Question 1

What is SSO Gateway?

Accepted Answer

SSO Gateway is SSO Artists Entertainment’s distribution and catalog-management platform for artists, labels, and eligible enterprise clients. It is used to submit music and supported media, manage metadata, monitor release status, configure royalty splits, and access plan-dependent distribution tools. Not every tool is enabled on every account. Some products require a paid plan, a separate add-on, account eligibility, or a Support-assisted request.

Question 2

Which plan do I need to distribute music?

Accepted Answer

For standard music distribution, choose an Artist subscription for ongoing releases or the Single Release option if you only need one release. Label plans are intended for teams managing multiple artists, while Enterprise is for larger catalogs, custom workflows, API use, and negotiated requirements. Separate products such as Music Videos, Podcast Distribution, AI Assistant, and ARDnDeX tools are not automatically included with every core distribution plan.

Question 3

Does paying for a plan guarantee every feature or delivery option?

Accepted Answer

No. A plan determines the products and workflows your account can access, but some services are still eligibility-reviewed, invite-only, capacity-limited, territory-dependent, or subject to a store’s own acceptance rules. If a feature is visible in SSO Gateway, that means you may be able to submit the asset or request. It does not always mean a DSP will accept, attach, display, or process that feature.

Question 4

Where can I compare SSO Gateway plans?

Accepted Answer

Open the Plans & Pricing page to compare artist, label, video, podcast, AI, and professional-tool options. If you need a custom catalog workflow or an unusually large roster, contact SSO for an Enterprise review.

Question 5

I have a Music Videos plan. Can I automatically distribute every music video?

Accepted Answer

Music video delivery is eligibility-reviewed. A Music Videos plan provides access to the applicable SSO Gateway video workflow, but account approval and content eligibility may still be required before delivery is enabled or accepted. If video distribution is not available on your account, submit a Support ticket with your artist roster, channel/profile links, recent video examples, and expected release volume. Approval is not guaranteed.

Question 6

How do I get bulk upload access?

Accepted Answer

Bulk catalog ingestion is not enabled for every account by default. It is intended for approved high-volume label and enterprise workflows and may require an account review before activation. Contact Support with a representative sample of the catalog metadata you plan to import and an estimate of your release volume. SSO may request corrections to the sample before enabling bulk delivery. Use UTF-8 CSV or another SSO-approved bulk format. Keep asset URLs directly retrievable when the bulk format requires remote assets. A clean sample file speeds up eligibility and formatting review.

Question 7

Is podcast distribution included with music distribution?

Accepted Answer

No. Podcast Distribution is a separate product in SSO Gateway. It includes podcast-focused workflows such as RSS feed management, episode distribution, artwork, and supported transcript features.

Question 8

Are ARDnDeX professional tools included in my artist plan?

Accepted Answer

No. ARDnDeX is a separate professional-tool subscription for advanced DDEX, metadata, payload, normalization, validation, and delivery analysis workflows.

Question 9

Are the AI marketing and EPK tools included?

Accepted Answer

AI marketing, EPK, social-copy, and related generation tools are tied to the AI Assistant product unless your account agreement states otherwise.

Question 10

How do I upload a release?

Accepted Answer

Use the Upload workflow in SSO Gateway and complete the release type, core metadata, validation, credits, and file steps. Before submission, review the final checklist carefully because the submitted metadata is used for delivery and content review. For the cleanest launch, upload well before your intended release date and attach any rights documentation that could otherwise delay review.

Question 11

What counts as a single, EP, album, or compilation?

Accepted Answer

As a general rule, a single is usually 1–3 shorter tracks, an EP is usually 4–6 tracks, and an album is generally 7 or more tracks. Store rules can also classify a release based on total duration, track history, or the number of primary artists. A compilation can be triggered by multi-artist structures or catalog configurations that stores classify differently from a standard artist album.

Question 12

What audio files should I upload?

Accepted Answer

For distribution masters, use lossless audio whenever possible. SSO Gateway is designed around high-quality WAV workflows, and some submission paths also accept other common audio formats. A strong default is stereo WAV at 24-bit and 44.1 kHz or higher. Do not convert a low-quality lossy source to WAV just to change the file extension, because that does not restore lost audio quality.

Question 13

What should my cover artwork look like?

