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FAQ

Glossary
Getting Started
Uploading Your Release
Digital Distribution
Payments & Analytics

Getting Started

Releasing Music

Promotion + Profile

Earnings + Insights

Moderation Guidelines

Royalty Splits

Publishing

What stores can I distribute to?

With SoundOn, you are able to distribute your music not only to our in-house partners such as TikTok, TikTok Music and CapCut, but also to global streaming platforms. You are able to distribute your music to 90+ platforms around the world with only one click. Here are some of the platforms we distribute to:
In-house partners: TikTok, TikTok Music, CapCut and Douyin.
Social platforms: Instagram / Facebook.
Global streaming platforms: Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Youtube Music, SoundCloud, Deezer, Tidal, Pandora, Shazam, Tencent, NetEase, iHeartRadio, Napster, Joox, Boomplay Music, KKBox, 7Digital, TIM, Wynk, Qobuz, TouchTunes, Gracenote, YouSee Musik, Anghami, ClaroMusica, JioSaavn, Kuack, AWA, Adaptr, Genie Music, Line Music, Naver Music/Vibe, Peloton, Trebel, Ami Entertainment, Anghami, Audible Magic, Audiomack, Beatport, Beatsource, Bleep, Bmat, Boomplay, Bugs!, DISCO, Dreamus Company (FLO), fizy, Gracenote, Hardstyle, Hungama, iMusica / Claro SA, Jaxsta Music, Juno Records, Kakao / MelOn, Mdundo, MePlaylist, Mood Media, mora HD&SD, Music Worx, Muska, Nuuday A/S, Oricon ME, Phononet, Pretzel Rocks, ROXi Video,Stellar Entertainment, Traxsource, U-NEXT, Volumo, Xite
Zing MP3, エムティーアイ, オトトイ (OTOTOY), オンキヨー (Onkyo), ドワンゴ (Dwango), フェイス (Faith), モンスターラボ (Monstar Lab) , ヤマハ (YAMAHA), レコチョク (Recochoku) , 楽天 (Rakuten).

What does 100% Royalty stand for?

Artists:
You are able to obtain 100% royalties for an unlimited time for In-Bytedance platforms (TikTok and Resso); and you are able to receive 100% royalties for off-Bytedance platforms during the first year, and 90% in the years after.
No hidden transaction fee nor subscription fee will be charged.
Labels:
  • US / UK: For catalogues with up to 500 tracks, labels receive 100% of the royalty payments for the first year and 90% thereafter. For catalogues with more than 500 tracks, please reach out to us for further information.
  • Brazil and Indonesia: please reach out to us directly for further discussions.

Distribution fees

Distributing with SoundOn is currently free-of-charge, with all transaction fees waived by our platform.

Rights

By distributing with SoundOn, you retain all rights, meaning you'll own your masters and receive royalties from all DSPs.

Where am I distributing to?

By signing with Soundon, your music will be available to TikTok, CapCut and other Bytedance products worldwide. You can also distribute your music up to 77 major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music globally.

Creating a release

We have designed the music upload process to be as intuitive as possible. We recommend uploading your tracks as early as possible - at least one week in advance for TikTok, TikTok Music and other ByteDance services and at least four weeks in advance for other global streaming platforms. This allows time for you to address any content review issues. It will also allow releases to populate on platforms with enough time for pitching and playlist consideration.

Where can I find my Spotify Artist ID?

Where to find my Spotify Artist ID?
There are two ways to find your Spotify artist ID:
Using the Spotify desktop app:
  1. Search for your artist profile and click on the icon icon that appears below your artist name
  2. Choose Share -> Copy link to artist
  3. Paste this link in a web browser. Your Spotify Artist ID should be located between "artist/" and "?".
For example: the Spotify artist ID for the link below is 0C0XlULifJtAgn6ZNCW2eu.
spotify_example
Using the Spotify web app:
  1. Search for your artist profile
  2. Check the url for your profile, which should begin with “https://open.spotify.com/artist/”. The string of text that appears after "artist/" is your Spotify artist ID.
spotify_example2

Where to find my Apple Music Artist ID?

