Cover art specifications
Your release artwork is the first thing listeners see. Getting it right ensures your release is accepted by all platforms without delays.
Technical requirements
- Format: JPG or PNG only
- Dimensions: Square (1:1 aspect ratio), minimum 3000 x 3000 pixels, maximum 5000 x 5000 pixels
- Color mode: RGB
- File size: Under 10 MB
- Quality: Clear, sharp, free from blurriness, pixelation, distortion, or misalignment
What text is allowed
Only the following text is permitted on artwork:
- Release name
- Primary artist name
- Featuring artist name
- Record label name
Any additional text will result in rejection.
What is NOT allowed
Your artwork must not include:
- Website addresses or URLs
- Social media handles or icons
- Store logos (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)
- Phone numbers or email addresses
- Tracklists or song titles (for albums)
- Artist biographies
- Pricing information
- Format descriptors (CD, Digital, Vinyl)
- Audio format notes (Stereo, Mono, Hi-Res)
- Rights statements or copyright notices
- Parental Advisory logos (these are added automatically by platforms when content is marked explicit)
Content restrictions
- No full-white covers — platforms require visible artwork
- No non-Western characters used purely as decoration
- No side-by-side translations (pick one language)
- No racist, pornographic, or violent imagery
- No offensive symbolism
- All logos must be authorized and justified
Metadata accuracy
The information on your artwork must match your release metadata exactly. Do not use abbreviations or alternate spellings. Album names should not appear on single artwork unless justified in the metadata.
Tips for great cover art
- Hire a designer or use tools like Canva — professional artwork makes a difference
- Keep it simple and legible at small sizes (artwork appears as a tiny thumbnail on most platforms)
- Use high-contrast colors for readability
- Test your artwork at 300 x 300 pixels to see how it looks as a thumbnail
Ready to put that artwork on a real release? wavbee checks every cover against these specs during QC before delivery — so your release never gets rejected at the stores.