3 Reasons Why Streaming Platforms Will Reject Artist Music While Distributing

I got this question via DM and it goes, "What are the reasons why a song gets delayed/rejected by streaming platforms.

Upcoming artists looking to have their music on streaming platforms are often unaware that there are general policies guiding submission on these platforms. A relatively 'basic' mistake can get your carefully-crafted music kicked to the curb. We've experienced cases where a release is pushed back, such cases could sometimes be prompted by delay from some streaming platform - unbeknownst to the public, of course!

I have in many cases witnessed this with top-tier artists. One of popular artists who released an EP suffered this earlier in the year [2019]. This almost thwarted promotional plans already made as the project didn't drop when it was supposed to due to some irregularities on the submitted artwork. When this issue was noticed and rectified, an extra sum was paid to the distributor to fast-track the project's approval, as it was already due for release. To avoid such panic attacks and unintended cost, you may want to pay attention to the information below.

So, for those who don't know, artists need to comply with a range of requirements from different streaming platforms. These are some mistakes that could tarry your track's approval on streaming platforms.

1) Timing Matters A Whole Lot:

It's important that artists send in their submission weeks prior, to ensure the content does go live at the designated release date. You need to allow ample time for everything to be in sync. Then, for the release to be considered for feature placement, you need to allow even more time. All these lead time should be/is used to build awareness for the song.

2) The Issue Of Information Mismatch:

This is said to be a common pitfall. Sometimes the information on the artwork doesn't tally with the metadata provided. Metadata literally means a set of data that describes and gives information about your song. These information are embedded into the music before release or distribution. Imagine sending or pitching your music to people and they’re met with an un/mis-labelled track. It could be prompted by something as trivial as some misspelling or data entry error. Basically, every information on the artwork must correspond with the input data verbatim. 

Track title, artist name especially in the case of featured artists where an artist might be on the artwork and not the metadata & vice versa. So, streaming platforms in their bid to provide the best service for their end users[& prolly artists] are concerned about misrepresentation and want to ensure that contributors are duly credited. Your metadata, artwork and data MUST be in sync.

3) Some Details Are Not Important:

A lot of artists are clueless about the restrictions that streaming platforms have on the type of information to include in the artwork they're submitting. Information like "Release date, Contact info or to an extent, social media icon/URL" are forbidden. 

Something like "Available on *insert logos of streaming platforms*" are also not advisable. For instance, having "... available on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer" shouldn't be on the artwork you're submitting to the streaming platform.

Such artwork should be used outside streaming platforms. Adhering to these basics will save you the hassle of going back & forth with Streaming platforms, your aggregator and enable timely release of your music.