Content Policy

Technical specifications and prohibited content guidelines for distributing music

Last Updated: June 15, 2026

DoorBeen is dedicated to helping independent artists distribute their music globally while maintaining high content quality and policy standards. All user-submitted content must comply with this Content Policy and the strict parameters mandated by our distribution infrastructure partner and digital streaming platforms (DSPs) like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

IMPORTANT: Violations of this Content Policy may result in the rejection of your releases, takedown of live releases from Music Platforms, forfeiture of associated royalties, or permanent suspension of your DoorBeen account.

1. Prohibited Content Categories

DoorBeen strictly prohibits the distribution of content falling into any of the following categories:

  • Intellectual Property Infringement: Content containing unauthorized samples, cover versions without compulsory mechanical licenses, unauthorized remixing, soundalike recordings, or names and brands protected by trademark without explicit written authorization.
  • Hate Speech & Discrimination: Lyrics or artwork that promote or incite hatred, hostility, violence, or discrimination against individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin.
  • Fraudulent Schemes & Artificial Manipulation: Audio designed to participate in streaming manipulation schemes (e.g. click fraud, loops created to game algorithms, repetitive sound clips, or blank tracks) or music generated solely to spam DSP services.
  • Gambling Promotion: Audio tracks, metadata, or artwork designed to promote, link to, or advertise illegal or unregulated betting platforms, online casinos, or gambling services.
  • Adult & Explicit Content: Graphic or sexually explicit artwork, depictions of nudity, pornography, or explicit lyrics distributed without the proper "Explicit Content" metadata tag or appropriate age gating.
  • Weapons & Dangerous Materials: Media promoting or providing step-by-step instructions on the manufacturing, usage, or sale of weapons, firearms, ammunition, explosives, or other hazardous materials.
  • Drugs & Controlled Substances: Content advocating the sale, trafficking, or illegal consumption of narcotics, recreational drugs, prescription drug abuse, or unregulated controlled substances.
  • Exploitation of Minors: Any content containing, depicting, promoting, or facilitating child abuse, exploitation, or minor endangerment. We have zero tolerance for minor exploitation and will immediately report violations to law enforcement.
  • Health Misinformation: Content that promotes dangerous medical treatments, health scams, or inaccurate health advice that poses an immediate risk to public safety.

2. Technical Specifications

To distribute releases to DSP networks, your files must strictly adhere to the following technical and editorial standards:

2.1 Audio Specifications

Platforms requires high-fidelity, lossless audio files. Compressed lossy formats are not accepted under any circumstances.

  • File Formats: Lossless WAV, AIFF, or FLAC files only (MP3, M4A, AAC, and OGG formats are rejected).
  • Bit Depth: 16-bit minimum (24-bit or 32-bit recommended).
  • Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz minimum (48 kHz, 96 kHz, or higher preferred).
  • Channels: Stereo (2 channels). Mono files are not accepted.
  • Spatial Audio (Optional): For Dolby Atmos delivery, files must be submitted in ADM BWF format (Audio Definition Model Broadcast Wave Format) at 48 kHz/24-bit.

2.2 Artwork Specifications

Artwork must be of professional quality, meet exact dimensions, and contain accurate representation of the release.

  • Dimensions: Minimum of 3000 × 3000 pixels (perfect square). Maximum of 6000 × 6000 pixels.
  • File Formats: JPG or PNG only.
  • Color Space: sRGB format. CMYK files will fail ingestion and are automatically rejected.
  • Resolution: 72 DPI minimum (300 DPI recommended).
  • File Size: Under 300 MB.
  • Content Restraints: Text must match metadata exactly. Artwork must not be blurry, pixelated, cut off, or contain pricing, website URLs, email addresses, phone numbers, barcode graphics, social media icons, or logos of music stores/DSPs.
  • AI Disclosure: Users must disclose the extent of generative AI used in their artwork (categorized as No AI, AI-assisted, or Entirely AI-generated).

2.3 Metadata & Editorial Requirements

All textual metadata must align with standard editorial guidelines:

  • Emojis & Special Symbols: Emojis, emoticons, or special characters are strictly prohibited in titles, artist names, track names, or lyrics. This is an absolute requirement for Apple Music and Spotify compliance.
  • Metadata Integrity: Titles and artist names must use standard spelling, title casing, and accurate grammatical casing. Generic names, keyword stuffing, or using generic search terms (e.g. "Relaxing Music", "Lo-Fi Beats") is prohibited.
  • Identifiers: Releases must have valid UPC (Universal Product Code) and ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) numbers. DoorBeen will generate and assign these codes for free if you do not have your own.
  • Copyright Attribution: Valid dates and legal owner names must be provided for both the C-Line (Composition Copyright) and P-Line (Phonographic Recording Copyright).

3. Rejection & Resubmission Process

DoorBeen's internal quality assurance team and DSP ingestion teams verify all releases for compliance with this policy. Under Section 4.6 of the Terms of Service:

  • If a release is rejected due to a failure to meet technical specifications, editorial guidelines, or prohibited content policies, the artist is solely responsible for correcting the issues and resubmitting the release.
  • No refunds of subscription fees or other charges will be provided on account of content rejection, delayed distribution, or release removal.

4. Link to Royalty & Payout Policy

Any royalties accrued, held, or generated by releases that violate this Content Policy (particularly regarding streaming fraud, artificial manipulation, or copyright infringement) are subject to immediate withholding and forfeiture under the terms of the Royalty & Payout Policy. You are advised to review that document to understand the financial consequences of non-compliance.