Distribute a cover song

What this guide covers

Understand the difference between recording a cover and using someone else’s recording.

Artwork and content review protects catalog quality and helps prevent rights, impersonation, and store-policy problems before delivery.

Before you start

• Use artwork you own or are authorized to use.
• Make sure text in the artwork agrees with the release metadata.
• Keep licenses or permissions for samples, covers, public-domain material, or third-party content.
• Confirm AI-assisted material does not violate identity, likeness, copyright, or store rules.

Step by step

1. 01

   Confirm your release uses your own recording rather than the original artist’s master.

2. 02

   Secure any licenses required for the composition and territories involved.

3. 03

   Credit the composition accurately in songwriter and publishing metadata.

4. 04

   Keep proof of licensing available if review requests it.

Check your work

• Artwork is square, clear, and not visibly compressed.
• There are no unauthorized logos, store badges, URLs, or misleading claims.
• Rights documentation is available if review asks for it.
• Explicit or sensitive content is represented accurately.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using an image found online without permission.
• Artwork text that names a different artist or title.
• Assuming a composition being public domain also makes a recording public domain.
• Using a sample without clearing the necessary rights.

What happens next

If review requests a revision, fix the specific issue on the existing release and resubmit rather than creating a duplicate.

If the result on screen does not match what this guide describes, stop before creating duplicate catalog records or repeating a financial action. Use the visible status and error information when contacting NORTH support.