Basics for file submissions: a source is mandatory and 1 sub = 1 format

Even more so than physical releases, digital releases due to their very distinct nature are a constant source of confusion on Discogs. They also don't get any attention in the Quick Start Guide For New Contributors (still recommended reading), so many new s just guess at how they should look like.

In order to remedy this omission, here are the relevant bits concerning digital releases extracted from the guidelines, with some extra explanation. Please do note it also helps to read the full guidelines in order to get all other parts of a submission correct.

If you get pinged here, please heed the advice and go back to correct your submissions. Other s are of course free to do so, too, but it's the responsibility of the original submitter to get the basics right first. If you continue not to do so, don't be surprised if at one point votes start to be handed out (on this aspect, see RSG §20.2.5.), which eventually may result in ending up on the Contributor Improvement Program.

If you have been requested to make changes on such submissions and want to have them evaluated, please post here to request votes.

----------

1. Sources

RSG §1.6.2. To provide verification of stand-alone file based releases, please provide a URL to the purchase or location, or some description of how you obtained the files. In other words, how can someone else get this release?

[Please note this also means releases should be able in the first place. Anything streaming - Spotify, Youtube videos, etc. - is NOT eligible for the database.

Links should be added to the submission notes, not to the release notes. Links to external websites in release notes are generally forbidden, see RSG §11.3.]

2. Bitrates

RSG §6.5.2. Bitrates should be entered as "kbps" (note all lower case). This info can go in the free text field. An example is "320 kbps".

[Bitrates in FTF are required for lossy formats such as MP3 and AAC, but should generally not be added to lossless formats such as FLAC and WAV.

The industry standard for the latter formats is 16 bit, 44.1 kHz. Only when bit depth and sample rate fall outside of this range (e.g. 24 bit or 48 kHz) should this be added to FTF, similar to how non-standard appearances of audio carriers are treated (see RSG §6.1.5.).

For lossy formats adding the bitrate is required, but generally these also have standards. For example, Apple/iTunes only sells AAC files and they are almost always 256 kbps. Amazon only sells MP3s and they are almost always variable bit rate, for which the abbreviation VBR can be used.]

3. Quantity

RSG §6.1.2. File based releases should also use the 'Qty' field to list the number of audio files of a specific type in the release. Other file types included on the release should not be counted.

For example:

4 x File, MP3 - for a release containing four MP3s.
1 x File, ogg-vorbis - for a release containing one ogg-vorbis file.
15 x File, AAC
1 x File, WAV - for a release containing 15 AAC files and one WAV file.

[This means one submission should only contain one file format - the one you ed - unless there are different formats in one package. Do not list all formats available anywhere in one sub.

Not:
̶1̶7̶x̶F̶i̶l̶e̶,̶ ̶F̶L̶A̶C̶,̶ ̶M̶P̶3̶,̶ ̶W̶A̶V̶,̶ ̶A̶l̶b̶u̶m̶

But:

17xFile, WAV, Album

Or:

17xFile, MP3, Album, 320 kbps]

5. Credits

RSG §10.7.1 Credits that do not appear on the release can be added only under certain circumstances. The (credible) credit source must be stated in the Submission Notes, and the credit must be labeled with [Uncredited] in brackets after the credit role.

[This means credits from the Bandcamp page are fine to be listed as part of the release. Adding credits for file releases without credits listed on the page should only be done if they are properly sourced.]

6. Formats

RSG §6.10. Album, Mini-Album, EP, Mixtape, Maxi-Single and Single tags should only be used where it is factual.

As with physical releases, formats such as "album" or "single" require a source. One additional issue with digital releases is that certain platforms use this terminology in their own way. For instance, Bandcamp calls every single-track release a "Single" and every multi-track release a "Digital Album", regardless of the artist's or label's intent. These denominations are not a reason to tag a submission as a single or album, an independent source is still required.

----------

Thanks for reading.

Starting off:

Jakdbz20

druchenmusic

Shoud be a STICKY thread.

Awesome 👏 thanks

wearyofwokewussies
Shoud be a STICKY thread.

rdvriese: great work, as usual.

From masssive, please read above guidelines before going on submitting. Thanks

And thanks, rdvriese, of course.

since we will no doubt encounter at least one instance of these per day, if we ping the s here it’ll be a virtual sticky anyway

According to RSG §1.6.2 a link is NOT mandatory, though, as it states "please provide a URL to the purchase or location, or some description of how you obtained the files. In other words, how can someone else get this release?

LolH
According to RSG §1.6.2 a link is NOT mandatory

The new title be more pleasing to digital sensibilities? It's semantics really. The vast majority of s come from a website. Even those s "included" with a physical release usually just come as a Bandcamp redeeming code. The important part is that a URL is required as source. Not just the usual "from Bandcamp, go look it up for yourself".