Where to find my Apple Music Artist ID?
  1. Open the Apple Music desktop app or visit the Apple Music website
  2. Search for your artist profile and click on the apple_icon icon that appears right to your artist name
  3. Choose Share -> Copy link
  4. Paste the link in a web browser. The last portion of the link (after your artist name) should be a string of numbers. This string of numbers is your Apple Music Artist ID.
  5. For example: the Apple Music Artist ID for the artist below is 1065981054.
apple_example

Track requirements

Track Audio Requirements
All uploaded tracks must meet the following requirements:
  • WAV + sample rate>=44.1kHz; sample size >=16bit + file size <200MB
We cannot accept:
  • Karaoke tracks, dialogue-only tracks, ringtones, tracks with advertising, or tracks with misleading, trademarked, hateful, or otherwise illegal content.
  • Tracks that are under 60 seconds or have more than 5 seconds of silence at the beginning or end.
  • Recordings with low production quality or defective tracks.
  • Snippets or partial audio clips. We require a full song to be uploaded.
  • A cover song, unless you have obtained the correct license.
  • A remix or song that otherwise uses a sample, unless you have obtained the correct license.

Cover art requirements

All uploaded images must meet the following requirements:
  • Cover art must be square .jpg or .png file and be at least 1400x1400 px, max 6000x6000 px, not blurry or pixelated. (3000x3000 px is recommended)
  • The artist name and release title on the artwork must match the release information (including version titles) exactly; there can be no extraneous information.
We cannot accept
  • Low quality images that are blurry, pixelated, or misaligned.
  • Generic art templates.
  • Trademarked images or images you do not otherwise own the rights to.
  • Artwork that includes text that is being cut off.
  • URLs, logos, or other social media handles.
  • An off center image with white space surrounding it.
  • Artwork that has references to physical packaging (for example the CD or vinyl), digital products, or any retailers.
  • Artwork that is too explicit, pornographic, misleading, hateful, or illegal.

Creating a TikTok sound

Official sounds are 15-60 second audio clips that power a majority of TikTok videos and enable TikTok users to discover your music. To maximize engagement for your TikTok sounds, we recommend selecting a 60 second audio clip that is melodically or lyrically expressive.

What is ISRC?

An ISRC is a unique identification code assigned to a recording that streaming services and PROs use to ensure the proper collection and distribution of royalty earnings.
An ISRC follows an audio file for its lifetime and the same one should be used even if you are using different distributors for different services, or changing from one distributor to another.
For example, if you are only using SoundOn to deliver your music to ByteDance platforms (TikTok, TikTok Music, etc.), you will need to use the same ISRC everywhere.
An ISRC Code follows a standard template and looks like this: ABCDE1234567
isrc example

How long does it take to review and distribute my release?

After submitting your release, it usually takes 7 business days to review and distribute your release. The recommendation is to upload your music 4 weeks before release, so if your track is rejected in the review stage, you will have enough time to get feedback and upload your music again.

Content review process

After you submit your release, it usually takes 1-3 business days for our team to complete the content review process, though the exact timing might differ based on local public holidays and our evaluation pipeline.
During the content review process, we are ensuring that your release meets all standards required by global streaming platforms.
It is designed to protect users of the platforms we distribute to (TikTok, TikTok Music, CapCut, and others) and generally observes the Community Guidelines and Terms of Service of our platforms.

My release did not pass content review

Our team usually provides an explanation for releases that do not pass content review. Please check your My Release page or Notification Center for detailed explanations.
If our message did not address your concerns, please contact your relationship manager or directly reach out to the support team to learn more.

On my release day, what time will my music go live on services?

Local release time is currently only available through SoundOn on the following platforms:
TikTok, TikTok Music
For any other platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, your music will go live at store turn (midnight) in each territory.
If you select "Global Release Time" when selecting a release date / time, your release will go live in all territories at the same time (for example, 9:00 pm PDT, around the world).
Global Release Time is currently only available through SoundOn on the following platforms:
Spotify, TikTok, TikTok Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Instagram / Facebook, Deezer, Tidal, Pandora, NetEase, iHeartRadio, Joox, Boomplay Music, KKBox, 7Digital, Qobuz, YouSee Musik / Telmore Musik, Anghami, ClaroMusica, Adaptr, iMusica (Claro Musica), SoundCloud, Trebel
If you select this option, your music will go live on other services at store turn (midnight) in each territory.

