If your release features an artist with a significant public profile, for example an artist who is widely recognised, signed to a major or well-known independent label, charting or verified across streaming platforms, our team may need to see proof that you have permission to distribute the music before it goes to stores.
We recommend uploading your proof alongside your audio at stage one of the Release Builder, using the Upload a license button.
Attaching documents at this point is the fastest route. Without it, your release may be held while we come back to you to request evidence.
You can submit proof through the Release Builder even after completing your release by using the Edit Release option.
Here are examples of accepted evidence.
If you are the high-profile artist:
Show that you control the official artist profiles. For example:
A screenshot of your Spotify for Artists dashboard with the artist profile visible
A screenshot of the backend of your official YouTube channel
The equivalent dashboard on Apple Music for Artists, Meta, or another platform where you hold access
Take screenshots from your own logged-in session and leave them uncropped, so the profile name and account details are visible. Images of a public-facing music platform profile do not confirm that you control it.
If you are working with the artist:
If the artist appears as a collaborator, featured artist, remixer, or through a label or management deal, upload evidence of that agreement:
A signed and dated agreement, split sheet, or licence naming both parties and the specific release
An email thread with the artist, their producer, manager, or label approving this release for distribution through Ditto, sent from an address connected to the artist, label, or management
A contact point for the artist or their representative so we can confirm directly
The clearer the link between the document and the exact release, the quicker the review. Name the release and the individual tracks wherever possible. An agreement referring to a different project or a general working relationship is unlikely to be enough on its own.
What happens once I provide proof?
Our content team reviews your release alongside the evidence. Either it is cleared and the release is uploaded to platforms, or we come back asking for more proof, such as a signed version of a document, a fuller screenshot, or a contact point for the artist's team.
If permission cannot be verified, we are unable to distribute the release.