BaldGhost
since we will no doubt encounter at least one instance of these per day,

Yeah, and succes rate 0% for now. I see it more as a social experiment.

LolH
mandatory

you are correct, but this word did not appear in the original post
oof, sorry, my eyes

rdvriese
[This means one submission should only contain one file format - the one you ed - unless there are different formats in one package. Do not list all formats available anywhere in one sub.]

This part should be considered to be changed. So many services offer different formats just encoded differently for their customers (like Bandcamp for example, others do it as well), and there is no point in having a separate entry for all of them.

I would suggest to change the guidelines and allow for selecting all format types that are available in the same entry.

Discuss...

Good effort rdvriese, bound to bear (some) fruit I suspect.. :)

rdvriese
Even those s "included" with a physical release usually just come as a Bandcamp redeeming code. The important part is that a URL is required as source.

Agreed.

_Locke_
Discuss...

No. If you want to discuss this, open a separate thread. This one is meant for instructing s in the current guidelines as they are rather than inspire them to argue about it.

_Locke_
I would suggest to change the guidelines and allow for selecting all format types that are available in the same entry.

Discussed already. Please open a new thread if you wish, so we don't get distracted here.

rdvriese
The important part is that a URL is required as source.

But a link to this source is not required to be declared in the submission notes, it's just one of the options. I agree it is the best way to do it, but a "description of how you obtained the files" is the minimum that is required.
Telling s that a link is mandatory, when the guideline doesn't actually say that, is incorrect. I get the point you are making, and agree with the principle, so maybe we should be campaigning for a change to the wording in the guidelines?

LolH
I get the point you are making, and agree with the principle, so maybe we should be campaigning for a change to the wording in the guidelines?

Please don't. If I'm receiving a link to a secret, free in an artist newsletter, hosted by wetransfer or a google drive, there's absolutely no reason to require this "secret link" as source. Guideline is fine as is, thanks.

_jules
Please don't. If I'm receiving a link to a secret, free in an artist newsletter, hosted by wetransfer or a google drive, there's absolutely no reason to require this "secret link" as source. Guideline is fine as is, thanks.

Valid point. To be fair, that was kind of a throwaway comment, my issue was more with the inaccuracy of telling people that a url MUST be declared in the submission notes, when that is not what the guideline actually requires.

Gave up with these long time ago to the point of keeping well clear of digital files if I can.
This is a circle you will return to in 3 months time and a battle that 'we' cannot win.

Fix part of the problem once and for all.
Only one File Type should be able to be selected from the choice after choosing Digital file.
if there are other file types in a bundle then its another format line with those tracks added to the track list.
but of course this will have its problems as s will add all formats in separate lines even though they only ed WAV files.

rdvriese
It's getting rather tiresome

Changing due to now being a sticky.

Finally - someone on the other end listening?

Next the system changed so as a can only pick one File Type format from the list after choosing option File please

More Help adding a Digital Release

& how not to do it Digital Format 'File' Errors

Tapesarchives

Please read the original post and fix your submissions.

jlutes

Please read the original post and fix your submissions.

amadeaproductions

Please read the original post and fix your submissions.

datafilemusic, please read the original post and fix your submissions.

You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks

discodamusic

please read the original post at the top of the page and fix your submissions.
ETWB

My sincere apologies for not sticking to the guidelines, i'll correct my submissions right away, thank you for informing me

please read the original post at the top of the page and fix your submissions.
chickparrot

please read the original post at the top of the page and fix your submissions.
screamer2005

Question.
I have recently started ing wav files from HD Tracks. They are often available in multiple bit rates and sample rates. If I was to get the same title in 24 / 192 and 24 / 96, would that be two submissions even though it is the same title from the same source ?

please read the original post at the top of the page and fix your submissions.
csch_x

kurts.ear.candy
Question.
I have recently started ing wav files from HD Tracks. They are often available in multiple bit rates and sample rates. If I was to get the same title in 24 / 192 and 24 / 96, would that be two submissions even though it is the same title from the same source ?

If you a track - that's what you add
FLAC, 48 kHz, 24 Bit
If you another in a different format or rate then it should be a different sub
Not sure but i think WAV file dont need a bit rate in the free text.

Most s are just adding what is available from the source - even though they only have one file format, or they are too lazy to add all formats they have to separate submissions

misterbluesky
please read the original post at the top of the page and fix your submissions.
ArthurZim
DJARMZ
connieescircus
Kalito477
Jigglz
screamer2005

Good evening, first of all, thanks for explaining to all of us the basic concepts, taking into the guidelines established by Discogs, we will update the information of each release already provided previously.

rdvriese, thank you for clearly summarizing the special requirements for digital releases.

