Content Style Guide: Metadata, Formatting, and Release Requirements

Overview

Digital music distribution is a collaborative process between content providers and digital service providers (DSPs). InterSpace works with Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, TikTok, YouTube, and over 100 other platforms to get your music into stores worldwide. Each partner has content policies, and we are committed to delivering releases that are free of technical issues, formatting errors, and rights problems.

This style guide is your reference for formatting releases correctly. Following these standards means fewer rejections, faster delivery, and a professional presence on every platform.

Artist and Contributor Names

Be Consistent

One artist should have exactly one artist page per platform. Submitting releases with different spellings, punctuation, or formatting creates duplicate artist pages that fragment your audience. Use the exact same spelling and formatting across every release. If your branding uses creative casing (e.g. "CrEaTiVe CaSiNG"), provide your social media links and we will advise on the correct format.

Artist Name Rules

• No aliases. Do not include AKA names in the artist field. Choose one artist name per submission.
• No translations in the same field. Use the "Add Artist in Another Language" option for translated names. Correct: Main field with native characters, English field with translation. Incorrect: both languages in one field.
• No dates. Do not include birth or death years in artist names.
• No instruments. Do not list instruments in the artist name field.
• No generic or descriptive names. Do not use names like "Singer," "Actor," "Christmas Hits," "Karaoke," or "Various Composers."
• Only list artists who performed on YOUR recording. Do not enter names of bands you used to be in, bands you would like to be in, or artists who do not appear on your recording.

Featured Artists

If you are featuring an artist, add them using the "+Add Another" button under the Artist field and enter the featured artist name there. Do NOT put the featured artist name in the track title or title version field.

Various Artists and Multi-Artist Collaborations

• Do not name an artist "Various Artists." If you are releasing a compilation, mark it as a compilation on the main info page and list the actual artists on each track.
• Groups with combined names (e.g. "Simon & Garfunkel," "Rodrigo y Gabriela") should be listed as a single artist.
• If two distinct artists collaborate on a track, list them separately. Do not combine them into one line.

Soundtracks and Classical Music

• List the composer as a primary artist if they appear on the cover artwork. This is different from other genres where you would not list a producer as an artist.
• For classical works, always include the composer using the standard composer name (e.g. "Tchaikovsky," "Mozart," "Debussy").
• Performers must be listed with a primary or relevant classical role (Conductor, Soloist). Featured roles are generally not used in classical music.

Album Titles

What to Include

• The album title must match the cover art EXACTLY. No partial phrases or variations.
• Use "Live" only if the majority of tracks were recorded live in front of an audience. Do not use "Live" for studio recordings.

What NOT to Include

• No "O.S.T." abbreviation for soundtrack albums. Use the full "Original Soundtrack" or mark the primary genre as Soundtrack.
• No deceptive or misleading information. Do not reference genres, popular song lyrics, or original artist names in album titles. The sole exception is the Karaoke Exception (see below).
• No "LP," "EP," or "Single" in the album title. Stores apply these tags automatically.
• No artist names in the album title unless the title itself includes the artist name.
• No promotional language. Avoid terms like "Exclusive," "Limited Edition," "Deluxe Version," or "Bonus Track" in the title. Use the Title Version field instead.

Track Titles

Formatting Rules

• Track titles must match the audio content. Do not label a track "Track 1" if the actual title is different.
• If you have multiple versions (Radio Edit, Extended Version, Acoustic), enter the version in the separate "Title Version" field. It will automatically be enclosed in parentheses.
• Medleys: List each song in the medley separated by a slash. Example: "Boom Clap / All of Me / Happy."
• No "Original Mix" on the original version unless there is a specific need to differentiate from other mixes.
• No misleading cover references. Phrases like "Originally performed by..." or referencing the original artist belong in the publishing/licensing section, not the track title.
• No featured artists in the track title. Use the Artist field instead.

Genre-Specific Guidelines

Karaoke

• Instrumental cover albums must be labeled with the primary genre "Karaoke" to remain compliant.
• If using the original artist name in a karaoke or tribute track title, follow the Karaoke Exception: state "Originally Performed By (Artist Name)."
• Some stores may hide karaoke/tribute content from general searches unless users specifically search for "karaoke" or "tribute."

Soundtrack

• Mark the primary genre as "Soundtrack" for film, TV, or game music.
• Add parentheses describing the source. Example: "(Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)."

Classical

• Use "Classical" only for actual classical works (Beethoven, Mozart, etc.). Do not categorize modern rock or pop with orchestral elements as classical.
• Use formal naming conventions including key, catalog number, and movement. Example: "Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brio."
• Use title case for English titles. For languages like French or Italian, use sentence case.

Artwork Requirements

• Format: JPG or PNG
• Dimensions: Minimum 3000 x 3000 pixels (square)
• Color mode: RGB
• Resolution: 300 DPI recommended
• No text on artwork that is not the artist name or album title
• No URLs, social media handles, or contact information on the artwork
• No pricing, barcodes, or promotional stickers
• No pornographic, violent, or hateful imagery
• Artwork must not be blurry, pixelated, or stretched
• The artwork must match the album title exactly

Audio Requirements

• Format: WAV (16-bit or 24-bit, 44.1 kHz minimum)
• Stereo only (no mono files)
• No watermarks, DJ drops, or voice tags in the audio
• No silence gaps at the start or end of tracks
• No clipping or distortion
• Each track must be a complete, finished recording

Publishing and Rights

• Original songs: List all composers by their real names and assign the correct role (Songwriter, Lyricist, Composer). Assign a split percentage if multiple composers are involved.
• Cover songs: List the original artist and original composition in the Compositions field, not in the track or album title. You must have the appropriate mechanical license.
• Medleys: Acquire licenses for every covered composition included.
• Public domain: Only mark as public domain if you are certain the work is out of copyright. If unsure, contact support. Use "Traditional" if the original composer is unknown.
• Samples: All samples must be cleared before distribution. InterSpace may request proof of clearance.

Common Rejection Reasons

1. Artist name does not match existing artist profile
2. Featured artist listed in track title instead of artist field
3. Album title does not match cover artwork
4. Artwork is below 3000x3000 pixels or not square
5. Artwork contains URLs, social handles, or contact info
6. Audio contains watermarks, DJ drops, or voice tags
7. Audio is mono or below 44.1 kHz
8. "EP," "LP," or "Single" included in album title
9. Generic artist name used ("Various Artists," "Karaoke")
10. Missing publishing information for cover songs or samples

Need Help?

If you are unsure about any formatting requirement, contact our support team before submitting your release. A quick check can save days of delay. Submit a ticket at Submit a Ticket or email support@interspacemusic.com.