What happens during inspection or content review?

Every release submitted to Soundrop goes through Content Review, also called Inspection, before it can be delivered to music platforms.

During Content Review, our team checks your release to make sure it meets Soundrop and music platform requirements.

If everything meets the requirements, we'll approve your release and move it to the next stage. If something needs to be corrected or clarified, we'll let you know what action you need to take.

What does Soundrop check during Content Review?

We review several parts of your release, including:

Artwork

We check that your artwork meets Soundrop and music platform requirements and is consistent with the information on your release.

See Soundrop Cover Art Requirements for detailed requirements.

Artist names and credits

We check that your artist names, contributors, and roles are entered and formatted correctly.

Release and track titles

We check that your release and track titles are formatted correctly and that information such as version details is entered in the appropriate fields.

Audio

We check your audio for issues that could prevent your release from being distributed or require additional information about the content or your rights to use it.

See Audio Requirements for Soundrop Releases for detailed requirements.

Songwriter, publishing, and rights information

We review the songwriter, publishing, and rights information provided with your release.

You must own or control the rights required to distribute your content through Soundrop.

See Songwriter, Publishing, and Rights Requirements for more information.

What happens if my release passes Content Review?

If your release meets the requirements, we'll approve it.

What happens next depends on your release:

• Original music that doesn't require additional licensing: Soundrop can begin processing your release for delivery.
• Cover songs that Soundrop is licensing: Your release moves to the licensing stage before delivery.

You don't need to take any action while Soundrop is processing an approved release.

See What does my release status mean? for more information about each stage.

What happens if my release doesn't pass Content Review?

If we find an issue, your release won't be delivered until the issue is resolved.

Your release may show an Inspection Failed status, and we'll send you information explaining what needs to be corrected or clarified.

Depending on the issue, you may need to update your release or provide additional information.

Once you've made the requested changes:

1. Review your release to make sure you've addressed the issue.
2. Resubmit your release.
3. Your release will return to the approval queue.
4. Our team will review it again.

See How to Make Changes and Resubmit Your Release for instructions.

How can I avoid delays during Content Review?

Review your release carefully before submitting it and make sure all required information is complete and accurate.

Use the detailed requirements linked above to check your artwork, metadata, audio, credits, and rights information before submitting your release.

Avoid making unnecessary changes after submitting your release. Changes made while a release is waiting for Content Review may return it to the back of the inspection queue.

How long does Content Review take?

See Current Soundrop Processing Times for the current estimated Content Review timeframe.

We recommend submitting your release well ahead of your planned release date so there's enough time for Content Review, any required corrections, licensing, and delivery.

Why does Soundrop review every release?

Music platforms have requirements for the content they accept from distributors.

Content Review helps make sure releases are correctly formatted and ready for delivery. It also helps identify potential copyright, ownership, metadata, and content-quality issues before a release reaches music platforms.

Passing Content Review doesn't guarantee that every music platform will accept or continue to host a release. Individual platforms may have additional requirements or make their own decisions about the content available on their services.