Releasing your first track

Before you start

You need three things ready:

• Your audio file — WAV or FLAC, 16-bit or 24-bit, 44.1 kHz or higher. Stereo. No clipping. Master to streaming targets (around -14 LUFS integrated for Spotify; you don't need to hit it exactly).
• Cover artwork — 3000 x 3000 pixels minimum, square, JPG or PNG, RGB color, under 10MB. No URLs, no logos that look like other artists' logos, no contact info on the art.
• Artist name decision — the name that goes on every DSP profile. Once your first release is live, this name is locked across all your future releases. Choose carefully.

Don't have a Spotify artist profile yet? You will after this release. NotNoise auto-claims one for you.

Step 1. Create the release

From your dashboard, go to Distribution and click New release.

Pick the format. A single has one track. An EP has 2 to 6 tracks. An album has 7+ tracks. The format affects how your release is categorized on DSPs.

Step 2. Upload audio

Drag your audio file into the upload area. NotNoise inspects it: format, sample rate, bit depth, peaks, and approximate loudness. If anything fails validation, you'll see the specific issue and how to fix it before submitting.

If your audio is over 100 MB, the upload runs in the background. You can fill in metadata while it processes.

Step 3. Fill in metadata

The required fields:

• Release title — the name listeners will see.
• Primary artist — you. The artist name you've chosen.
• Featured artist — only if someone else is featured on the track. Don't list yourself.
• Primary genre — pick the closest match. This drives algorithmic placement on DSPs.
• Language — the primary language of the lyrics, or Instrumental if there are no vocals.
• Release date — the day your music goes live. Pick at least 4 weeks out.

If you're confused on any field, see Release metadata, explained for the deep dive.

Step 4. Upload artwork

Drop your 3000 x 3000 cover into the artwork slot. NotNoise checks the dimensions and quality. If your file is undersized or low-resolution, you'll see the error before you can submit.

Step 5. Pick your release date

Most artists pick a Friday because that's the global new-release day on Spotify and Apple Music. Submit at least 4 weeks ahead. That gives every DSP time to index, and it keeps you eligible for editorial pitching opportunities that close 2 to 4 weeks before release.

Step 6. Submit

Review the summary. Click Submit. NotNoise validates everything one more time and queues your release for delivery.

You can't edit metadata after submission. If you spot a typo, contact support@notnoise.co immediately and we'll pull it back.

What happens next

1. NotNoise validates your release within 24 hours. If we find issues, you get an email.
2. Once approved, your release is sent to every DSP. Status moves to In delivery.
3. Each DSP indexes at its own pace. Major ones in 24 to 48 hours. Smaller ones in days.
4. Your release goes live on the date you picked. Smart Links auto-detect it across platforms.
5. Music Stats starts pulling streams and listener data within a few days of going live.

First-release mistakes to avoid

• Picking a release date too soon. Less than 3 weeks out means DSPs may not have time to index, and you've missed Spotify editorial pitching. Plan for 4+ weeks.
• Typos in artist name or title. These are very hard to fix after release. Triple-check capitalization, spacing, and accents.
• Wrong primary artist. If you're a featured artist on someone else's track, the other person is the primary artist.
• Low-resolution artwork. 3000 x 3000 minimum. Don't upsample a smaller file. DSPs will reject it.
• Mistagged genre. Pick the closest match. Spotify's algorithm uses genre to recommend your music to listeners.

Need to dig deeper? See Release metadata, explained for every field.