Question 1

What is the difference between Free, Basic and Pro plans?

Accepted Answer

Free ($0/mo): 1 artist profile, 30% commission, 14-day delivery window, fast review process, ISRC/UPC codes, Spotify verified badge, all major DSPs (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Beatport, Tidal, etc.). Basic ($2.99/mo): up to 3 artist profiles, 0% commission, unlimited releases, YouTube Content ID, PPL collection, song transfer, bot detection, priority review (~1 day). Pro ($4.99/mo): up to 10 artist profiles, 0% commission, custom copyright name, sync licensing, Vevo + Apple Music video distribution, all pitch & creative tools, 24h priority support.

Question 2

What is the difference between Label, Label Software and White-Label SaaS?

Accepted Answer

Label ($8.99/mo): unlimited artists and sub-labels, full WBBT distribution network, YouTube 'Provided to' branding, sync + video, 0% commission. Label Software ($14.99/mo, Coming Soon): full label-management software with custom domain and white-label dashboard, no WBBT branding, no distribution included. White-Label SaaS ($49.99/mo, Coming Soon): full SaaS infrastructure, custom domain, complete white-label, WBBT distribution + YouTube branding included.

Question 3

Can I upgrade or downgrade my plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can upgrade instantly from your dashboard, features unlock immediately. Downgrades take effect at the end of your current billing period. If you downgrade to Free, the 30% commission applies retroactively to streams generated after the downgrade date.

Question 4

Do yearly subscriptions save money?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Basic yearly is $19.99 (44% off), Pro yearly is $34.99 (41% off), Label yearly is $89.99 (16% off). Yearly subscribers also lock in pricing for 12 months.

Question 5

Can I cancel anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes. No lock-in contracts. Cancel with one click from your dashboard. Your music stays live forever, but the free-tier 30% commission applies to streams generated after cancellation.

Question 6

What is YouTube Content ID?

Accepted Answer

Content ID is a fingerprinting system by YouTube. When active, any user-uploaded video containing your music will be automatically monetized with ads, and those earnings will route back to your WBBT balance.

Question 7

How does YouTube Content ID work for paid subscribers?

Accepted Answer

Paid plan subscribers can opt in to YouTube Content ID during the release upload process. However, simply selecting the Content ID checkbox is not enough, each track requested for Content ID inclusion must be manually reported and reviewed by our team. YouTube enforces strict eligibility requirements (no covers, samples, or public-domain works). Once your account reaches a certain trust threshold based on your release history and compliance record, future Content ID submissions will be processed automatically. Free tier users do not have access to Content ID.

Question 8

What is the YouTube 'Provided to YouTube' tag?

Accepted Answer

The 'Provided to YouTube by [Distributor]' line you see in the description of official tracks on YouTube is automatically attached when a song is delivered through a YouTube-approved distributor. By default, songs distributed through WBBT show 'Provided to YouTube by WBBT Records'. On the Label plan and White-Label SaaS, this branding is replaced with your custom label name (e.g. 'Provided to YouTube by [Your Label]').

Question 9

Can I customize the 'Provided to YouTube' label text?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only on Label, Label Software and White-Label SaaS plans. Pro plan customers receive a custom copyright name on stores, but the YouTube 'Provided to' line still references WBBT Records on individual artist plans.

Question 10

Why was my Content ID claim rejected?

Accepted Answer

Common rejection reasons include: the track is a cover or remix of a copyrighted work without proper licensing, contains uncleared samples, uses public-domain audio, or was previously claimed by another rights-holder. Content ID is reserved for original master recordings. If your claim was rejected and you believe it's an error, contact support with proof of ownership.

Question 11

Which digital stores do you distribute to?

