← Back to Music Video Distribution

What You Need Before You Submit

Your Finished Video File

• Format: MP4 (H.264 or H.265 codec)
• Resolution: Minimum 1080p (1920×1080). 4K is recommended for Tidal and Apple Music Video.
• Aspect ratio: 16:9 (horizontal only — vertical/portrait is not accepted)
• Frame rate: 24, 25, or 30 fps
• Audio embedded in video: AAC codec, 320kbps+, stereo
• Minimum duration: 60 seconds
• Max file size: 5GB

Thumbnail Image

• Minimum 1280×720 pixels (16:9)
• JPG or PNG format
• No platform logos, URLs, or misleading content
• Should clearly represent the artist and song — editorial teams use this to evaluate placement

Release Already in Your Catalog

Your video must be attached to an existing audio release. Have your release ID or song title ready so you can locate it in your dashboard.

Metadata

• Official video title (usually the song title — avoid "official video" or "official music video" in the title itself)
• Your artist name, exactly as it appears on your audio release
• ISRC code (same as your audio track — OneSync links these automatically)
• Release date: when you want the video to go live on platforms

Step-by-Step: Submitting Your Music Video

Expected Delivery Times

• YouTube Music: 1–3 business days
• Tidal: 5–10 business days
• Apple Music Video: 5–10 business days

Submit at least 3–4 weeks before your target go-live date to allow time for editorial review on Tidal and Apple Music.

Pre-Release Video Strategy

Releasing a music video alongside or shortly after your audio release is a proven way to extend your release campaign. Here's how to plan it:

Option 1: Same-Day Release

Set your video release date to match your audio release date. Your video will appear on platforms the same day fans first hear the track — high momentum, unified campaign.

Option 2: Delayed Video Drop (1–2 weeks after audio)

Release the audio first to build anticipation, then drop the video 1–2 weeks later for a second wave of engagement. Many independent artists use this to extend their release campaign without additional music.

Option 3: Video-First (Pre-Save Campaign)

Submit your video and audio simultaneously, with a future release date. Build a pre-save campaign around the video teaser. This is the approach most likely to get editorial placement on Tidal and Apple Music for a major release.

Pre-Submission Checklist

• Video exported as MP4 (H.264 or H.265)
• Resolution is 1080p or higher, aspect ratio 16:9
• Audio embedded at 320kbps+ AAC, stereo
• File size under 5GB
• Video is at least 60 seconds long
• Thumbnail image ready (1280×720+, no platform logos)
• Audio release already live in your OneSync catalog
• ISRC matches your audio track
• Release date set at least 3–4 weeks out (if targeting editorial)

Troubleshooting Common Rejections

"Resolution too low"

Re-export your video at 1920×1080 minimum. If your source footage was shot in lower resolution, you may need to upscale — most video editors (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut) can do this, though native 1080p footage always looks better.

"Audio codec not supported"

Re-export your MP4 with AAC audio selected in your video editor. Avoid exporting with MP3 or PCM audio embedded — these are rejected by most platforms.

"Video aspect ratio not accepted"

All submitted videos must be 16:9 (horizontal). If your video was shot vertically (9:16), add letterboxing to make it 16:9, or use a horizontal version if available.

"File size exceeds limit"

Reduce bitrate in your export settings. For 1080p, a bitrate of 8–16 Mbps keeps quality high while staying well under 5GB for most video lengths. For 4K, 25–40 Mbps is typical.