To maintain compliance and uphold the integrity of your releases, certain types of content are restricted from delivery through our systems. These rules, inspired by store guidelines, ensure your music reaches its audience without obstacles.
Violations of Spare Music’s Distribution Policy can lead to slower review times and, in serious cases, the termination of your Spare Music account.
Content & Metadata Standards
To guarantee successful delivery, all submitted content must meet the following requirements. Content that fails to comply may be blocked or removed from stores:
Proper Rights Clearance - All audio and metadata must have valid rights for every region and platform you want to distribute to. Any content that infringes on the rights of others will be rejected.
No Artificial Boosting - Streams must be organic. Avoid generating streams through bots, automated systems, or third-party services claiming to increase plays, followers, or playlist placements.
Authentic and Transparent Content - Misleading practices are not tolerated, including:
Songs that imitate or mimic well-known tracks or artists.
Metadata crafted to exploit search algorithms or misdirect listeners.
Tribute tracks, covers, or sound-alikes that are deceptively close to original recordings
Cultural and Regional Compliance - Ensure your content aligns with the laws and sensitivities of the regions where it will be distributed. Examples of prohibited content include:
Content featuring or promoting hate speech, including Nazi symbols where restricted (e.g., in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland).
Material with inappropriate or explicit themes that violate regional standards.
Unacceptable Formats - Certain formats are ineligible for DSP distribution:
Tracks that are repetitive, snippets, or subliminal in nature.
Karaoke versions, ringtones, or DJ mixes uploaded as a single file.
Unauthorized “bootleg” recordings, alternate takes, or unofficial live albums.
Guidelines for UGC and Automated Matching Platforms
Platforms like YouTube and Meta that use UGC matching services have strict standards to ensure fair monetization. Submitting ineligible content can lead to disputes, removal of claims, and even deactivation of your catalog.
Examples of ineligible content for fingerprinting services include:
Non-exclusive tracks or those distributed under Creative Commons licenses.
Public domain material or clips used under fair use laws.
Sound-alikes, karaoke versions, production loops, or remasters.
Compilation albums, mashups, DJ mixes, and countdown lists.
Content labeled “royalty-free” or sold/licensed en masse.
Cover Songs