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How to show that you have rights to use a beat on Distro

Updated over 2 weeks ago

To distribute songs through Distro, artists must prove they have the legal right to use any uploaded beat. This helps protect your music, avoid takedowns, and ensure full compliance with streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.


Choosing the Correct Instrumental Source

When submitting a release, you'll see a required field called "Instrumental Source." You must select one of the following options:

1. Non-Exclusive License

  • You purchased a license to use a beat that other artists can also use.

  • This is common when buying from marketplaces like BeatStars, Airbit, or Traktrain.

2. Exclusive License

  • You are the only artist with the right to use the beat.

  • Typically acquired by negotiating directly with the producer for full rights.

  • If you created the beat yourself, select either option and explain this in the next step.

Note: If the beat was created using AI, do not choose a license type. Select "Created with AI" instead.


Uploading Proof of Rights

After selecting the instrumental source and clicking Continue, you’ll be asked to verify your rights. You’ll need to provide one or both of the following:

✅ Acceptable Proof Includes:

  • A PDF license document or receipt from BeatStars, Airbit, etc.

  • A contract or email agreement with the producer

  • A link to a beat clearly labeled as free for commercial use

  • A written statement that you created the beat

  • A reference to a free use policy from the producer's website

Use the provided text field to explain your situation or drop a link.


⚠️ Using Beats Without Rights May Lead to Suspension

Using a beat without permission — even unintentionally — can result in your release being removed or your account being suspended.

Examples that violate the policy:

  • A YouTube beat that says “free for non-profit use only”

  • A beat downloaded from TikTok, Instagram, or SoundCloud without a license

  • An AI-generated beat labeled as a license instead of “Created with AI”

  • A beat made from sample packs that don’t allow commercial use


Still unsure if your beat qualifies? Reach out to our support team— we’re happy to help you get it right.

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