Replacing an audio file after delivery

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Once a release is delivered to a DSP, the DSP will NOT allow you to change the audio file unless BOTH of the following are true:

  1. You are replacing the file because of a technical issue (crackle, silence, etc.)
  2. AND the duration of the new audio file is very close to the duration of the old file. Different DSPs have different criteria for this, but a good rule of thumb is that if the new file is more than 2 seconds different in duration, your update may be rejected by the DSP. If your audio is more than 2 seconds different and you do not have time to wait and see whether the DSP(s) will accept your update or not, use Solution #2 below.

Solution 1: your audio replacement meets the above requirements

You can replace your audio following these steps:

  1. Go to the release with the track.
  2. Edit the release.
  3. Select the track whose audio file you want to replace.
  4. Find the Replace Audio option near the waveform.
  5. Upload your new audio file.
  6. Once your file has finished uploading, save your release.
  7. Redistribute your release to the DSP(s).

Solution 2: your audio replacement does NOT meet the above requirements

If you need to change the audio file because you uploaded the wrong audio file from another track, or if your new audio file is more than 2 seconds different in duration, then you will need to do the following:

  1. Create a new release with the new audio file.
  2. Reuse the same ISRC if that is indeed the correct ISRC for the track.
  3. Do NOT use the same UPC as your previous release.
  4. Once your new release is created, deliver it to the DSP(s).
  5. Wait 48 hours (or for Apple, wait 6 days) and then take down your old release. The reason to wait is to ensure that the new release has time to link to the old one so that it can replace the old one in DSP users' favorites, playlists, etc. If you really want to remove the old release faster than that, go ahead. If your new release doesn't track-link with the old one, you can always open a support ticket later on.