What Release Types Are Available on HyDistro and How Do They Work?

When distributing music through HyDistro, you need to select the appropriate release type for your music. The available release types are Single, EP, Album, and Compilation.

Each release type serves a different purpose, depending on the number of tracks you are releasing, how the project is structured, and how the artists should be credited.

This guide explains each release type, when to use it, and what to consider before submitting your music.

1. Single

A Single is a release containing between 1 and 3 tracks. It is commonly used to release an individual song or a small release centered around one main track.

When should you choose Single?

Choose Single when you want to release:

• One standalone song.
• A song alongside an instrumental or alternate version.
• A song with a few alternate versions or additional tracks that fit within the single format.

Examples

• One track: Midnight
• Two tracks: Midnight and Midnight (Instrumental)
• Three tracks: Midnight, Midnight (Acoustic), and Midnight (Instrumental)

How does it work?

When you submit a Single, you provide the release information and upload the audio file or files for the tracks included in it. You will also supply the required artwork, artist credits, and other metadata.

The release shares details such as its title and cover artwork, while each track has its own title, audio file, and track-level information.

Important: A Single can contain up to three tracks. If you are planning to release a larger project, choose the appropriate format instead.

2. EP (Extended Play)

An EP is a multi-track music release that sits between a Single and a full-length Album. It is suitable for artists who want to release a small collection of songs as one project without presenting it as a full-length album.

When should you choose EP?

Choose EP when you want to release:

• A short collection of original songs.
• A small themed project with several tracks.
• A collection of songs that belong together as one musical project but is not intended to be a full-length album.

Example

An artist releases a project titled New Beginnings containing several original songs recorded during the same creative period. The artist wants the songs to appear together as one project rather than as separate releases.

An EP is an appropriate format to consider for this type of project.

How does it work?

An EP is submitted as one release containing multiple tracks. You provide the shared release details, including the project title and cover artwork, and then supply the relevant information for each track.

Each track can have its own title, audio file, artist credits, and other applicable metadata.

Important: Streaming platforms may apply their own rules when classifying releases as Singles, EPs, or Albums. If a platform’s classification differs from your intended format, its displayed category may not always match your selection.

3. Album

An Album is a larger or full-length music project released as one body of work. It is commonly used for projects containing a collection of songs intended to be experienced together.

When should you choose Album?

Choose Album when you want to release:

• A full-length studio project.
• A substantial collection of original songs.
• A project with multiple tracks arranged in a particular listening order.
• A cohesive body of work that you want listeners to experience as one release.

Example

An artist prepares a project titled The Journey containing a collection of original songs. The songs form one complete project and are intended to be released together.

An Album is the appropriate format to consider for this type of release.

How does it work?

An Album is submitted as one release containing all the tracks included in the project. The album shares its release-level information, such as the title and artwork, while each track has its own audio file and track-level metadata.

You can also enter different featured artists and other relevant credits for individual tracks where necessary.

For example, an album may contain several songs by the same primary artist, with different guest artists appearing on different tracks.

Important: Do not select Album simply because you want to include several songs. Consider the nature of the project and the classification rules applied by the streaming platforms.

4. Compilation

A Compilation is designed for projects featuring multiple primary artists across different tracks. It is particularly useful for labels, collectives, and projects that bring together music from several artists.

Unlike a conventional album credited to one main artist, a compilation can contain tracks where different artists receive the primary artist credit.

When should you choose Compilation?

Choose Compilation when you are releasing:

• A collection of songs by different artists.
• A label project featuring multiple artists on separate tracks.
• A various-artists project or music collection assembled around a common theme.
• A project where the primary artist credit changes from one track to another.

Example

A label prepares a project titled The Next Wave with the following track credits:

• Track 1 — Artist A
• Track 2 — Artist B
• Track 3 — Artist C
• Track 4 — Artist D

Each track has a different primary artist, but all the tracks belong to the same release.

A Compilation is the appropriate format to consider for this type of project.

