Music Distribution Glossary

A service that delivers music from independent artists or labels to digital streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music in exchange for a fee or royalty share.

A long-form release usually containing 7 or more tracks, or with a total runtime of more than 30 minutes.

A playlist automatically generated by a streaming platform based on each user's listening habits, such as Spotify's Discover Weekly or Release Radar.

The complete collection of music releases owned or controlled by an artist, label or distributor.

The underlying musical work — melody and lyrics — owned by songwriters and publishers, separate from any specific recording.

YouTube's automated system that identifies copyrighted music inside user-uploaded videos so rights holders can monetize, track or block their use.

The legal protection that grants creators exclusive rights to use, distribute, license and earn from their original musical works.

The official square artwork (typically 3000×3000 px JPG or PNG) that represents a release on streaming platforms and digital stores.

A new recording of a song originally released by another artist; usually requires a mechanical license to be distributed legally.

The process of delivering recordings and metadata to digital service providers so the music becomes available to fans worldwide.

Short for Digital Service Provider — any digital platform that streams or sells music to end users, such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music or Deezer.

A playlist curated by a streaming platform's in-house editors. Featuring on one is one of the most powerful ways to gain new listeners.

Extended Play — a short-form release usually containing 4 to 6 tracks, longer than a single but shorter than a full album.

A guest artist credited on a track who performs a notable part such as vocals, an instrument or a verse, marked as 'feat.' in titles.

International Standard Recording Code — a unique 12-character identifier assigned to each recording for tracking streams and reporting royalties worldwide.

The number of days a release should be submitted in advance so DSPs have enough time to review, ingest and pitch it before the release date.

High-resolution audio encoded without quality loss, available on platforms like Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon Music HD.

The final, polished version of a sound recording from which all distributed copies are produced.

The final stage of audio production, which prepares a mix for streaming by ensuring consistent loudness, balance and quality across platforms and devices.

Royalties paid to songwriters and publishers each time their composition is reproduced, including digital downloads, streams and physical copies.

All the information attached to a release — such as titles, artists, contributors, genre, language, release date and copyright info — used by stores and analytics.

The process of combining individual recorded tracks into a balanced stereo or surround mix before mastering.

The number of unique users on Spotify who streamed an artist at least once in the last 28 days.

The royalties an artist actually receives after platform fees, distribution costs, taxes and other applicable deductions are subtracted.

The transfer of accumulated royalties from a distributor to an artist's bank account or chosen payment provider, usually subject to a minimum threshold.

Royalties generated when a composition is publicly performed, broadcast or streamed; collected and distributed by Performing Rights Organizations (PROs).

Allowing fans to purchase a release before its official release date, often unlocking instant downloads of selected tracks.

A marketing campaign that lets fans automatically save an upcoming release to their library on the day it goes live.

Performing Rights Organization — entities such as ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, PRS or SACM that collect performance royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers.

The rights tied to the underlying composition (lyrics and melody), separate from the rights of the master recording.

The official date when your music becomes available to listeners on streaming platforms and digital stores.

A new arrangement of an existing song, usually by a different producer; requires permission from the original rights holder before distribution.

The payments artists, songwriters and rights holders receive whenever their music is streamed, downloaded, performed or licensed.

The agreed-upon percentage of royalties that each contributor (artists, producers, songwriters, featured artists) will receive from a release.

A short release containing one to three songs, usually under 30 minutes total, often used to build hype for an upcoming EP or album.

A single shareable URL that automatically routes fans to your music on their preferred streaming service or store.

The recorded performance of a composition, protected by its own copyright separately from the underlying song.

An immersive audio format such as Dolby Atmos that places sounds around the listener; supported by Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon Music.

A document signed by all collaborators that defines each contributor's percentage of ownership in a song to avoid future royalty disputes.

A single play of a song on a streaming platform that, depending on the service, generates royalties after a minimum listening time (often 30 seconds).

A license required to synchronize a song with visual media such as films, TV shows, ads, video games or social content.

The official removal of a release from streaming platforms and digital stores, usually requested by the rights holder or distributor.

Universal Product Code — a 12-digit barcode that uniquely identifies a release (album, EP or single) for retail and reporting purposes.