Artist Name Guidelines

We want to allow you creative freedom with your artist names. However, stores have some rules that we need to abide by:
  • Only use two artist names in the same field if they are a compound artist name (such as "Simon & Garfunkel"); otherwise use two separate fields
We cannot accept:
  • Misleading artists names or names that mimic popular artist names
  • Artist names that contain special characters (such as emojis or symbols)
  • Artist names using "aka", unless this is part of the actual artists name. For example: "Eminem aka Slim Shady" is not an acceptable artist name
  • Generic names: Anything that is a broad description of content or search terms, such as Yoga Session, Spa Music, Chill Beats, Party Music.

Where should I put the featured artist?

Please make sure that the featured artist is listed in the "featured artist" section when you upload your tracks.
featured artist field example
Please do not include the featured artist's name in the track title - each DSP has different rules on featured artists and will display them accordingly.

Editing a release

We consider all releases that are submitted to us to be final, so please upload accordingly.
If your release does not pass the content review, you will have an opportunity to make changes at that point.
After submission, you can only make changes to your release by contacting our support team.
Note: Some changes, such as replacing audio, are only possible by taking down your existing release and uploading a new version.

Taking down a release

Please note that once a track is released, we have to follow the policies laid out in our License Agreement. But if there are any unforeseen issues, you may discuss takedown requests with our support team.

How to transfer your release to SoundOn?

Follow these steps to easily redistribute your music from your previous distribution to SoundOn:
  1. During the upload process, you will be asked about "Song Redistribution". Be sure to tick "Yes, I want to move my music from another distributor to SoundOn".
  2. Ensure that all metadata matches exactly to what was distributed before (such as ISRC, UPC, artist name, title, songwriters), otherwise we may not be able to fully transfer your release.
  3. Once your release is live via SoundOn, we will contact you so that you can request it be taken down from your other distributor.

What does explicit mean?

All services have slightly different guidelines for this; however, we request a track is marked explicit if it contains any description of drug use, nudity, contains explicit language, or is sexual, violent, or offensive in nature.

What is UPC?

A Universal Product Code (UPC, also sometimes known as an EAN or a JAN) is a digital barcode that is used worldwide for tracking trade items in stores. It can either be 12-digits (UPC) or 13-digits (EAN / JAN) - SoundOn will accept either, but we only generate 12-digit UPCs.
A single UPC is assigned to an album, and can generate one for you if you do not already have one.

Do I have my own UPC? How would I know?

You might have it if you used another distributor before. You may reach out to your previous distributor to obtain UPC.

Can I get a UPC from SoundOn?

Yes. We will generate one for you for free when you upload with SoundOn.
Once your release is approved, you will be able to find your UPC under "My Releases" in your artist portal.

Can I get an ISRC code from SoundOn?

Yes. We will generate them for you for free when you upload tracks with SoundOn.
Once your release is approved, you will be able to find your ISRCs under "My Releases" in your artist portal.

What is TikTok Clip? What will it be used for?

TikTok Clip is a short part of your music that will be professionally distributed to TikTok via SoundOn. You may choose to upload a clip or edit a clip when you're on the page.

How to make a TikTok clip? How do I decide which part of my music should be made into a TikTok clip?

To create a TikTok clip, you can do so directly during the uploading process. We recommend creating a clip that captures a catchy portion of your song and encourages fans to post. This can involve strong lyrics, a great transition, or any other standout element of your track that will catch users' attention. Clips should be 15-60 seconds long.

How do I pre-release a TikTok clip?

TikTok clips can be released ahead of the official launch date, in order to promote the track or album. After selecting the release date, you can choose the option to pre-release the clip. Note, the pre-release date must be at least 24 hours prior to the track release date.

Where can I find the UPC & ISRC code of my previously released album/single?

The logic of ISRC and UPC is different. ISRC numbers are assigned to each song, every time there is a new song, there will be a new ISRC. On the other hand, UPC numbers are assigned to each release (like an album, EP, or single). Therefore tracks with different ISRC may have the same UPC.
If you are to switch your release from the previous distributor to SoundOn, you need to input the correct UPC and the ISRC so we can locate the right song.
UPC and ISRC shall be found at your previous distributor (the distributor you used when first releasing this music). If you have an issue with finding this, please reach out to your previous distributor.

What does Version Mean?

