The distribution process at UMW Recordings is designed to be fast, efficient, and predictable , especially considering the needs of independent artists who want to accurately plan their release dates. Here's a step-by-step guide:
📝 1. Initial review by the UMW content team
Once you upload your music and complete all the required metadata (titles, cover art, credits, ISRC, etc.), your release enters a manual review phase , which aims to ensure everything meets the standards of digital platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) and avoid possible rejections due to technical or content errors.
⏳ Estimated review time: within the first 48 business hours from submission.
📌 During this process, you may be asked to make corrections if, for example:
The cover art violates regulations (unauthorized logos, low resolution, confusing text, etc.).
There are inconsistencies in the metadata.
Musical content includes unauthorized samples or unlabeled sensitive content.
🌐 2. Distribution to digital stores
Once approved internally, your music is automatically submitted to major stores and streaming platforms. The time it takes to appear varies by platform , as each has its own content ingestion and publishing cycles.
⏰ Estimated averages by platform :
Platform | Average publication time |
Spotify | 2 to 5 business days |
Apple Music / iTunes | 1 to 2 business days |
Amazon Music | 1 to 3 business days |
Deezer | 3 to 4 business days |
YouTube Music | 5 to 7 business days |
TikTok | 5 to 7 business days |
Facebook / Instagram Music | 3 to 5 days |
Tidal | 3 to 5 business days |
Boomplay (Africa) | 5 to 10 business days |
iHeartRadio | 1 to 2 weeks |
🛑 Important: These are approximate times and may vary due to holidays, platform posting volume, or internal policies.
🚀 3. Can I schedule my release to come out simultaneously on all platforms?
Yes. UMW allows you to select a specific release date so your music appears synchronously in most stores.
Pro tip: Upload your music at least 2-3 weeks before your desired release date.
This gives you room to:
Pass the internal review without problems.
Ensure simultaneous publication.
Coordinate marketing or pitch strategies on Spotify for Artists or Apple Music for Artists.
🎯 This planning is key if you want to take advantage of strategic launches (such as New Release Fridays, holidays, etc.) or if you're coordinating a promotional campaign on social media.