Submit a Release for Distribution in Velveteen
Updated June 12, 2026
When Release Readiness shows All set, click Submit for Review on the release page. Confirm the rights checkbox in the dialog, then submit. Velveteen requires an active paid plan for independent users, runs server-side validation again, sets the release to PENDING, clears feedback, and locks the release and every linked track.
Submit for Review is the handoff from your draft work into Velveteen review. It is not the same as store delivery or editorial pitching.
Before the button enables
DRAFT or REJECTED only
Submit for Review appears only in editable pre-review states.
Release Readiness
All validation errors must be cleared.
Paid subscription
Independent accounts need an active paid plan. Managed label users inherit the label plan.
Editor permission
You need editor or admin permission on the release unless you are a platform admin.
Managed label accounts
Managed sub-users on a label may need label approval before they can use Submit for Review. That path moves the release to PENDING_LABEL_APPROVAL until a label manager approves it back to DRAFT.
After label approval, the same readiness and Submit for Review flow applies.
What changes on submit
- 1
State becomes PENDING
The release leaves DRAFT or REJECTED and enters Velveteen review. - 2
Release locks
locked is set to true and prior feedback is cleared. - 3
Tracks lock
Every linked track is locked with the submitted package. - 4
Notifications send
Velveteen emails the submitter and notifies admins about the submitted release.
Frequently asked questions
What checkbox must I confirm?+
The Submit for Review dialog requires you to confirm you own or have licensed all content and rights in the release.
Can I edit after submitting?+
Not like a draft. Submitted releases are locked while Velveteen reviews them.
What if submission returns subscription_required?+
Start or restore a paid plan from Billing, then submit again.
Does submit deliver to Spotify immediately?+
No. Delivery happens later when the release moves through review and processing states.
Related articles
Check readiness
The Release Readiness panel on a DRAFT release: issue count, jump links, auto-fixes, and the checks behind Submit for Review.
Submitting a release
The readiness gate before review: subscription, artist approval, dates, tracks, credits, artwork, label approval, and fraud declarations.
Release status lifecycle
What the release states mean, when tracks lock, and why submitted releases cannot be edited like drafts.
Billing & subscriptions
Choose a plan, start Stripe checkout, manage your subscription, update payment methods, and view invoices.
Label users & approvals
Label plan team management, label admins, managed artists, and the release approval gate before submission.