stay consistent across your projects.

3. Invest in a Premium Distribution Service
Some distributors, like Delivermytune, offer premium plans with faster turnaround times. If speed is a priority, consider upgrading your plan to ensure your album goes live as quickly as possible.

4. Plan for Platform Approval Times
Each streaming platform has its own approval process. For example:

Spotify: 24-72 hours.
Apple Music: 24-48 hours.
Amazon Music: 24-48 hours.
Plan your submission timeline accordingly to avoid unnecessary stress.

5. Communicate with Your Distributor
If you’re facing a tight deadline, contact your distributor and let them know. Many distributors can expedite the process if you inform them in advance.

What to Do After Submitting Your Album

Once you’ve successfully submitted your album, there are still steps you can take to ensure a smooth release:

1. Monitor Your Album’s Status
Most distributors provide a dashboard where you can track your album’s progress. Keep an eye on this to ensure your album is moving through the approval stages.

2. Promote Your Release
Start promoting your album as soon as it’s live. Use social media, email newsletters, and teaser content to build anticipation among your audience.

3. Update Your Profiles
Make sure your artist profiles on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms are up to date. This helps fans find your music more easily.

4. Submit for Playlists
Many platforms allow artists to submit their music for playlist consideration. This can significantly boost your streams and visibility.

Why Speedy Submissions Give You an Edge

Releasing your album quickly has more advantages than just saving time. It allows you to:

Capture attention during peak engagement periods.
Take advantage of industry trends or viral moments.
Build credibility by consistently delivering on-time releases.

The faster you can get your music live, the more opportunities you’ll have to connect with listeners and grow your fanbase.

Conclusion

Delays in the submission process can be frustrating, but they’re entirely avoidable with the right approach. By organizing your materials, choosing a reliable distributor, and adhering to platform guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and speedy release. Learning how to submit your album on all streaming platforms quickly is a skill that will serve you well throughout your music career. Take control of your release process, avoid unnecessary setbacks, and let your music shine without delay!