Accepted Answer

Use high-resolution square artwork, ideally 3000 × 3000 pixels, in a standard RGB image format. Artwork should accurately represent the release and should not contain content you do not have permission to use. Avoid misleading branding, unauthorized logos, copyrighted film or television stills, unlicensed celebrity imagery, URLs, social handles, or metadata that conflicts with the release title or artist information.

Question 14

How do I reduce the chance of my release landing on the wrong artist page?

Accepted Answer

Whenever SSO Gateway asks for an existing artist profile, provide the exact profile for that artist instead of relying only on the artist name. Exact Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Meta, SoundCloud, or other supported profile references help stores disambiguate artists with similar names. Store mapping is ultimately controlled by each platform, so even correctly supplied identifiers can occasionally require a follow-up mapping request.

Question 15

Can I choose which stores receive my release?

Accepted Answer

Where the upload flow provides store selection, you can include or exclude supported destinations before publishing. Availability can vary by content type, territory, rights configuration, and account eligibility.

Question 16

Can I limit a release to specific countries or territories?

Accepted Answer

If territory controls are available for your release type, you can use them to define where you hold distribution rights. Only select territories where you are authorized to exploit the recording and any underlying rights.

Question 17

Do I need my own ISRC or UPC?

Accepted Answer

You can provide existing identifiers when they should be preserved, especially during a catalog transfer. When supported by your plan and workflow, SSO Gateway can assign identifiers for new releases. Reuse an existing ISRC only for the same underlying recording. A remix, live recording, acoustic version, re-recording, or materially different master generally needs a new ISRC.

Question 18

Can I submit lyrics?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SSO Gateway supports lyric-related deliverables in supported workflows. Plain lyrics, time-synced lyrics, and advanced formats are not handled identically by every DSP, and display timing can vary after delivery. Submitting a lyric file does not guarantee that every platform will display synchronized lyrics. Some lyric products, formatting services, or downstream updates may require a separate plan, eligibility, or Support follow-up.

Question 19

How does release review work?

Accepted Answer

After you publish a release, SSO reviews the submission for metadata quality, audio and artwork issues, rights-risk signals, credits, identifiers, and destination requirements. A release can be approved, sent back for revision, or held for additional documentation. Review time is not the same as store ingestion time. After SSO accepts and delivers a release, each destination still processes the content on its own schedule.

Question 20

How long does it take for my music to go live after review?

Accepted Answer

After a release passes SSO review and is delivered, major services often ingest content within several days, but every store has its own processing and moderation schedule. One store may be live while another is still ingesting the same release. Typical post-delivery estimates are roughly 24–48 hours for Spotify, 24–72 hours for Apple Music/iTunes, 1–3 business days for TIDAL, 3–7 business days for Amazon Music, Deezer, Pandora, and YouTube Music, and about 2–5 business days for initial YouTube Content ID processing. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Question 21

How early should I submit a release?

Accepted Answer

For the safest release-date planning, submit at least 2–4 weeks ahead. Extra lead time protects against rights-documentation requests, metadata corrections, store ingestion delays, artist-page mapping issues, and optional marketing or editorial workflows. A release submitted close to its target date may still be delivered, but SSO cannot guarantee that every selected destination will be live by that date.

Question 22

What do my release statuses mean?

Accepted Answer

Draft means the release is still being prepared. Pending or review-related statuses mean the release has been submitted and is being evaluated or queued. Needs Documentation means additional rights or identity evidence is required. Delivered means the release has been sent to destinations. Live means at least one destination has made the release available. A takedown-related status means a removal request is being processed. A Live status does not necessarily mean every selected store is live yet.

Question 23

Why does SSO Gateway say Live if I cannot find the release everywhere?

Accepted Answer

Platforms do not ingest releases simultaneously. Live can reflect that at least one selected destination has processed the release while others are still pending. Allow the destination’s normal ingestion window before opening a ticket.

Question 24

What happens if my release is approved after the release date?

Accepted Answer

The release can begin appearing as stores finish ingestion. A past release date does not force every service to publish instantly, so late approval can result in staggered availability.

Question 25

Can I edit a release after it has been delivered?

Accepted Answer

Many metadata corrections can be requested after delivery through the release-management or Support workflow. Common editable fields can include titles, artist information, genre, release date, identifiers, and other metadata depending on the destination. Major stores often reflect accepted edits within about 1–3 business days, while smaller services can take a week or longer. Some changes cannot be applied in place and may require a takedown and re-delivery.

Question 26

How long does a takedown take?

