Cover artwork requirements

High-quality cover artwork is essential for making a strong impression and building your brand. This guide covers technical requirements and design best practices for your release artwork.

Required Dimensions

• Minimum Size: 3000 x 3000 pixels
• Maximum Size: 6000 x 6000 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (perfect square)

File Format

• Preferred Format: JPG/JPEG
• Alternative Format: PNG (without transparency)
• Color Space: RGB (not CMYK)
• Resolution: 300 DPI minimum

File Size

• Minimum: 1.5 MB
• Maximum: 25 MB

Quality Guidelines

• Must be crisp and clear, not pixelated or blurry
• No visible compression artifacts
• Sharp edges and clear details

Prohibited Elements

• Explicit or offensive imagery
• Other company logos (including streaming services)
• URLs or web addresses
• Social media handles
• QR codes
• Contact information or email addresses
• Pricing information
• References to physical formats (e.g., "CD" or "Vinyl")
• Copyright or trademark symbols that don't belong to you
• Service provider logos including SeemDistro logo

Text Limitations

• Cover should primarily be visual
• Limit text to:
• Artist name
• Release title
• Small additional credits if necessary
• Text must be legible at thumbnail size

Composition

• Create with small displays in mind
• Ensure design works at thumbnail size
• Place key elements near the center
• Maintain sufficient contrast between elements
• Consider safe zones (avoid placing important elements too close to edges)

Branding Consistency

• Maintain visual consistency with your artist brand
• Consider how the artwork fits with your previous releases
• Think about creating a recognizable style

Color Considerations

• Use complementary colors for strong visual impact
• Ensure sufficient contrast
• Test your artwork in both light and dark modes
• Consider how colors may appear on different devices

Typography

• Use legible fonts, especially at small sizes
• Avoid overly ornate or difficult-to-read typefaces
• Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background
• Limit yourself to 1-2 font families per cover

Streaming Platforms

• Optimize for square format
• Ensure clarity at small sizes for playlists
• Test your artwork at various sizes

Social Media

• Consider how the image will appear in feeds
• Test cropping in different social media preview formats
• Ensure artwork stands out in crowded feeds

Music Videos

• If your artwork will be used in music videos, ensure it has sufficient resolution for video use
• Consider animated versions for video content

DIY Options

• Professional design software: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Affinity Designer
• Budget-friendly alternatives: Canva, GIMP, or Photopea
• Mobile apps: Adobe Spark, Canva, or Over

Professional Services

• SeemDistro offers artwork design services starting at $99
• Consider hiring a freelance designer from platforms like Fiverr or Upwork
• Network with local artists or photographers

1. Save your artwork using the correct specifications
2. Upload during the release creation process
3. Preview how it will look on different platforms
4. Make any necessary adjustments before finalizing

• Resolution too low
• Blurry or pixelated images
• Copyright violations in the artwork
• Inclusion of prohibited elements like URLs or QR codes
• Incorrect dimensions or aspect ratio
• Poor quality or unprofessional appearance

If your artwork is rejected, you'll receive specific feedback on what needs to be corrected before resubmission.