Frequently Asked Questions

What is Daystar Distro?

Daystar Distro is a music distribution platform for independent artists. Upload your music, manage your releases, and track what you earn from it all in one place.

Do I need an account before I upload?

Yes. You need an account to start a release. All artists must complete their artist profile and upload an artist image before they can submit their first release.

What is the First-Release Readiness?

Before your first release, complete your artist profile and upload an artist image. This helps Daystar send your music to the right artist pages on streaming platforms and stores. Wrong artist details can delay your release or send your music to the wrong profile.

Can I keep using Daystar if I have released elsewhere before?

Yes. You can release new music with Daystar or move older releases when you control the rights and release details. For re-releases, choose "Re-release" during upload and enter the original UPC and ISRC codes.

What are the current plan prices?

Nova: One-time pay-per-release pricing. Single $5.99 (1-2 tracks), EP $12.99 (3-6 tracks), Album $19.99 (7-25 tracks). You keep 80% of net royalties.

Orion: Founders pricing of $29.99/year (regularly $39.99/year) for unlimited uploads while active. You keep 100% of net royalties while Orion is active.

Priority Delivery: Included for free on the Orion plan. Available as an optional +$24.99 add-on per release on the Nova plan.

Is Nova a subscription?

No. Nova is pay-per-release with no recurring annual fee for the plan itself. You pay only when you are ready to drop music.

What happens if Orion is not renewed?

Your music is not taken down on either plan. If Orion is not renewed, your active releases stay live and your account moves to Nova.

When can I request a refund?

No refunds are offered at this time, unless there is a mistake on our part. Contact support@daystardistro.com to discuss. Once a release has been finalized and submitted for review/distribution, fees are non-refundable.

Can I release on Nova then upgrade to Orion?

Yes. Releases keep the plan they were submitted under. If you release on Nova and later upgrade to Orion, that Nova release stays on Nova.

How long do approved refunds take?

Approved refunds are typically returned within 5-7 business days to the original payment method.

How do I upload music on Daystar Distro?

First create your account, then set up your artist profile. Once your profile is complete, go to Upload and follow these steps:

1. Package: Choose Single, EP, or Album. Nova users can opt for Priority Delivery.
2. Type of Release: Brand New Release vs. Re-release (moving your catalog from another distributor).
3. Release Info: Title, Version, and Primary Artist name.
4. Genre & Rights: Choose genre, copyright lines, and language.
5. Setup: Add release setup details.
6. Cover Art: Upload artwork and complete the mandatory AI disclosure.
7. Audio Upload: Upload audio files (WAV or FLAC).
8. Track Details: Match audio files, add track details, contributors, and lyrics.
9. Release & Platforms: Set release date, time, and timezone. Apple Digital Masters (ADM) selection, and select distribution platforms.
10. Review/Submit: Check your release details, confirm your rights, and submit.
11. Payment/Submit: Complete Payment and submit release (Nova Users).

You can check your release status from your artist dashboard.

Daystar keeps the upload process simple so you can get your music submitted without a long, confusing form.

What is the delivery timeline?

We work to get your music moving quickly, but stores can still cause delays. Daystar cannot guarantee an exact live date on every platform.

Daystar usually begins final review within 24-48 hours after payment and/or submit.

Standard Delivery: Typically 7-14 business days. (Free on Nova and Orion). We do our best to get your music released as soon as possible, but keep in mind that the stores also need time to process your music.

Priority Delivery: Typically 3-5 business days. (Free on Orion, +$24.99 on Nova).

For scheduled releases, submit 4-6 weeks ahead when you can. That gives stores more time and gives you a better shot at playlist pitching and rollout planning.

Which platforms are supported?

We deliver worldwide to major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Audiomack, Boomplay, TikTok, Meta (Instagram/Facebook), Snapchat, and iTunes. Song recognition is included too.

Where do I see release status?

Use your artist dashboard to check where your release stands. Status labels include: Submitted, In Review, Needs Edits, Processing, Delivered, Pending Live, Live, Takedown, and Problem.

Can Daystar guarantee an exact live date on every platform?

No. We work to get your music in stores quickly, but platform timing can vary.

Do I keep ownership of my music?

Yes. You keep 100% ownership of your music, recordings, and publishing. Daystar Distro acts solely as your distributor.

How are royalties handled?

Nova: You keep 80% of net royalties.

Orion: You keep 100% of net royalties while your Orion plan is active.

What that means: Net royalties are what Daystar actually receives after store fees, platform deductions, adjustments, taxes, fraud removals, artificial streaming removals, and similar issues.

When are payouts sent?

Royalties are reported quarterly. Once your payable balance reaches at least $25, you can request a payout.

Can I request takedowns?

Yes. You can request a takedown from the dashboard or by contacting support. Once Daystar sends it out, stores usually take 2-14 business days or longer to remove the release.

What audio files are accepted?

WAV or FLAC format only. Compressed MP3/AAC formats are not accepted. The minimum audio quality is 16-bit/44.1 kHz (stereo), though 24-bit/48kHz or higher is highly recommended.

What are the cover art requirements?

Use a square JPG or PNG in RGB color space. Dimensions must be at least 1000x1000 pixels (3000x3000px is highly recommended). The image must not contain contact info, social handles, website links, pricing, or platform logos.

Do I need to disclose AI-generated artwork?

Yes. Apple Music and other stores require artists to disclose AI-generated cover art. Select the AI disclosure checkbox during the Cover Art step to avoid delays or rejection.

Are UPC and ISRC codes provided?

Yes. Daystar automatically generates valid, industry-standard UPC and ISRC codes for your releases at no extra charge. Alternatively, you can enter your own codes if you are moving releases from another distributor.

What is required for Apple Digital Master (ADM)?

If your tracks have been mastered by an Apple-approved engineer and conform to ADM standards, select the ADM checkbox in the Release & Platforms section during upload. You will need to provide the mastering engineer's name and verification email during upload.

What can cause a release delay or rejection?

Common issues include artwork with unsupported text/logos, poor audio quality, artist-name mismatches, incorrect UPC/ISRC codes for re-releases, or missing AI disclosures for artwork or music.

Which legal pages should I review?

Review our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Distribution Agreement before submitting releases.

How do I contact support?

Email support@daystardistro.com. Please include your registered account email and any relevant release titles for assistance.

How do I make a privacy or deletion request?

Email privacy@daystardistro.com for privacy or deletion requests. You can also request account deletion from your artist profile page.