Accepted Answer

After SSO processes a takedown, stores commonly remove content within roughly 2–7 business days, but the exact timing is controlled by each platform. Some smaller or slower destinations can take longer. If a release remains available after about two weeks, open a Support ticket with the release identifier and the specific store URLs that are still live.

Question 27

What does Needs Documentation / Needs Docs mean?

Accepted Answer

Needs Documentation means SSO needs additional evidence that you are authorized to distribute, monetize, credit, or visually represent something in the release. The release is paused from normal delivery until the issue is resolved. Common triggers include audio that matches an existing recording, samples or loops, non-exclusive beats, copyrighted artwork, well-known artist names, cover songs, remixes, label claims, or other rights signals. Submit clear agreements, licenses, waivers, invoices, or written permission. Make sure the document identifies the relevant work and rights holder. Use the Support ticket flow if additional documents are requested after submission.

Question 28

Why was my audio flagged even though I made the song?

Accepted Answer

Automated rights matching can detect similarities to recordings already in global databases. Legitimate reasons include licensed samples, purchased loops, non-exclusive instrumentals, previously released versions, catalog transfers, or another rights holder registering the same audio. Provide the clearest documentation you have showing where the audio came from and what commercial rights you were granted.

Question 29

Can I distribute a song that contains samples?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you have the rights required for the sampled recording and composition. A cover-song license is not a substitute for sample clearance. If a sample is detected or disclosed, SSO may request supporting documentation before delivery.

Question 30

Can I release music made with a leased or purchased beat?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes, if the license grants the distribution and monetization rights you need. Keep a copy of the beat license, receipt, and any terms that identify the producer, recording, usage limits, and whether the rights are exclusive or non-exclusive. Non-exclusive beats can be valid for streaming distribution but may be ineligible for certain automated rights-enforcement products such as Content ID.

Question 31

Why do I need proof for a well-known featured artist?

Accepted Answer

High-profile artist names and credits create elevated impersonation and rights risks. SSO may require a signed collaboration agreement, side-artist agreement, label/rights-holder waiver, or direct written authorization before delivery.

Question 32

Can artwork trigger a documentation request?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Film/TV stills, celebrity photos, brand logos, trademarked designs, or other copyrighted visuals can require proof of permission. If the image is original, commissioned, licensed, or public domain, be ready to explain and document its source.

Question 33

Can I distribute a cover song?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the underlying composition must be properly licensed where required. SSO may ask for the license before approving the release. Cover licensing is different from sample clearance. A cover recreates a composition; sampling uses part of an existing sound recording.

Question 34

Can I distribute AI-generated or AI-assisted music?

Accepted Answer

AI-assisted content can be reviewed for distribution when it does not infringe or imitate protected work and you have the rights necessary to release it. Fully generated content may receive additional scrutiny. SSO cannot guarantee acceptance on every destination because platform policies for synthetic and AI-generated media continue to differ. Content designed to impersonate another artist or copy protected material can be rejected.

Question 35

How do I claim my Spotify for Artists page before my first release?

Accepted Answer

Once Spotify has ingested the upcoming release and an artist URI exists, an eligible artist may be able to claim the profile before release day. If you need help locating the URI or confirming the mapping, open a Support ticket. Profile claiming itself is completed through Spotify for Artists and remains subject to Spotify’s verification process.

Question 36

When can I claim Apple Music for Artists?

Accepted Answer

For a new artist, the Apple Music artist page generally needs to exist publicly before it can be claimed. After the first release is live, use Apple Music for Artists to request access and manage the profile.

Question 37

My release is on the wrong artist page. Can SSO fix it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, SSO can help submit or route mapping corrections for supported platforms. Open a Support ticket with the release URL, the incorrect artist page, and the correct artist page. The destination platform performs the final remap, so processing time varies and is not guaranteed by SSO.

Question 38

Why is my YouTube release on a Topic or Release - Topic channel?

Accepted Answer

YouTube can initially place delivered Art Tracks on automatically generated topic structures while it resolves artist metadata. Mapping to the final artist topic channel can take additional time, especially for new artists or ambiguous names.

Question 39

Can SSO help me request a YouTube Official Artist Channel?

Accepted Answer

For eligible artists, SSO can help route an Official Artist Channel request. You generally need an active artist Topic channel, a music-focused YouTube channel matching the artist identity, and qualifying music content on the channel. OAC approval and processing are controlled by YouTube. These requests can take weeks and are not guaranteed.

