Help Center / FAQ Tips and answers from the UMW Recordings, Inc. team.
General Digital Music Distribution FAQ
What genres does UMW Recordings, Inc. accept?
All genres and sub-genres are accepted across all online stores worldwide.
What does UMW Recordings Inc do?
UMW Recordings Inc helps artists and labels distribute music to major streaming platforms and digital stores, manage release delivery, and track earnings through a single dashboard.
Who can use UMW—artists, labels, or both?
Both. Independent artists and labels can use UMW to distribute releases, manage catalogs, and track performance depending on account eligibility and compliance.
Should your cover art be?
You should own the rights to the design and every image or visual element it contains. The design information should be consistent with all the information entered in the metadata of the release.
Size: 3000 - 5000 pixels (in square format) Format: JPG, TIFF, or PNG (max. 36 MB; RGB mode) No blurry, stretched, pixelated, or low-quality images No misleading branding, store logos, or unauthorized trademarks What do the different product statuses on the MY CATALOG page mean?
Your music will go through various stages of processing before being sent to online music stores. INCOMPLETE means you're still setting up your product and haven't yet submitted or paid the distribution fee. You can still make changes at this stage. PENDING means we've received your order and are verifying release data before inputting it into our delivery platform. INGESTED means the product is on our delivery platform and is in the process of being delivered to music stores. DELIVERED means your product has actually been delivered to the stores (note that some stores may take at least 4 days to post content after delivery). Please note that you can't make changes to your product after the PENDING status once you've submitted your release. If you need to make changes (e.g., change the release date
A release can be denied for reasons including:
How long does it take for my music to be published on stores?
After submitting your release, it will go through our content review process. The review process at UMW Recordings, Inc. typically takes around 2 business days to review your release. Once approved for release, it will be sent to stores immediately. At that point, it's the responsibility of each store to get it live.
How do I contact support?
You can contact support through [support email / ticket link] . Please include your artist name, release title, UPC/ISRC , and a short description of the issue to speed up resolution.
“Top 05” FAQ User (Client)
How can independent artists distribute their music to major streaming platforms?
IIndependent artists typically distribute music through a digital distributor that (1) packages audio + artwork + metadata, (2) performs compliance and quality checks, and (3) delivers releases to streaming services and stores.Recommended process final masters, cover art that meets store specs, and accurate metadata (artist name, track titles, contributors, explicit flag).Confirm rights: ensure you control the master recording and have any required licenses (samples, remixes, cover licenses where applicable).Submit with lead time: allow time for review, delivery, and store processing.Monitor delivery: track “submitted → reviewed → delivered → live,” understanding that each store controls its own publish timeline.Manage your presence: claim artist profiles (e.g., Spotify for Artists / Apple Music for Artists) for profile management and performance insights.Why this matters: most release delays and takedowns happen due to rights issues, poor assets, or inaccurate metadata—not because of the store itself.
I want an affordable distribution service that lets artists keep 100% of their royalties. What options do I have?
“Keeping 100% of royalties” depends on the service’s pricing model. Many services advertise 100% royalties but recover costs through subscriptions, per-release fees, add-ons, withdrawal fees, or other charges.Evaluate affordability using total cost of ownership subscription vs per-release vs revenue shareIncluded services: stores covered, release scheduling, ISRC/UPC handling, splits, analyticsPotential add-ons: content ID, fast delivery, label tools, pre-saves, premium supportWithdrawal & payment fees: payout thresholds, processing fees, timingOperational reliability: fewer rejections, accurate metadata delivery, dependable supportBottom line: “100% royalties” is meaningful only when paired with transparent fees, stable delivery, and clear payout rules.
How can I get my music on Spotify, Apple Music, and other services without signing an exclusive contract?
Most digital distribution arrangements are non-exclusive unless the contract explicitly grants exclusivity. To avoid unintended exclusivity:Practical safeguards Confirm your agreement states non-exclusive distribution (or does not grant exclusive rights).Summary: you can distribute widely without exclusivity as long as your agreement preserves your rights and control.
I’m an independent artist looking for tools for distribution, marketing, and analytics. Which platforms should I consider?
