How to Prepare Artwork for Streaming Platforms, CDs and Vinyl

Your cover art is the first visual impression of your music that listeners will get and it's important that it meets your aggregator's requirements.

Preparing Artwork for Streaming Platforms

Aggregator requirements vary from platform to platform, but generally:

  • Format: JPG, PNG, or GIF. We recommend PNG.
  • Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (perfect square).
  • Resolution: Minimum 1600 x 1600 pixels (some platforms like Apple Music recommend 4000 x 4000 pixels). Higher resolution is always better. We would recommend 4000 x 4000 pixels.
  • Color Mode: RGB Color Mode.
  • Clarity: No blurry, pixelated, tilted, or cropped images (unless intentionally designed that way).

Streaming Platforms Content Restrictions

You should be aware that there are particular ways in which your artwork can NOT be presented.

  • No email addresses, URLs/websites, social media handles, or contact info.
  • No pricing information (“Free,” “Limited Edition”).
  • No references to physical packaging, digital packaging, or retailers (e.g., “CD,” “Vinyl,” “Spotify Exclusive”).
  • No logos or names of digital stores.
  • No barcodes.
  • No misleading or generic artwork (e.g., prominently depicting an artist who is not on the track).
  • Ensure the artist’s name and release title on the artwork match the metadata exactly.
  • Avoid copyrighted material without permission.
  • No pornographic or offensive imagery.
 

At Northern Voice we can support and advise, including artwork design and origination for streaming platforms. Please reach out for more information.

Preparing Artwork for CDs and Vinyl

CD or vinyl artwork varies according to the type of packaging you are choosing. There are a lot more artwork options and design and content latitude for physical products than the album cover detailed above – that for streaming platforms.

Understand Physical Requirements

  • Dimensions: Artwork needs to be sized precisely for the chosen packaging (Jewel Case: front insert, back tray card, disc label; Digipak: panels, disc label; special packaging variations; vinyl single or album; vinyl gatefold). You should be able to get Photoshop or Illustrator templates from your duplicator.
  • Bleed: Account for bleed (extra image area extending beyond the trim line) to prevent white edges after trimming.
  • Safety Zone: Keep important text and images within the safety zone to avoid them being cut off, and present a more balanced design using negative space.

File Resolution is at Least 300 DPI

  • Minimum 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch): All images and graphics must be at least 300 DPI at their final print size. Anything lower will look pixelated or blurry on printing, even if they look okay on your monitor.

Color Mode is CYMK

  • Convert all artwork files to CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color mode. Print presses use CMYK inks, not RGB (Red, Green, Blue, used for screens). If RGB files are submitted, then they will be converted to CYMK prior to printing. This often results in dull or unexpected colour shifts.

Text and Fonts

  • Outline Fonts: Convert all text to outlines (or curves). This embeds the font shapes into the file, ensuring it prints correctly even if the print shop doesn’t have your specific font installed.
  • Legibility: Choose legible fonts and ensure sufficient contrast between text and background.