How to Upload Your Free Release to Spotify and Other Stores
Use this practical upload checklist to prepare one free ORB release for Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay and other supported stores. You keep 100% of your royalties, but the never-paid Free trial has a 30-day removal countdown from first approval—not 30 days from release day or permanent distribution.
How to distribute your music to all platforms for free
Prepare your files and rights before submitting. ORB approves within 24 hours; each store controls processing, acceptance and final availability.
1. Create a free ORB account
Sign up free at orbentertainment.live — no card required to start. The Free plan includes one release distributed to 150+ platforms, so you can get your first song out at zero cost.
2. Prepare your audio and cover art
Upload a genuine original WAV or FLAC master for every track, 30 seconds to 30 minutes long. MP3 files, renamed MP3s and Spotify previews are not accepted. Use clear square artwork, at least 1400×1400 pixels (3000×3000 recommended), with no unauthorized branding or URLs.
3. Add your release metadata
Enter your title, stage name, genre, language, explicit setting and collaborator credits. New recordings can receive new codes. For transfers, preserve original ISRCs, UPC/EAN and original release date, then upload the original masters; Spotify imports metadata only.
4. Select stores and a release date
Choose supported outlets from the editor's available store catalogue. One submission covers your selected stores, without a separate upload to each service. Schedule at least 11 days ahead; 14 days is recommended, not a guaranteed store-delivery time.
5. Submit for approval and store delivery
Submit your release for review. ORB approves within 24 hours, then platforms process delivery on their own timelines. Submit ahead of your target date to leave time for processing.
6. Follow status and review credited royalties
Wait for the release to become Live and claim your artist profiles where supported. Store reports arrive on their own schedules. Review credited royalties in your Wallet and the displayed currency, fees and verification requirements before requesting a staff-processed withdrawal.
What "free" really means on ORB
ORB's Free plan lets you distribute one release to all 150+ platforms at no cost, and — unlike many distributors that skim a percentage — you keep 100% of your royalties on every plan, including Free. There is no commission and no service fee on your earnings.
The never-paid Free plan is a trial: its 30-day removal countdown starts at first approval, regardless of the scheduled release date. Takedown can occur before or after release day. Activate an eligible paid plan before expiry to maintain distribution under its subscription terms. Review the current full billing-cycle price on Pricing; new paid subscriptions start quarterly.
Free includes one one-time track credit within its one-release entitlement. Artist and Artist Plus include 5 track credits per billing cycle; Label & Team includes 15. Each approved track uses one credit. Paid artists can buy extra credits from their Wallet without treating those credits as permanent coverage.
Free plan vs paid plans at a glance
Here's how free distribution compares to upgrading, so you can choose what fits where you are right now:
| Feature | Free trial | Artist / Artist Plus | Label & Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution to 150+ platforms | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Royalties you keep | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Track credits | 1 one-time | 5 per billing cycle | 15 per billing cycle |
| Distribution duration | 30-day countdown from first approval | While subscription is active, subject to policy | While subscription is active, subject to policy |
| Analytics dashboard | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Release links | Subject to release status and trial window | Subject to release status | Subject to release status |
| Spotify for Artists verification help | No | Yes | Yes |
| Royalty splits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Roster management | No | No | Yes |
Before you submit your free release
Get these right the first time so your release isn't delayed in review:
- Genuine original WAV or FLAC master for every track; no MP3 files or Spotify previews
- Square cover art, at least 1400x1400px, no logos, URLs or blurry text
- Correct song title, artist/stage name and primary genre
- A release date at least 11 days ahead, with 14 days recommended; store availability is not guaranteed
- Songwriter and producer credits noted (and cover-song licensing flagged if it's a cover)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I distribute my music to all platforms for free?
- Sign up free at ORB Entertainment, upload your track and square cover art, add your metadata, and submit. ORB's Free plan distributes one release to Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, Boomplay, YouTube Music and 150+ other platforms at no cost — and you keep 100% of your royalties. ORB approves within 24 hours, then each store controls processing and final availability.
- Is music distribution really free on ORB?
- Yes. The Free plan distributes one release to 150+ platforms with no upfront cost and 0% commission on your royalties. For never-paid Free artists, the 30-day takedown countdown begins when the release is approved, regardless of its scheduled release date; activate a plan to keep distribution and continued feature access.
- Which platforms can I distribute to for free?
- ORB delivers your release to 150+ stores and platforms in one submission, including Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, YouTube Music, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, TikTok and Instagram — all from a single free upload.
- Do I keep my royalties when I distribute for free?
- Yes. ORB takes 0% commission on every plan, including Free. You keep 100% of your streaming royalties. Withdrawal fees, minimums and verification requirements are separate; review the supported destination and displayed currency when requesting a staff-processed withdrawal.
- How long does it take for my free release to go live?
- After you submit, ORB approves your release within 24 hours, then platforms control their own processing and final availability. Submit ahead of your target release date to allow time for processing.
- What's the catch with free music distribution?
- The never-paid Free trial covers one release with a 30-day removal countdown from first approval, regardless of the scheduled release date. There is no ORB royalty commission. Activate an eligible paid plan before expiry for continued distribution; payment and withdrawal fees are separate.
- What happens if I cancel my ORB subscription or it expires?
- Paid-plan catalogs may become eligible for removal after 30 days of inactivity, with advance notice for existing catalogs. Optional funded Track Coverage is separate from ordinary extra credits. Never-paid Free trial releases have a separate 30-day countdown from first approval.
- Is ORB Entertainment reliable for international music distribution?
- ORB delivers approved releases to its supported international outlet catalog and provides release status in the artist workspace. ORB approves submissions within 24 hours, while each store controls processing, acceptance, territory availability and the final live date. Distribution cannot guarantee streams or earnings.
- Do independent artists retain their rights when distributing with ORB?
- ORB distribution does not transfer ownership of an artist's original recording. Artists must still own or license the composition, samples, beats, artwork and other materials, and honor collaborator, label, publishing and royalty-split agreements.