TuneCore Release Rejected or "Needs Action": How to Fix It
Updated 2026-10-21 · 5 sources
Short answer
A Needs Action or Denied status means TuneCore's Content Review team flagged something. Find the email from contentreview@tunecore.com, make the requested changes, then reply to that email. TuneCore only re-reviews and delivers the release after your reply.
What the statuses mean
TuneCore's help center defines Needs Action as a denial because something needs updating. Check your email or release tracker for what to change, then reply to the email so the release can be re-reviewed [1]. If you can't find the message, contact contentreview@tunecore.com with your UPC and release title [2].
Formatting rules behind most flags
- Artist names must be exactly the same across every release, and they're case-sensitive. Put each artist in its own field, with no extra information such as instrument, former band, or surname-first order [3].
- Don't add "EP" to the title. Stores decide whether a release is an EP. Apple, for example, labels 4–6 tracks under 30 minutes as an EP [3] [5].
- Multiple version references: put the first in (parentheses) and any later ones in [brackets], e.g. "Love Letter (Live Version) [Radio Edit]" [3].
- Live recordings end with "(Live)". TuneCore warns that iTunes will flag the release otherwise [3].
- Karaoke and tribute releases must not credit the original artist in the artist field [3].
Audio and embedded metadata
TuneCore says stores don't accept embedded metadata and that embedding it may cause delivery issues. Use plain WAV files: TuneCore recommends 24-bit/192 kHz stereo and also accepts 16-bit/44.1 kHz [4].
Examples
| Instead of | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Colorful [Deluxe Version] | Colorful (Deluxe Version) | The first version reference goes in parentheses (TuneCore example). |
| Love Letter (Live Version) (Radio Edit) | Love Letter (Live Version) [Radio Edit] | Second and later references go in brackets. |
| Cunningham, John | John Cunningham | First name before last name. |
| Slash (of Guns N' Roses) | Slash | No former band or other extra information in artist names. |
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FAQ
How long does TuneCore take to re-review?
TuneCore says its Content Review team replies within 24 business hours when you contact them about a flagged release.
Can I capitalize my titles however I like?
TuneCore says it no longer auto-formats capitalization, but Apple can still adjust releases to meet its own formatting rules. Apple's style guide asks for title case in English and bans all caps, all lowercase and random casing.
Why does my one-track single have "- Single" added on Apple Music?
Apple labels 1–3 songs under 10 minutes each as a single and adds "- Single" automatically. You don't need to type it.
Related guides
Sources
- TuneCore Help: Release Statuses
- TuneCore Help: My release was flagged by TuneCore's Content Review Team
- TuneCore Help: How should I format my album title, track title, and artist name?
- TuneCore Help: Uploading Audio Files
- Apple Music Style Guide 2.4 (Apple)
Platform rules change. Each rule above is attributed to the company or standard that published it, as checked on 2026-10-21. This guide is not legal advice.