Please specify a version only if it's an alternative version of a previously released song. Version Version and track title must match. Versions such as "Original" and "Official" are not allowed. You can also customize a version. Here is a list of commonly used versions:
  • Live identifies this track as a recording of a live performance.
  • Remix identifies this as a new version of a previously released recording, altering tempo, beat, etc.
  • Remastered identifies this track as an newly mastered of your original recording.
  • Radio Edit identifies this track as a modified version in length, lyric, or intro/outro.
If you are uploading a remixed song by other artist(s), please make sure you obtain the authorization to use the song.

Can I upload a remix through SoundOn? Can I use beats / loops in my tracks that I found online?

In all cases, we require that you have the appropriate licenses in place via the owner of the master recording, or can provide proof that the music that you used is royalty free.
Please note: We are not able to accept limited licenses (for example, for a certain amount of streams only) and you must ensure that you follow the guidelines of any licensed music that you obtain (such as including the relevant production credits).

Title (Album + Track) Requirements

  • The album and track title must match on one-track singles.
  • Only use a version title (such as Original Mix, Instrumental, etc) to distinguish from a different version of the track. Please avoid unnecessary version information (such as "Final Version").
We cannot accept:
  • Generic titles, such as "Track 1", "Track 2", "One", etc.
  • Titles with trademarked, hateful, or otherwise illegal content.
  • Emojis or other symbols (@, |, etc.).
  • Side-by-side translations (for example, 苺 - Strawberry)
  • Titles that include the featuring artist, producer, or main artist.
  • Titles that include "Explicit Version" or "Clean Version" in your title (Please mark your tracks as explicit or not explicit in the Explicit field instead).

Can I upload to TikTok only through SoundOn if I am using another distributor for other services?

Yes, you can! However, you will need to let your other distributor know to not deliver to ByteDance (TikTok / TikTok Music ). Please also make sure the metadata matches (ISRC / UPC). We can generate these for you to share with your other distributor or you can use theirs with us.

I only have a phone / tablet - can I still upload my music?

Unfortunately, we currently only support uploading on desktop computers.

If I've already released a track (via SoundOn or elsewhere) how do I add it to my new album?

To add a previously released track to your new album, upload it to your album with all of the same metadata that you used before, and be sure to use the same ISRC.
If you released the track via SoundOn, you will be able to find this under your "My Releases" page; otherwise you should reach out to your previous distributor to get this information.

Can I "waterfall" a release via SoundOn?

The process of "waterfalling" a release, or adding subsequent new tracks until the album / EP is completed, is possible via SoundOn.
Waterfall releases are just a series of new products with an additional track added for each new release. In order to do this successfully, please keep the following in mind:
  • With a 1-track single, the track title and the album title must match, and the metadata on the release (artist / title) must match what's on the artwork, so you will likely need to wait until your second single to begin the true "waterfall" process.
  • With each new release we will create a new UPC (or if you are using your own metadata, use a different UPC), but always be sure to use the same ISRCs each time you are re-uploading a track. This will ensure that all of the track information (streams / playlists) properly merge.
If you have any additional questions about this process, please contact us for more information.

My release is not live on my selected release date

If your release does not go live on the date you requested, please first check that all parts (album + all tracks) have been approved. All parts of your release must be approved for it to be fully released.
Please also check below to see when releases are expected to go live on different services.
If everything has been approved and your release is still not live, please get in touch with us so that we can look into this for you.

Why does a track need to be labeled as explicit?

The explicit logo denotes that the title or lyrics of a track or music video contain one or more of the following criteria which could be considered offensive or unsuitable for some listeners:
  • Strong language;
  • Images of or references to violence, physical, mental abuse;
  • References to or images of sexualized behaviour;
  • Racist, homophobic, misogynistic or other language or behavior that could be considered discriminatory;
  • Dangerous or criminal behavior which could glamorize such behavior or may encourage others to imitate it.

Can I distribute a cover song on SoundOn?

In US and UK, according to the music copyright laws, you don't need the mechanical license to distribute cover songs to interactive streaming platforms (e.g. Spotify). As a result, you can do this on SoundOn. However, we will exclude the platforms which support digital downloads (e.g. Amazon Music, Apple Music) and internet radio (Pandora).

How can I check if my music is explicit or not?

You can check if your music is explicit or not by verifying if the lyrics and artwork contain profanity or offensive language.

Holiday distribution deadline

SoundOn recommends uploading your releases at least three weeks before the release date to ensure your releases air on time.
Our internal moderation review process may take a little longer than usual during December and we anticipate delays in your releases in DSP.
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