Inviting Pianomand.

misterbluesky
You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks

bluemariner
girlskull
dellalonga
citric_acid
TheOuterEdge
rsolnegro
alexander_at_the_sea
knamf
waxghost
TSIOF
bunkraudio
discodamusic

Thank you!

You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks
walkingnoriko
Capitals First Letter Each Word for the Artist, Title, Label And Track List please

You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks
darkelkante

OK here's an unusual case.

There are MP3 and WAV versions of Various - In Death's Dream Kingdom

I have both s, and my files include the 'vinyl only bonus track'. Of course I could add these as new subs - the problem is that I can't where I got them from. The existing subs don't include track 26.

Can't be Bandcamp or Beatport as those listings don't include it. There's a possibility that I was emailed links directly from the label but I honestly don't know for sure.

So what do I do?

IbLeo
rdvriese, thank you for clearly summarizing the special requirements for digital releases.

Inviting tjelly (Klaus Kjellerup) to read the top entry, referring to our recent discussions in the submission notes of Skrål ... ! and Pianomand.

Haven't we agreed on stating the file format that our company is delivering? I asked our mixerman The Orchard recieves the files they are set to be able to all the musicshops who then converts the files to whatever format they need - Apple is fx. using AAC, I am told.

And also - the files are able for subscription s on Spotify and I guess in most other musicshops.

tjelly
As per top post do This
with the rest of your Files

You did it yourself, I see :)

MatteoCandura see post at the top of the page
also Capitals First Letter Each Word for the title and track list please
see basic guideline 5
remove featuring credits from the track names - add them as credits below the tracks

remove weblinks from notes - add them a shown

You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks
michaelkeane2010

Got it, will fix the submission. Thanks.

misterbluesky
If you a track - that's what you add
FLAC, 48 kHz, 24 Bit
If you another in a different format or rate then it should be a different sub
Not sure but i think WAV file dont need a bit rate in the free text.

At HD Tracks, there are many different bit rates and sample rate combinations for wav files and they are priced based upon resolution. One album can be available in the following rates simultaneously:
24 bit / 192 khz
24 / 96
24 / 48
24 / 44.1
16 / 96
16 / 48
16 / 44.1
to name a few of the choices, there are also more that have very odd sample rates, all priced differently.

To call them all wav files is technically correct, but misleading as they are not all sonically the same. So even with this information, ignore it and just call them wav files and forget about the rest ?

kurts.ear.candy
files and forget

Wav files are entered - as Wav - some s add the rates. It would seem pointless to add 7 entries for a Wav file with different rates. But we document….

Somewhere along the forum line one has stated – add them separate – there’s been a for & against & the majority has been as we have it, everyone else has followed, staff have agreed & guidelines have been created.

Not foreseeing the mess that is today.. Something has to give & right now its the OP and countless others.

kurts.ear.candy
I have recently started ing wav files from HD Tracks. They are often available in multiple bit rates and sample rates. If I was to get the same title in 24 / 192 and 24 / 96, would that be two submissions even though it is the same title from the same source ?

Yes, those should be separate submissions.
Also, for any lossless file (wav, FLAC, etc.): if it's different than 16 bit and/or 44.1 kHz, then that info should be added to the free text field.

misterbluesky
Thanks for the hint and the submission examples, very much appreciated.
Submission amended according to the guidelines.

misterbluesky
please read the original post at the top of the page and fix your submissions.
musik416
Andid97
HominisCanidae
galacticrecordings
ianmariano
Filaturesrecords
chickparrot

ThankS

You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks
trcd

hi, what is it? thanks!

As this has now become a sticky thread (which was never really my intention), I've edited out the most ranty parts of the OP so it looks a bit more welcoming to any well-meaning new contributors who happen to stumble unto it or are pointed towards it :)

You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks
EthixSkeptro

rdvriese
As this has now become a sticky thread (which was never really my intention), I've edited out the most ranty parts of the OP so it looks a bit more welcoming to any well-meaning new contributors who happen to stumble unto it or are pointed towards it :)

https://discogs.sitiosdesbloqueados.info/es/release/25870828-The-Deepshakerz-Over-U?utm_campaign=submission-activity&utm_source=relationship&utm_medium=pm
https://www.traxsource.com/title/272859/over-u

dj_jormi
hi, what is it? thanks!

Read the top post & fix your submissions, thanks
all these to fix
https://discogs.sitiosdesbloqueados.info/search/?type=all&format=wav+mp3&submitter=dj_jormi

Okay, thanks! I put links to Bandcamp, Spotify and iTunes/Apple Music to the submission notes. That's ok right?

mastamove
Okay, thanks! I put links to Bandcamp, Spotify and iTunes/Apple Music to the submission notes. That's ok right?

