Cover Art Requirements: Size, Format and Why Covers Get Rejected

Your song is done, now you need a cover. Sounds simple, but cover art gets rejected more often than you'd think. And then your release gets pushed back. These are the requirements, and the mistakes that are easy to avoid.

The technical requirements

Every distributor has its own rules, but they're quite similar. At DistroKid, these are the requirements:

  • perfectly square
  • at least 1000 x 1000 pixels, ideally 3000 x 3000
  • a JPG file
  • RGB colors
  • a single image, no multiple pages

Using another distributor? Check their own help page. If you make your cover 3000 x 3000, you'll at least have enough resolution.

What's not allowed

According to DistroKid, streaming services reject a cover with:

  • a website, QR code or the name of your social media page
  • logos of streaming services or social media, like Spotify or Instagram
  • prices
  • references to physical media, like "CD"
  • nudity or shocking images
  • a blurry, pixelated or rotated image
  • photos you don't have a license for

Using the same cover for several releases can also get rejected. So give every single its own artwork.

Text on your cover

Putting your artist name or the title on the cover? Then it has to match exactly what you enter at your distributor, spelling included. If the cover says "Remix" or another version, that belongs in the title too. Not sure? Leave the text off. A cover without text is fine.

Make sure it works small

Most people see your cover as a tiny square on their phone. So look at your design at thumbnail size too. Can you still read the text? Does it stand out between other covers? One simple, strong image often works better than lots of detail.

Rights to your image

Only use photos and illustrations you have the rights to. An image you found on Google isn't yours to use. If a photographer or designer makes something for you, agree that you can use it for your release and your promo.

Already uploaded and something's wrong?

At DistroKid you can still change your artwork after uploading. According to DistroKid, it can take one to two weeks before the new cover shows up everywhere. Better to get it right the first time.

Releasing soon?

FAQ

What size should cover art be?

Square, at least 1000 x 1000 pixels and ideally 3000 x 3000, as a JPG in RGB. Those are DistroKid's requirements. Other distributors are usually close to that.

Can I put my Instagram handle on the cover?

No. Social media names, links and logos are a common reason for rejection.

Does my name have to be on the cover?

No. If you do put it on, it has to match your artist name in the release exactly.

Source: DistroKid's help pages on album artwork and CD Baby's guidelines on text on your cover.

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