Accepted Answer

We deliver to every major DSP worldwide including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora, SoundCloud, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Beatport (full Beatport Pro catalogue for electronic releases), Bandcamp, Traxsource, Shazam, iHeartRadio, Boomplay, Anghami, JioSaavn, Gaana, NetEase, QQ Music, KKBox, LINE Music, Yandex Music, VK Music, Audiomack, Joox, MediaNet, 7digital, Tencent, MelOn, Genie, Bugs, VIBE, Mixcloud, Stationhead, Triller, Snapchat, Resso, Napster, Qobuz, Claro Música, and iMúsica. Pro plan also adds Vevo + Apple Music video distribution.

Question 12

How long does it take for my song to go live?

Accepted Answer

After approval, your music is delivered to stores immediately. Spotify typically takes 2, 5 business days, Apple Music takes 1, 3 days. We highly recommend uploading at least 2 weeks in advance for editorial pitch opportunities. Free tier has a 14-day delivery window. Paid tiers are processed faster.

Question 13

Can I choose specific countries for distribution?

Accepted Answer

Yes. During upload, you can limit release to specific territories or select Global for worldwide availability.

Question 14

Can I edit a release that is already live?

Accepted Answer

You can update textual metadata like track titles and credits. However, you cannot replace the audio file or change the ISRC. To update audio, issue a takedown and submit a brand new release.

Question 15

What do UPC and ISRC mean?

Accepted Answer

A UPC is the universal barcode for your entire release. An ISRC is a unique tracking code assigned to each individual audio track. Both are required to track royalties. If you don't have them, we generate them automatically and free of charge.

Question 16

Can I use my own UPC and ISRC codes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you are migrating previously released music, you can provide your own codes to keep your stats intact. If you leave the fields blank, WBBT will generate free codes for you.

Question 17

What is the best release timing strategy?

Accepted Answer

Choosing 'As Soon As Possible' will push your track live as quickly as stores can process it. Choosing a 'Specific Date' is much better for marketing campaigns, giving you time to pitch your unreleased music to editorial playlists.

Question 18

Can I schedule my release for the future?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can select a date that is at least 7 days in the future. This gives stores enough time to prepare and allows you to set up pre-save campaigns through Spotify for Artists.

Question 19

How do I take down my music?

Accepted Answer

Go to your My Releases page, locate the release, and request a Takedown. Your music will be removed from all associated platforms within 24, 72 hours. Note: takedown requests are only processed if your account has a clear/zero balance (no unpaid promo fees or penalties).

Question 20

When do I receive my payments?

Accepted Answer

Streaming stores report their earnings on a 2, 3 month delay. For example, revenue you generate in January will typically become available in your account around April.

Question 21

What is the minimum payout threshold?

Accepted Answer

The minimum amount required to withdraw your earnings is $30. Once your available balance hits this threshold, you can request a payout via bank transfer.

Question 22

What is your cut of my earnings?

Accepted Answer

Free plan: 30% commission, you keep 70%. Basic, Pro and all Label plans: 0% commission, you keep 100% of your royalties forever.

Question 23

What is PPL UK Publishing Administration?

Accepted Answer

Under our distribution agreement, WBBT Group LTD acts as your worldwide publishing administrator via PPL UK. We collect not only mechanical royalties from Spotify and Apple Music, but also public performance royalties from radio, TV broadcasts, and live venues on your behalf, included on Basic plan and above.

Question 24

How are streaming royalties calculated?

Accepted Answer

Every platform has varying pay-per-stream rates depending on the listener's tier and location. We aggregate funds from all major DSPs (Spotify, Apple Music, Beatport, Tidal, Amazon, etc.), deduct our commission (0% on paid plans), and credit the remainder directly to your artist balance.

Question 25

Do you provide analytical insights?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your dashboard features detailed charts showing total streams, estimated historical earnings, real-time delivery logs, and tracking data pulled directly from Spotify and other major API sources.

Question 26

What payout methods are supported?

Accepted Answer

We process payments via SWIFT for international wire transfers, standard IBAN for European banks, and PayPal depending on your region.

Question 27

Are there any hidden withdrawal fees?