Question 40

Can SSO help with artist profiles on Amazon, Pandora, JioSaavn, Anghami, or other services?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Some profile claiming and correction processes are handled directly by the DSP, while others can require a distributor-side request. If the normal artist portal does not solve the issue, submit a Support ticket and include the exact platform and artist URLs.

Question 41

Does SSO provide pre-saves, pre-adds, or pre-orders?

Accepted Answer

Pre-release marketing options depend on the destination, release configuration, account access, and the timing of delivery. Eligible releases may support pre-order, pre-save, pre-add, or release-link workflows, but not every option is self-service on every account. If you need a pre-save or pre-add workflow that is not available in SSO Gateway, contact Support. These requests can be eligibility-reviewed or capacity-limited. If you do not receive immediate confirmation, do not assume the request is approved; it may still be under review or may not be enabled for the account.

Question 42

Can I submit an iBooklet or digital booklet?

Accepted Answer

SSO Gateway may accept booklet assets in supported workflows, but uploading a PDF does not guarantee that Apple or another destination will attach or display it. Booklet eligibility can depend on release type, account access, technical compliance, and destination review. Some booklet deliveries require additional follow-up after the music delivery. Because these are specialized requests, Support may prioritize eligible clients and releases, and availability is not guaranteed until confirmed.

Question 43

Can I deliver Apple Music Motion Artwork?

Accepted Answer

Supported releases can submit Apple Music Motion Artwork when the required asset workflow is available. Apple uses separate square and portrait motion assets and enforces technical requirements for resolution, codec, frame rate, color space, duration, and silent audio. Passing SSO validation does not guarantee that Apple will accept or display the motion asset. Post-delivery changes may require an edit request or Support follow-up. Square: 1:1 asset. Portrait: 3:4 asset. No audio. Use an Apple-supported codec, frame rate, and color space.

Question 44

Does SSO support Apple Digital Masters?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SSO Gateway supports Apple Digital Masters workflows for qualifying masters. You must provide the Apple-approved mastering-house or engineer information required by the workflow, and the supplied master must meet Apple’s technical expectations. Submission does not guarantee the badge will appear immediately. Apple performs its own downstream processing and validation.

Question 45

Can I distribute Dolby Atmos / Spatial Audio?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in supported workflows. Atmos deliverables should be properly authored ADM BWF files and must match the corresponding stereo master in timing and release metadata. Apple Music, Amazon Music, TIDAL, and other services have their own immersive-audio acceptance rules. Automated stereo-to-Atmos conversions or technically invalid files may be rejected.

Question 46

Can SSO help with other specialized Apple Music features?

Accepted Answer

Some enhanced Apple Music deliveries and metadata features can require a Support-assisted workflow rather than a standard uploader field. Availability depends on the feature, catalog eligibility, account relationship, asset quality, and Apple’s acceptance criteria. If the feature is not explicitly enabled in your account, open a Support ticket before planning a campaign around it. Submission or discussion does not guarantee activation.

Question 47

Does submitting a playlist or editorial pitch guarantee placement?

Accepted Answer

No. SSO can provide or route eligible pitching workflows, but editorial decisions are made by the destination, editorial team, or opportunity owner. Pitch submission never guarantees playlisting, homepage placement, promotion, or a response.

Question 48

Can SSO register releases for charts or certifications?

Accepted Answer

Some chart, award-monitoring, registration, and certification-support workflows can be available to eligible releases or accounts. Registration does not guarantee chart entry, certification, eligibility, or approval by a chart body or trade organization. Contact Support if the option is not visible in your account.

Question 49

Is publishing administration automatically included with distribution?

Accepted Answer

No. Master distribution and music publishing are separate rights businesses. Publishing administration, composition registration, or royalty-collection services require a separate agreement, application, or eligibility review when offered. Contact Support if you want to discuss publishing services.

Question 50

Where can SSO distribute eligible music videos?

Accepted Answer

Approved video workflows can support delivery to major video-capable music destinations such as Apple Music/iTunes, VEVO/YouTube-related endpoints, TIDAL, and other supported services. Exact destinations depend on the account, content, territory, and current delivery capabilities.

Question 51

Who is eligible for YouTube Content ID?

Accepted Answer

Content ID is intended for recordings where you control the exclusive rights needed for automated copyright claiming. Non-exclusive beats, broadly licensed loops, unlicensed samples, cover songs, public-domain material, compilations, or audio already registered by another claimant can be ineligible or create ownership conflicts. Content ID eligibility is separate from simply distributing an Art Track to YouTube Music. SSO may decline or disable Content ID when the rights are not sufficiently exclusive.

