Release Day Checklist: Mastering, Metadata, Artwork
Published · updated · by Loopin
Most release-day scrambles come down to the same three categories: mastering, metadata, and artwork. A short checklist for each, done well before the actual deadline, prevents most last-minute problems.
Mastering: confirm it's actually done, not just started
Check integrated loudness sits close to −14 LUFS and true peak is at or below −1 dBTP. Listen on at least two different devices — headphones and a phone speaker at minimum — to confirm it translates reasonably well across both.
If you're not confident the master is finished, don't submit it hoping to fix it later — most distributors require another review cycle for any post-submission changes, which can push your release date.
Metadata: consistency across every touchpoint
Confirm artist name, track title, and any featured artist credits are spelled identically across the distributor submission, your social media, and any promotional material you've already prepared. Inconsistency here makes it harder for platforms to correctly group your catalogue.
Double-check your ISRC code is present and correctly assigned — most distributors handle this automatically, but it's worth confirming rather than assuming, especially on a multi-track release.
Artwork: technical specs, not just the design
Beyond the creative design itself, confirm your cover art meets the specific technical requirements of your distributor — typically a square image, often 3000x3000 pixels minimum, in RGB color mode. Artwork rejected for a technical spec issue is one of the more common, avoidable release delays.
Check for any text or logo restrictions your distributor may have as well — some platforms have content policies about artwork beyond just file format and dimensions.
Build in a real buffer before your target date
Most distributors need 5–7 business days minimum to process a submission, and playlist consideration for services like Spotify for Artists often requires submitting at least 7 days ahead. Submit with real margin, not on the exact minimum timeline, since any issue found in review costs you days you may not have.
A release date pushed by a review issue is a common, avoidable problem when the original submission timeline had no buffer built in at all.
Do a final, complete run-through 48 hours before
Two days before your intended release, do one more full check across all three categories together — not because anything is likely to have changed, but because a final pass catches the rare mistake that slipped through earlier individual checks.
This is a small time investment that meaningfully reduces the risk of a release-day surprise you didn't have time to fix.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three most common release-day problems?
Mastering that isn't actually finished, inconsistent metadata across platforms, and artwork that doesn't meet technical specs. A specific checklist for each, done well before the deadline, prevents most last-minute scrambles.
What are common cover art technical requirements?
Typically a square image, often 3000x3000 pixels minimum, in RGB color mode. Requirements vary by distributor, so check your specific platform's current spec -- artwork rejection for technical issues is a common, avoidable delay.
How much buffer time should I build in before a release date?
More than the stated minimum. Most distributors need 5-7 business days to process a submission, and playlist consideration often requires 7 days' notice -- submit with real margin so a review issue doesn't push your release date.