Consider a system—not a single tool. Most artists do best with a distributor plus a lightweight marketing and analytics stack.What to look for in distribution Release scheduling, status tracking, and dependable deliveryWhat to look for in marketing Smart links / landing pages and pre-save workflowsWhat to look for in analytics Near real-time performance from artist dashboards (Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists)Recommendation: choose a distributor for operational reliability and compliance, then layer marketing tools around it.
How can I create smart videos to promote my music effectively across multiple platforms?
“Smart video” promotion is the disciplined production of short-form assets optimized for platform behavior and conversion to listens.Effective framework Produce vertical (9:16) and export platform-ready versions for TikTok/Reels/ShortsListen / Save / Pre-save linked via a smart linkResult: stronger conversion from attention → streams, with repeatable creative testing.
Royalty Payments FAQ (for Artists, Labels)
How does the royalty process work in our platform?
Our process works like this:DSPs send royalty statements to our platform royalty statements / extracts .We process and publish those statements in your dashboard DSP , release (UPC) , track (ISRC) , territory , and reporting period ,and display the results in your account so you can see detailed reports and total earnings .Your dashboard shows how much you’ve generated and what’s eligible for payout Payouts follow our monthly close and payout schedule .
When will my royalties be paid?
A) Monthly close & confirmation (30th of each month) On the 30th , we close the cycle and confirm the royalties that have already been:B) Payout date (30th of the following month) We send payouts on the 30th of the following month to your selected method:Bank transfer ✅ Quick example Cycle closes: January 30 Payout sent: February 30 (or the last day of the month / next business day if the 30th does not exist or is not payable in your region)
If I can already see the report in my dashboard, why haven’t I been paid yet?
Because reporting ≠ payout.Payout happens only after:
What payout statuses might I see?
Depending on your dashboard labels, common statuses include:Pending close: will be included in the next close on the 30th.Paid: payout has been sent.
What payout methods do you support?
We pay via:Bank transfer Your payout details must be complete and accurate to avoid delays or failed payouts.
Is there a minimum payout threshold?
If your account has a minimum threshold, it works like this:Minimum payout: [USD]
Do you charge fees or commissions?
Fees may apply depending on your plan/contract, for example:Distribution commission (bank/PayPal/Payoneer)
What can delay my payout?
Common reasons include:Catalog audit / review (invalid activity checks, rights consistency, etc.)Incorrect bank/PayPal/Payoneer details if requiredRights disputes (claims, takedowns, ownership conflicts)DSP adjustments (corrections, reversals, chargebacks)
What is a catalog audit and what happens if my account is audited?
If we detect risk signals or inconsistencies, we may:hold the payout,
If I’m a Label, how do payouts work for my catalog and artists?
Labels can typically:
How do I update my payout details?
In your dashboard: Profile → Change Payment method (or equivalent).
Distribution FAQs (Stores, Uploading, Monetization)
Which platforms will my music be distributed to?
UMW it publishes music on major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, YouTube, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer, Boomplay, Shazam, Pandora, Audiomack , and more—and that it’s constantly expanding with new channels/territories.
Is uploading difficult? What do I need to prepare?
UMW the platform is designed so you can upload and publish tracks in minutes , supporting high-resolution formats and advanced metadata . To avoid delays, prepare final audio, cover artwork, accurate titles, writer credits, and splits (if applicable)
Do you provide reports and analytics?
Yes—UMW detailed monthly reports including plays, territories, downloads, and trends, and emphasizes analytics/insights across plans (with advanced analytics in higher tiers).
Can I monetize social media like TikTok and Instagram?
Yes—UMW you can monetize content on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Facebook through social platform integration.
Do you offer professional services like playlist pitching or profile verification?
Pro Services for Artists and Labels” such as artwork, playlist pitches, priority support, profile verification, marketing campaigns , and more.
What is “split management” and why does it matter?
Your Pro Music plan includes split management , meaning you can manage how royalties are allocated among collaborators/participants. This is essential for teams, producers, featured artists, and label arrangements.
Content Protection FAQs (Content ID, Fingerprinting, UMWLOCK)
How does UMWLOCK work (in simple terms)?