Question 52

Why did my own YouTube video receive a Content ID claim?

Accepted Answer

If your recording is enrolled in Content ID, YouTube can match your own uploads too. A standard Content ID claim is not the same as a copyright strike. If you need a channel allowlist, ownership correction, or claim review, contact Support with the channel and video URLs.

Question 53

Can SSO link my music to my Facebook or Instagram profile?

Accepted Answer

For supported releases, SSO can help route profile/song mapping requests when Meta’s normal matching is incorrect. Send Support the release link plus the correct Facebook and Instagram artist/profile URLs. Meta performs the final mapping and processing time can vary.

Question 54

Is Meta Rights Manager the same as putting my song in the Instagram music library?

Accepted Answer

No. Library distribution makes the song available for users to select in supported Meta products. Rights Manager is a separate rights-enforcement and monetization system and generally requires exclusive rights and additional eligibility.

Question 55

Can SSO create my TikTok Artist Account?

Accepted Answer

TikTok manages Artist Account eligibility and claiming. SSO can distribute eligible music to TikTok and help with delivery-related issues, but TikTok controls the artist-account application, verification, and profile features.

Question 56

When will my streaming royalties appear?

Accepted Answer

Streaming services do not report and pay in real time. There is commonly a multi-month delay between a stream or sale and the corresponding finalized royalty report. Reporting timing also differs by DSP, territory, usage type, and accounting period. Estimated or unconfirmed data should not be treated as a final payable balance. Finalized royalties become withdrawable only after the underlying reports and funds have been received and processed.

Question 57

What is the difference between estimated and confirmed royalties?

Accepted Answer

Estimated or unconfirmed royalties are provisional amounts reported before final settlement. Confirmed royalties have progressed through the applicable reporting and payment process and can be included in the available balance, subject to account and payout requirements.

Question 58

How do royalty splits work?

Accepted Answer

Royalty Splits let you assign percentages to collaborators for supported tracks or releases. Make sure the total allocation equals 100% and use the correct collaborator account/email information so the split connects to the intended payee.

Question 59

How long do payouts take?

Accepted Answer

Once earnings are confirmed and eligible for withdrawal, payout timing depends on the selected payout method, banking rails, compliance review, weekends, and holidays. Do not use streaming analytics as a substitute for the confirmed withdrawable balance.

Question 60

Why do SSO analytics differ from my royalty statement?

Accepted Answer

Analytics and royalty accounting are different datasets. Near-real-time analytics can include preliminary usage, while royalty statements reflect monetized usage reported and settled by stores. Filters, time zones, exclusions, fraud adjustments, exchange rates, and reporting periods can also create differences.

Question 61

What happens if a DSP flags artificial streaming?

Accepted Answer

DSPs can remove streams, withhold royalties, issue penalties, restrict releases, or remove content when they identify manipulated activity. SSO may also request information or take account-level action where required by platform rules. Avoid services that guarantee streams, playlists, listeners, or algorithmic placement.

Question 62

How do I know whether to use the uploader or contact Support?

Accepted Answer

Use the uploader for standard release metadata, audio, artwork, credits, and any enhanced asset fields that are directly enabled for your account. Use Support when a feature is not exposed in the upload flow, when a store-specific correction is needed, when additional rights documents are requested, or when the request requires account eligibility. Examples of Support-assisted requests can include profile mapping, some pre-release tools, bulk-upload enablement, specialized Apple features, certain enhanced assets, video eligibility, channel requests, and other account-specific services.

Question 63

If Support does not respond right away, does that mean my request is approved?

Accepted Answer

No. Some requests are high-volume, eligibility-reviewed, invite-only, or available only to specific client groups. Until SSO explicitly confirms that a feature or request is approved, you should treat it as pending. A delayed response can mean the request is still being reviewed, additional information is needed, capacity is limited, or the account is not currently enabled for that service. Do not schedule a campaign around an unconfirmed specialized feature.

Question 64

What information should I include in a Support ticket?

Accepted Answer

Include enough information for the team to identify the exact release, account, and destination without another round of questions. Your SSOID or release identifier. Artist name and release title. Exact store or profile involved. Direct URLs or screenshots when relevant. A concise description of the requested change or feature. Rights documentation if the issue involves samples, beats, artists, artwork, or ownership. Desired release date if timing is important.

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