Accepted Answer

WBBT does not charge an internal withdrawal fee. However, all international third-party transfer costs, currency conversions, and routing fees (e.g. Wise, your bank) are deducted from the artist's payout balance.

Question 28

What is WBBT Records?

Accepted Answer

WBBT Records is a next-generation independent record label and music distribution platform headquartered in London, UK. We empower independent artists to release their music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, Beatport (full Beatport Pro catalogue) and every other major DSP worldwide. Pro plan and above also unlocks Vevo + Apple Music video distribution and sync licensing. Founded in 2020 by Burak Can Öğüt, we operate as an official PPL UK Member with full publishing administration capabilities.

Question 29

Is it free to sign up?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Free plan is permanent and has no upfront or hidden fees. We operate on a 30% commission model on Free, dropping to 0% commission on every paid plan ($2.99/mo Basic and above), you keep 100% of your royalties.

Question 30

What does Lifetime Distribution mean?

Accepted Answer

When you distribute through WBBT Records, you never pay annual renewal fees per release. Your music stays in stores forever, even if you cancel your subscription, the original free-tier 30% commission applies but your tracks remain live.

Question 31

What is your Refund Policy?

Accepted Answer

Our core distribution is free. Refunds are only applicable to unused premium add-ons (priority support, promo campaigns) before the service is fulfilled. Accounts terminated due to artificial streaming (bots) or severe copyright infringement forfeit any accumulated balances without refund.

Question 32

How do I get my account approved?

Accepted Answer

After creating an account, you submit a demo track and link your social profiles. Our review team checks every application for authenticity and quality. Free plan goes through a manual fast-review queue. Basic plan gets priority review (~1 day). Pro and Label plans receive 24h priority SLA.

Question 33

What are WUPC and WISRC?

Accepted Answer

These are our internal identifiers (WBBT UPC and WBBT ISRC). While your tracks still receive standard industry barcodes for stores, we use these internal codes for detailed analytics and better support tracking.

Question 34

Can I move my music from another distributor?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. You can migrate your existing catalogue. Enter the UPC and ISRC codes provided by your previous distributor during the upload process to keep your play counts intact. Free song transfer is included on Basic plan and above.

Question 35

How can I reach the support team?

Accepted Answer

Open a support ticket from your dashboard. Our team usually responds within 24 hours. Pro and Label tier subscribers receive 24h priority SLA.

Question 36

Do you have a mobile app?

Accepted Answer

Our platform is fully web-based and optimized for all mobile browsers. A dedicated native mobile application is currently in development.

Question 37

Can I manage multiple artist profiles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free plan covers 1 profile, Basic up to 3, Pro up to 10, and all Label plans support unlimited artists and sub-labels.

Question 38

Do I keep the rights to my master recordings?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. You maintain 100% ownership and copyright control of your music. WBBT Records takes an exclusive license to distribute and collect royalties, but we never take ownership of your IP. On Pro plan and above, you can also display a Custom Copyright Name on every store.

Question 39

What should I do if my music is stolen?

Accepted Answer

If you find your audio uploaded by an unauthorized third party, contact support immediately with proof of original ownership. We will issue formal takedown notices on your behalf.

Question 40

Can I use external audio samples?

Accepted Answer

You may use properly licensed, royalty-free sample packs. Using unauthorized samples from copyrighted songs or movies will result in your release being rejected and potential account termination.

Question 41

Do I need to join a Performing Rights Organization (PRO)?

Accepted Answer

While we collect digital mechanical and sound recording royalties from streaming stores plus PPL UK neighbouring rights, we recommend writers also join a PRO like ASCAP, BMI, or PRS to collect public broadcast performance royalties from radio, TV, and live gigs in your home territory.

Question 42

How do you handle false copyright strikes?

Accepted Answer

If your track gets a strike from a storefront or specific label, we reach out. You can counter the claim by providing original project DAW files or stems. Legitimate counters are upheld, but intentional piracy ends in immediate bans.

