To ensure your music hits stores without a hitch, follow this chronological timeline. Most distribution delays are caused by errors during the creation stage, so double-check your work at every milestone.
Pre-Submission (The Foundation)
Before you even open the LMS, ensure your legal and creative assets are ready for professional distribution:
- Rights & Legal: Confirm all publishing is registered and mechanical licenses for covers are secured. Only submit original or properly cleared material.
- Agreements: Ensure all royalty splits are documented and internal agreements between contributors are signed.
- Audio Prep: Listen to your final masters. Check for loudness, audio quality (16-bit/44.1kHz WAV minimum), and ensure you are uploading the correct file versions.
- Artwork: Verify your cover art is at least 2000x2000px, contains no unauthorised branding or barcodes, and that no text is cut off or misspelled.
Creation & Metadata (In the LMS)
Accuracy at this stage prevents "Various Artists" mapping errors and store rejections:
- Metadata Audit: Review contributors, primary artist selection, and genre tags. Ensure artist names match your existing profiles exactly.
- Version Titles: Ensure "Remix," "Radio Edit," or "Instrumental" tags are applied correctly at both the track and product level.
- Social Platforms: Enable delivery to TikTok, Meta, and Shorts by opting into Content ID. Note that while TikTok allows manual timestamp selection, Meta's audio selection is algorithmic.
- Exclusivity Settings: Confirm your Worldwide Release Date. If using an exclusive window (e.g., Beatport), double-check the chosen platforms and the duration.
Submission & Approval
Don't "set it and forget it." Monitor your status closely in the weeks leading up to launch:
- Monitor Email: We will contact you if sample clearance or metadata clarifications are required. Distribution is not automatic until approved by our team.
- Promotion Info: Submit your details via the Promo & Updates form at least 3 weeks before release to be eligible for editorial pitching.
- Lyrics: Submit your lyrics to Musixmatch or LyricFind during this window to ensure synced display on launch day.
Delivery & "Upcoming" Checks
Once the LMS marks your release as "Delivered," perform these checks 2–3 days later:
- Spotify for Artists: Log in and check the Upcoming section. Confirm the date, artwork, and profile mapping are correct.
- Spotify Pitch: You must pitch your track at least 8 days before release to be eligible for Release Radar.
- Mapping Issues: If the release is missing or attached to a "Various Artists" profile, email support@cygnusmusic.net immediately.
- SmartLinks: These are generated 9 days before release. Confirm the link is active and points to the correct stores.
Release Day & Post-Launch
The music is live. Now, maximise the impact and verify the delivery:
- Link Status: Confirm your SmartLink has transitioned from "Pre-save" to "Out Now."
- Profile Audit: Check that the release landed on the correct profiles across all DSPs (including Deezer and YouTube Music).
- Official Sounds: When posting to socials, use the official platform-linked sounds rather than "original audio" to ensure all streams aggregate toward your charts and royalties.
Pro Tip: Consistency is key. Checking your setup early ensures that social media dates, exclusivity, and release timing are accurately reflected across all global stores.