Best Audio Format for Music Distribution

Deliver lossless, let them transcode

Streaming platforms and distributors like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby take a high-quality source file and transcode it into the compressed formats each service uses. Because that conversion starts from your upload, the higher the quality you deliver, the better every version sounds. A lossless WAV is the safe, recommended source.

Most distributors accept 24-bit / 48 kHz or 16-bit / 44.1 kHz WAV. Uploading an MP3 means the platform is compressing an already-compressed file, which is why a WAV is always preferred.

Get a distribution-ready WAV

A finished, mastered WAV is exactly what distributors want. AetherWave's first master is free and returns a 24-bit / 48 kHz WAV, ready to upload to your distributor of choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What format should I upload to a music distributor?

A high-quality WAV, typically 24-bit / 48 kHz or 16-bit / 44.1 kHz. Distributors transcode from your source, so a lossless file gives the best result.

Can I upload an MP3 to a distributor?

Some accept it, but it means compressing an already-compressed file. A WAV is always the better source. AetherWave delivers a 24-bit / 48 kHz WAV from mastering.