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Audio File Requirements

High-quality audio files are essential for a professional presence on streaming platforms. This guide outlines the technical requirements and best practices for preparing your audio files for distribution through Dismusic.

Accepted File Formats

Dismusic accepts the following audio file formats for distribution:

  • WAV (preferred format)
  • FLAC
  • AIFF

Note: We do not accept MP3 files for distribution as they are compressed formats that result in lower audio quality. Streaming services create their own compressed versions from your high-quality masters.

Technical Specifications

Sample Rate

  • Required: 44.1 kHz
  • Also accepted: 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz

While we accept higher sample rates, 44.1 kHz is the industry standard for music distribution and is recommended for compatibility across all platforms.

Bit Depth

  • Minimum: 16-bit
  • Recommended: 24-bit

24-bit audio provides greater dynamic range and is preferred for optimal sound quality.

Channels

  • Required: Stereo (2 channels)
  • Exception: Mono is acceptable only for spoken word content

All music releases should be in stereo format. Streaming platforms do not support surround sound or other multi-channel formats for standard music distribution.

File Size

  • Maximum file size per track: 2GB
  • Typical file size: 30-60MB per minute of audio for 24-bit WAV files

Audio Quality Requirements

Volume and Normalization

  • Target integrated loudness: -14 LUFS for streaming optimization
  • Maximum true peak: -1 dBTP to avoid digital clipping
  • Avoid: Excessive limiting or compression that causes distortion

Streaming platforms apply their own normalization, so extreme loudness will be reduced anyway. Focus on dynamic range and clarity rather than maximum volume.

Audio Issues to Avoid

Files will be rejected if they contain:

  • Clipping or digital distortion
  • Excessive noise, hiss, or hum
  • Unintentional silence at the beginning or end (beyond 2 seconds)
  • Abrupt cuts or edits
  • Phase issues or mono compatibility problems
  • Corrupted audio data or encoding errors

Track Spacing and Silence

  • Beginning silence: Maximum 2 seconds recommended
  • Ending silence: Maximum 2 seconds recommended
  • Gapless albums: Submit tracks with minimal silence and note "gapless playback required" in your release notes

While some platforms support gapless playback, not all do. For concept albums or live recordings where track transitions are critical, consider this limitation.

Mastering Recommendations

For the best possible sound quality across streaming platforms:

  • Have your music professionally mastered if possible
  • Master for streaming specifically (-14 LUFS target)
  • Ensure consistent volume levels across all tracks in an album
  • Check your masters on multiple playback systems
  • Use a true peak limiter to prevent intersample peaks
  • Check mono compatibility, especially for vinyl releases

Converting from Other Formats

If you only have your music in MP3 or other compressed formats:

  • Do not convert MP3s to WAV files - this does not improve quality
  • Return to the original uncompressed source files if possible
  • Re-record or remaster from the highest quality source available

Converting a compressed format to an uncompressed format does not restore lost audio quality and may result in rejection.

Platform-Specific Considerations

Spotify

Spotify converts all audio to Ogg Vorbis format at various quality levels depending on the user's settings:

  • Free tier: 96 kbps mobile, 128 kbps desktop
  • Premium tier: Up to 320 kbps
  • Spotify HiFi (upcoming): Lossless audio

Apple Music

Apple Music uses AAC encoding:

  • Standard quality: 256 kbps AAC
  • Apple Digital Masters: Higher quality masters with specific requirements
  • Lossless: Up to 24-bit/192 kHz

Other Platforms

Each streaming service uses different encoding methods and quality levels:

  • Amazon Music: 256 kbps MP3 up to Ultra HD (24-bit/192 kHz)
  • Tidal: 320 kbps AAC up to MQA for Hi-Fi tier
  • Deezer: 128 kbps MP3 up to FLAC for HiFi tier

By submitting high-quality masters, you ensure your music sounds its best regardless of the platform's encoding.

Testing Your Audio Files

Before submitting your audio files for distribution:

  • Listen to the entire track for any issues or artifacts
  • Check the beginning and end for unwanted noise or silence
  • Verify the file opens correctly in multiple audio programs
  • Use a loudness meter to check LUFS levels
  • Check true peak levels to ensure they don't exceed -1 dBTP

Common Rejection Reasons

The most common reasons for audio file rejection include:

  • Incorrect file format (e.g., MP3 instead of WAV)
  • Audible defects, clicks, or pops
  • Digital clipping or distortion
  • Excessive noise floor or background noise
  • Corrupted files or encoding errors
  • Tracks cut off prematurely
  • Significant quality difference between tracks in an album

Working with Mastering Engineers

If you're working with a professional mastering engineer:

  • Share these specifications with them before mastering begins
  • Request streaming-optimized masters (-14 LUFS)
  • Ask for uncompressed WAV files at 24-bit/44.1 kHz
  • Request both standard masters and "radio-ready" masters if needed

Need Help?

If you're unsure about your audio files or have technical questions, our support team is available to help. Contact us before submitting if you have concerns about your audio quality to avoid potential delays in the distribution process.

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