Release Status Lifecycle in Velveteen
Updated June 12, 2026
A release starts in DRAFT. Velveteen can submit DRAFT or REJECTED releases into PENDING review, then the release moves through later review, processing, delivery, or takedown states depending on what happens next.
Use status to understand what kind of action is available. Draft releases can be edited freely. Submitted and processing releases are controlled by review and delivery workflows.
Common release states
DRAFT
The release is still being built and can be submitted when ready.
REJECTED
The release can be fixed and submitted again.
PENDING
The release passed submission checks and is waiting for Velveteen review.
PROCESSING
The release is in the delivery pipeline.
DELIVERED
Delivery has completed in Velveteen's pipeline.
PENDING_TAKEDOWN
A takedown path has started and is waiting for processing.
What changes at submission
The submit endpoint only accepts DRAFT or REJECTED releases. When checks pass, Velveteen updates the release state to PENDING, clears feedback, and locks the release.
Velveteen also locks the linked tracks, so the submitted package does not drift after review starts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I submit a PROCESSING release?+
No. The submit endpoint only accepts DRAFT or REJECTED releases.
What does PENDING mean?+
It means the release passed the user-side submission checks and is now in Velveteen review.
Why did my tracks lock?+
Tracks lock when the release is submitted because they are part of the submitted package.
Is DELIVERED the same as live everywhere?+
DELIVERED means the Velveteen delivery pipeline completed. Individual store visibility can still vary outside Velveteen.
Related articles
Submitting a release
The readiness gate before review: subscription, artist approval, dates, tracks, credits, artwork, label approval, and fraud declarations.
What is a release?
The package Velveteen sends to stores: single, EP, or album, with tracks, artwork, dates, label metadata, and credits.
Pitch status & lifecycle
Draft → submitted → approved → delivered, plus needs work and rejected paths.