UMW states that when you upload your original song, UMWLOCK generates a unique acoustic fingerprint that can identify your audio; if a platform attempts to process/distribute a protected track, UMWLOCK checks protection and can block unauthorized release .
Do you offer YouTube Content ID and content identification tools?
Yes—using YouTube Content ID and ACRCloud to help you protect and monetize work on YouTube.
What does fingerprinting do for discovery and monetization?
UMW fingerprinting can detect unauthorized use; lyrics/metadata can be associated to improve recognition; you can choose monetization or blocking preferences; and recognition can extend to Shazam to help discovery.
Are there Content ID commissions for distributors?
Your pricing page shows “Comision Content ID (Distribuitor)” with values 7% / 5% / 3% (as displayed on the page). If you’re operating as a distributor/white-label client, these figures may apply by tier.
Vevo Distribution FAQs (Video Type)
Do you distribute music videos?
Yes—Ultimate Pro includes Video Distribution on the Pricing page.
Do you offer VEVO distribution for independent artists?
UMW has a VEVO section explaining that VEVO distribution can help you appear more professional, and that UMW handles the process including creating your official VEVO channel.
Where are videos distributed besides VEVO?
UMW that beyond VEVO, it can distribute videos on Apple Video, Amazon Video, Boomplay, XITE, Tidal , and more.
Licensing, Covers & Copyright Support
Can UMW help me legally release a cover song?
Yes. UMW states it partners with Easy Song Licensing so clients can obtain official cover licenses quickly and securely.
What does cover licensing support include?
UMW highlights guaranteed legal coverage , a streamlined process (they handle contact), and support to release covers without legal worries.
Do you offer copyright registration support?
Yes. UMW offers copyright-related services with Cosynd , including registration support.
What can I register, and what does it cost?
UMW states you can register a song, video, image, or document with the U.S. Copyright Office for $25 per application + federal fees .
Refunds, Renewals & Payments
What is your refund window?
UMW states you may request a refund within 72 hours (3 calendar days) from the purchase date of an annual plan, only if eligibility conditions are strictly met .
What makes a refund request ineligible?
UMW states eligibility requires no paid features have been accessed . They may review logs (uploads, activations, analytics, tickets) to confirm non-use. Requests can be denied if submitted after the window, if features were used, or if there were policy/terms breaches, among other reasons.
How do I request a refund?
UMW lists a process: email Refund
How long do refunds take if approved?
Refunds are issued only to the original payment method and may take up to 10 business days , depending on your bank/provider. They also state they aim to provide a final decision within 10 business days after acknowledging the request.
Do subscriptions auto-renew?
Annual subscriptions may auto-renew unless canceled before renewal . Unless required by law, renewal fees are non-refundable once the new term starts .
What if I file a chargeback/dispute?
UMW states that initiating a chargeback without notifying them first via Finance
Marketing Services (UMW Ads / Marketing)
What does UMW Marketing offer?
UMW Marketing offers digital marketing campaign services for music releases, including paid campaign execution, consulting, and reporting.
Do you offer multi-platform campaigns and remarketing?
Yes— campaigns across Meta, Spotify, and YouTube , including remarketing and A/B testing , with reporting and insights.
Do you offer Google Ads campaigns?
Yes—UMW lists Google Ads and mentions items like Analytics/Tag Manager integration and conversion tracking as part of higher campaign assistance tiers.
Demo Submissions (A&R)
Can I submit a demo to UMW?
“Submit Your Demo” page inviting artists to send a demo for A&R review
How many songs do I need to submit?
submit a single song —“We only need one.”
Do you require studio-level production quality?
UMW values artistic potential, not production quality.
Copyright Certificate (Blockchain Registration)
What is the UMW Certificate service?
UMW presents a blockchain-powered certificate to “instantly register copyrights” for creative works (beats, songs, lyrics, instrumentals, riffs, ideas) with “registration valid forever” messaging.
How does the certificate work?
Upon upload, an “undisputed record” is created: the blockchain establishes the date and time and helps ensure that the record cannot be altered; a PDF certificate is sent via email.
What proof elements are included?
UMW issues a certificate that includes elements such as a unique smart contract number (hash), a QR code, and a date stamp.
