Artwork Requirements

High-quality artwork is essential for making a strong impression on streaming platforms. This guide outlines the technical and content requirements for your release artwork to ensure it meets industry standards and passes platform review processes.

Technical Requirements

Image Dimensions

All major streaming platforms require square images with the following specifications:

Minimum size: 3000 x 3000 pixels
Recommended size: 3000 x 3000 pixels (exactly)
Maximum size: 6000 x 6000 pixels

Using exactly 3000 x 3000 pixels is strongly recommended as this ensures optimal display across all platforms while keeping file sizes manageable.

File Format

Accepted formats: JPG/JPEG or PNG
Preferred format: JPG/JPEG (for smaller file sizes)
Color space: RGB (not CMYK)

File Size

Maximum file size: 10MB
Recommended file size: 1-5MB

Larger files may cause upload issues or delays in processing. If your file is too large, consider using image compression tools to reduce the size while maintaining quality.

Image Quality

Resolution: 72 DPI minimum (higher is better)
Compression: Minimal compression to avoid artifacts
Sharpness: Image should be clear and not blurry

Content Requirements

Artwork Design

Your artwork should be visually appealing and representative of your music, but must also adhere to these guidelines:

Artwork must be relevant to the release
Full bleed design (image extends to all edges without borders)
No pixelation, stretching, or obvious quality issues
No blank/white space around the edges

Text and Logos

Artist name and release title are not required on the artwork
If text is included, it should be legible even at small sizes
Avoid placing important text elements too close to the edges
Record label logos are permitted but not required
No URLs, social media handles, QR codes, or promotional text
No contact information or pricing

Prohibited Content

Artwork will be rejected if it contains:

Explicit or pornographic imagery
Excessive violence or gore
Hate speech or discriminatory imagery
Third-party trademarks or logos (including streaming service logos)
Copyright-protected images you don't have rights to use
Images of celebrities or public figures you don't have permission to use
Streaming platform logos (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)
Parental advisory labels (these are added automatically when needed)

Platform-Specific Considerations

Spotify

Spotify is particularly strict about artwork quality and content. They may reject artwork that:

Contains blurry or pixelated elements
Includes promotional text or dates
Features the Spotify logo or references to Spotify

Apple Music

Apple Music has high standards for visual quality and may reject artwork that:

Appears stretched or distorted
Contains Apple product imagery or references
Uses poor quality images or excessive compression

Creating Effective Artwork

Design Tips

Use high-contrast elements that remain visible at small sizes
Consider how your artwork will look as a thumbnail
Maintain visual consistency across releases to build brand recognition
Use colors that reflect the mood and genre of your music
Keep designs simple and impactful rather than cluttered

Working with Designers

If you're hiring a designer for your artwork:

Share these specifications with them before they start
Request both web-ready files (JPG/PNG) and source files (PSD, AI, etc.)
Ensure you have commercial rights to use the final artwork
Ask for variations that can be used across social media

Common Artwork Rejection Reasons

The most common reasons for artwork rejection include:

Image resolution too low (below 3000 x 3000 pixels)
Non-square dimensions
Poor image quality, blurriness, or pixelation
Unauthorized use of third-party logos or trademarks
Explicit content not properly labeled
Promotional text, URLs, or QR codes
Copyright infringement

Updating Artwork After Release

Changing artwork after your music has been distributed is possible but complex:

Some platforms don't allow artwork changes without a full takedown and re-upload
Changes may take several weeks to appear across all platforms
Your release may lose playlist placements or algorithmic positioning

For these reasons, it's crucial to finalize your artwork before submitting your release for distribution.

Tools for Creating Artwork

If you're creating your own artwork, consider using:

Professional tools: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Affinity Photo
Budget-friendly alternatives: GIMP, Canva, or Pixlr
Mobile apps: Snapseed, Adobe Lightroom Mobile, or Canva Mobile

Remember to always export at full resolution (3000 x 3000 pixels) and check your final file for quality before uploading.