Can I assign different primary artists to different tracks?

Yes. HyDistro supports assigning different primary artists to individual tracks on a Compilation release, subject to your subscription plan’s artist limitations.

This is useful when you manage multiple artists or are releasing a project featuring several performers who each need their own primary artist credit.

For example, you can assign Artist A as the primary artist for Track 1 and Artist B as the primary artist for Track 2, rather than applying the same primary artist to every track.

Which plan do I need?

The ability to manage multiple artist profiles and the availability of compilation releases depend on your subscription plan.

• Free: Supports one artist profile.
• Starter: Supports one artist profile.
• Pro: Supports two artist profiles and includes compilation releases.
• Label: Supports up to five artist profiles and is designed for labels and artist collectives.

Review the current plan details on the HyDistro Pricing page before starting your upload. If you need to manage more artists, you can review the available options on the Upgrade page.

Important: Artist profile limits and release-type availability are related but distinct. Choose the plan that supports your intended artist setup before submitting your release.

Understanding Release-Level and Track-Level Information

Regardless of which release type you choose, it is important to understand the difference between information that applies to the entire project and information that applies to individual tracks.

Release-level information

This is information shared by the release as a whole, such as:

• Release title.
• Cover artwork.
• Release date.
• Record label.
• Other applicable release-level metadata.

Track-level information

This is information specific to each song, such as:

• Track title.
• Audio file.
• Primary artist and applicable additional artist credits.
• ISRC.
• Explicit content status.
• Other applicable track metadata.

For a Single, the release and track information are closely related. For an EP or Album, the shared release information applies to the project, while each song retains its own track information. A Compilation follows the same principle but allows primary artist credits to vary across tracks when supported by your plan.

How Do I Choose the Correct Release Type?

Use the following guide when deciding which format to select.

Release type	Best suited for
Single	One to three tracks
EP	A shorter multi-track project
Album	A full-length music project
Compilation	A project featuring multiple primary artists across tracks

If you are unsure, consider both the structure of your project and how you want the artists to be credited. A project featuring guest artists is not automatically a Compilation. If one artist remains the main artist and others appear as guests, an ordinary Single, EP, or Album may be more appropriate.

How to Upload Your Release on HyDistro

Once you have decided on the correct release type:

1. Sign in to your HyDistro dashboard.
2. Open the Upload a Release page.
3. Select the appropriate release type.
4. Enter the required release information and add your track details.
5. Review the artist credits and other metadata carefully.
6. Complete the remaining upload steps and submit your release for review.

Before submitting, make sure the selected release type matches your project and that all artists are credited correctly. Incorrect artist assignments or release information may require correction during the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I release a Single now and release the same song again as part of an Album later?

Yes, you can submit a song as a Single and subsequently include it in an Album. When doing so, ensure the metadata is correct and check the applicable ISRC requirements if you are reusing the same recording.

Can an Album contain tracks featuring different guest artists?

Yes. An Album can contain different featured artists on individual tracks. You do not necessarily need a Compilation simply because the guest artists change from song to song.

Is a Compilation the same as a collaboration?

No. A collaboration can involve two or more artists working together on one song or project. A Compilation is intended for a collection featuring multiple primary artists across tracks. Choose the format that reflects the structure and artist credits of the release.

Which plan should I choose if I manage multiple artists?

Review the artist profile limits and features of each plan on the HyDistro Pricing page. If you manage several artists and need more extensive artist-management capabilities, the Label plan may be more suitable.

Where can I upgrade my plan?

Visit the HyDistro Upgrade page to review your available upgrade options.

Final Recommendation

Choosing the correct release type helps ensure that your project is submitted with the appropriate structure and artist credits.

Use Single for one to three tracks, EP for a shorter multi-track project, Album for a full-length project, and Compilation when your project features multiple primary artists across different tracks.

Before submitting, review your track details, artist assignments, and subscription plan to make sure everything is set up correctly.

Start your upload at Upload a Release, or visit HyDistro Pricing to compare plans.