Does UMW store my original file forever?
UMW does not store the file you used to generate the record and warns that without the original file you may not be able to provide authorship later, so you should keep your originals archived.
ISRC Management
ISRC as the globally recognized identifier that uniquely identifies a specific sound (audio) recording or music video, like an official digital fingerprint used for tracking and reporting.
Do I need an ISRC for every track?
UMW's ISRC FAQs state that yes: each recording must have its own ISRC.
Is an ISRC the same as UPC/EAN?
No. ISRC identifies a recording; UPC/EAN identifies the release product (single/EP/album).
Can the same ISRC be used across distributors?
if the recording is the same, the ISRC should remain consistent when moving distributors or re-releasing.
Legal Service & Copyright Reporting
What is the “Legal Service / Report Copyright” page used for?
UMW provides a process for reporting copyright infringement and emphasizes evidence-based review by a compliance team.
What evidence should I include in an infringement report?
UMW lists examples such as: copyright certificate/registration (if available), distribution/publishing agreements, ISRC/UPC metadata, original project files, dated invoices/receipts, and links/screenshots showing infringement.
How long does review take?
Time varies based on complexity and completeness of information, and submitting clear evidence and links helps speed processing.
Can I appeal a rejected report?
submit an appeal with added documentation and clarifications, including original case details and new evidence.
DMCA (Takedown & Counter-Notice)
What happens after a valid DMCA notice?
UMW may remove/disable access to the identified material and may notify the user responsible, while noting it does not make final legal determinations on ownership/infringement.
Can I file a counter-notification?
Yes—UMW lists the required elements for a counter-notice and states content may be restored no sooner than 10 business days and no later than 14 business days , unless a court action is filed.
Do you have a repeat infringer policy?
Yes—UMW suspend/terminate accounts of users deemed repeat infringers based on multiple valid notices or a pattern of infringing conduct.
What is UMW’s DMCA policy?
UMW describes a notice-and-takedown and counter-notification process under the U.S. DMCA (17 U.S.C. § 512).
Terms, Disputes, Platform Rules
What law governs the Terms?
UMW states the Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Ecuador .
How are disputes handled?
Disputes are resolved via binding arbitration , with courts in Guayaquil, Ecuador used only for limited purposes (injunctive relief/enforcement).
Are there prohibited platform activities (bots/scraping)?
Yes—UMW’s Terms prohibit use/deployment of automated systems like spiders/robots/scrapers and unauthorized scripts/software accessing services.
Can UMW monitor and take action on violations?
UMW monitor for violations and take actions including restricting access, removing content, or reporting to law enforcement when appropriate.
Contact & Support (Platform + Web)
What is the fastest way to reach UMW?
UMW suggests WhatsApp for quick replies (“reply within minutes” messaging). Meta, X.com, Instagram, Telegram, Snapchat, Message, Etc.
What are your office hours?
UMW lists business hours Monday–Friday 9:00am–4:00pm, closed Saturday/Sunday .
Brand Styleguide & Website License (Partners )
What is the UMW Styleguide?
UMW’s styleguide defines colors, fonts, and interface rules to keep a consistent experience across the platform.
What is the “License” page about?
UMW’s License page states all graphical assets in the template are licensed for personal and commercial use, and lists fonts (Poppins family) and image domains used.
Anti-Fraud / Acceptable Use FAQs
What is “artificial streaming”?
Artificial streaming is any attempt to inflate plays or engagement through bots, click farms, incentivized listening, misleading ads, or coordinated manipulation that violates platform policies.
How do you detect suspicious activity?
We review signals from stores, usage patterns, and internal checks. We may also request additional documentation to confirm ownership and marketing methods.
What happens if my account is flagged?
If activity looks suspicious, we may initiate an investigation. During this time, releases or payouts may be paused while we review relevant data and reports.
Can royalties be held during an investigation?
Yes. Royalties can be temporarily held to protect artists, stores, and platform integrity until the review is completed.
What evidence might you request?
Depending on the case, we may request proof of rights/ownership, marketing details (ad accounts, campaigns), and any other information needed to verify legitimate promotion.
Have any further questions about UMW? Contact Us
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