Question 43

What audio file format is required?

Accepted Answer

We mandate high-fidelity WAV audio formats. Standard uploads should be 16-bit or 24-bit with a sample rate of 44.1kHz or 48kHz. FLAC and 320kbps MP3 are also accepted but WAV is preferred.

Question 44

What are the rules for cover artwork?

Accepted Answer

Artwork must be perfectly square, measuring exactly 3000x3000 pixels. The graphic must not contain blurry artwork, website URLs, social media handles, QR codes, or pricing text. Nudity or extreme gore is strictly prohibited.

Question 45

Can I use AI to generate vocals or lyrics?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but transparency is mandatory. You must explicitly declare the use of AI tools during metadata submission. Cloning the voices of real artists without written consent is illegal.

Question 46

Why was my music release rejected?

Accepted Answer

Common issues: inconsistent artist names across metadata and cover art, low-resolution images sourced from Google, or severely unmixed studio recordings. A detailed rejection reason will always be provided on your dashboard.

Question 47

What lyrical languages are supported?

Accepted Answer

We support releases in over 50 languages, including English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Turkish, German, French and many more.

Question 48

Are beat tapes or instrumental albums allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Toggle the 'Instrumental' checkbox while building your release. This overrides the store requirement for lyrical writer credits.

Question 49

When must I flag my music as explicit?

Accepted Answer

If your work contains prominent swearing, depictions of violence, or strong sexual themes, it must carry the Explicit flag. Hiding mature content can lead to forced takedowns by family-friendly platforms.

Question 50

What purpose do the AI studio tools serve?

Accepted Answer

Beyond standard distribution, WBBT offers tools for independent creators. The Lyric Generator helps build rhymes, the Pitch Writer creates marketing angles, and the Audio Analyzer detects critical flaws in your master.

Question 51

Can the AI write a Spotify editorial pitch?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our AI Pitch Generator is trained on successful press releases. Enter your track's vibe, target demographic and background, and it outputs a polished pitch ready for Spotify curators.

Question 52

How deep does the AI audio analysis go?

Accepted Answer

When you upload an uncompressed mixdown, the AI scans the frequency spectrum, checks True Peak loudness limits, analyzes stereo width, and provides actionable advice on how to improve clarity before release.

Question 53

Is it OK to use AI-generated cover art?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As long as it meets our 3000x3000 dimensions and doesn't violate terms of service. You can generate art directly through our internal AI Art Studio plugin.

Question 54

If a bot wrote my lyrics, who owns the copyright?

Accepted Answer

Legally, AI cannot hold copyright. You still claim ownership of the final commercial recording. However, platform rules require you to flag AI involvement during metadata submission.

Question 55

What are Teams and Royalty Splits?

Accepted Answer

If you collaborate with producers, featured vocalists or mixing engineers, you no longer need to pay them manually. Teams allow you to set specific percentage splits so revenue is distributed automatically.

Question 56

How do I build a new collaborative team?

Accepted Answer

Navigate to the Teams & Splits section on your sidebar. Click 'Create Team', assign a name, input collaborators' email addresses, and allocate their share of the master percentage.

Question 57

How are mathematical splits calculated?

Accepted Answer

As soon as digital revenue flows in from storefronts, the system runs the calculation against your agreed template (e.g. a 50/50 split) and immediately credits the appropriate amounts to all involved wallets.

Question 58

Am I allowed to create multiple distinct teams?

Accepted Answer

There is no cap on how many teams you can structure. You can maintain one team for your main band members and separate ad-hoc teams for guest features on standalone singles.

Question 59

What if my collaborator does not have an account here?

Accepted Answer

The system emails them a unique invite token. They visit our website, register a free profile, and enter that token to officially link up and monitor their share.

Question 60

Can I retroactively change royalty percentage splits?

Accepted Answer

You can modify team splits anytime, but changes only apply to future incoming royalty batches. Money already calculated and distributed cannot be pulled back or recalculated.

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