Cover Art Rejected? Artwork Rules Across Apple Music, TikTok, Deezer and Distributors

Updated 2026-10-21 · 4 sources

Short answer

Artwork is rejected for extra information (URLs, social handles, logos, QR codes, prices, release dates), references to CDs, vinyl or stores, text that doesn't match the release metadata, low quality (blurry, pixelated, off-centre, cut-off text), generic templates or images you don't own. Fix the image, keep it square and high-resolution, and make any artist name or title on it match the metadata exactly.

Content rules

  • Apple: no website addresses, logos, QR codes, release dates or references to competitors; no references to physical packaging, digital products or retailers; no generic templates; no low-quality images [1].
  • Apple: AI processing must not introduce visual degradation such as distorted text or unnatural anatomy [1].
  • SoundOn: artist name and release title on the art must match the release information exactly, including version titles; no URLs, logos, social handles, cut-off text, white space around an off-centre image or generic templates [2].
  • DistroKid lists URLs, QR codes, prices, streaming or social logos, unlicensed stock photos and blurry or reused artwork as reasons stores reject artwork [3].

Size and format

  • SoundOn: square JPG or PNG, at least 1400×1400 px (3000×3000 recommended), max 6000×6000 [2].
  • Deezer (label delivery): PNG or JPEG, 500×500 to 4096×4096 px, up to 32 MB [4].
  • Your distributor's own spec usually sets the minimum you upload; check it too.

Examples

Instead ofUseWhy
Cover with "Out now on Spotify" and a Spotify logoArtwork without store references or logosNo advertising or store references.
Cover says "Midnight Drive"; metadata title is "Midnight Drive (Remix)"Text matches the metadata, version includedSoundOn requires an exact match.

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FAQ

Can I reuse the same cover for every single?

DistroKid lists reused artwork as a rejection reason. Give each release its own cover.

Can I use an AI-generated cover?

Make sure you have the rights to the image and that it has no visual defects. Apple specifically rejects AI degradation such as distorted text.

Related guides

Sources

  1. Apple Music Style Guide 2.4 (Apple)
  2. SoundOn Help Center: Releasing Music FAQ
  3. DistroKid Help: Uploading (artwork and lyrics requirements)
  4. Deezer for Creators: How To Add Music To Deezer Through A Label

Platform rules change. Each rule above is attributed to the company or standard that published it, as checked on 2026-10-21. This guide is not legal advice.