& only one file type please example- Syntheses
Mastamove* – SYNTHESES
Format:
16 x File, WAV, Album, Stereo

also SYNTHESES = Synthesis
Capitals First Letter Each Word for the artist title and track list please
see basic guideline 5

remove external weblinks from notes

misterbluesky
dj_jormi hola, que es? ¡Gracias!

Lea la publicación principal y corrija sus envíos, gracias
a todos por corregir
https://discogs.sitiosdesbloqueados.info/search/?type=all&format=wav+mp3&submitter=dj_jormi

added all links d

misterbluesky
mastamoveOkay, thanks! I put links to Bandcamp, Spotify and iTunes/Apple Music to the submission notes. That's ok right?

& only one file type please example- Syntheses
Mastamove* – SYNTHESES
Format:
16 x File, WAV, Album, Stereo

also SYNTHESES = Synthesis
Capitals First Letter Each Word for the artist title and track list please
see basic guideline 5

remove external weblinks from notes

OK.
Changed SYNTHESES to Syntheses
Used just one file (WAV)
Capital first letter each word for tracklist was already ok
Removed weblinks (only link to bandcamp)

Can't i add links to spotify and itunes?

Thanks for your

dj_jormi
added all links d

read all of the requirements at the top
Voices Of Africa
T.U.S.O.M. Recordings USM045 3xFile, MP3, WAV 2011 Spain
=
T.U.S.O.M. Recordings USM045 3xFile, WAV 2011 Spain
Only add one file / submission
add separate/new submission for the MP3 files

mastamove
Can't i add links to spotify and itunes?

add a 'source' for
provide verification of stand-alone file based releases, please provide a URL to the purchase or location, or some description of how you obtained the files. In other words, how can someone else get this release?

[Note this also means releases should be able in the first place. Anything streaming - Spotify, Youtube videos, etc. - is NOT eligible for the database.]

misterbluesky
mastamoveCan't i add links to spotify and itunes?

add a 'source' for

Fixed (hopefully)

mastamove
Fixed (hopefully)

to fix

https://discogs.sitiosdesbloqueados.info/search/?type=all&format=wav+mp3&submitter=mastamove

misterbluesky
dj_jormi agregó todos los enlaces descargados

lea todos los requisitos en la parte superior
Voices Of Africa
T.USOM Recordings USM045 3xFile, MP3, WAV 2011 Spain
=
TUSOM Recordings USM045 3xFile, WAV 2011 Spain
Solo agregue un archivo/presentación
agregue una presentación separada/nueva para los archivos MP3

thanks mate, i change all release, & fixed. check you, but i think alright.

sorry and thanks

A message for
davimikelg

Please see the original post and fix your subs.

You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks
allisonics

thanks have updated the release

You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks
detomasso

dupe post..

misterbluesky
dupe post..

Hello. https://zvonko.link/skylights - is this link ok as a verification link or do you need separate links to Spotify / Apple Music etc?

misterbluesky
You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks
NNYz
motherfather
StereoDelay
pieterjan_ another ping
manuel.knapp also See basic guideline 5
deskaimusic also See basic guideline 5
FranticDav also See basic guideline 5
detomasso

Updated ;)

screamer2005
a verification link

screamer2005
a verification link

as above first post
RSG §1.6.2. To provide verification of stand-alone file based releases, please provide a URL to the purchase or location, or some description of how you obtained the files. In other words, how can someone else get this release?

[Note this also means releases should be able in the first place. Anything streaming - Spotify, Youtube videos, etc. - is NOT eligible for the database.]

misterbluesky
screamer2005a verification link

screamer2005a verification link

as above first post
RSG §1.6.2. To provide verification of stand-alone file based releases, please provide a URL to the purchase or location, or some description of how you obtained the files. In other words, how can someone else get this release?

[Note this also means releases should be able in the first place. Anything streaming - Spotify, Youtube videos, etc. - is NOT eligible for the database.]

Thank you. All requested changes of source & file format were done.

screamer2005
Thank you. All requested changes of source & file format were done.

55 to fix, thanks
https://discogs.sitiosdesbloqueados.info/search/?type=all&format=wav+mp3&submitter=screamer2005

You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks
mr.pmn

misterbluesky
You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks
dj_jormi
NativeMusic
aforalephrecords
berigarec
mikelmakala,
dimihayabusa
MATHYK
bassuraaj
gastoncespedesp
kaurg
pieterjan_
foxpuppy
noxinabox
Musikmann233
phluxliner
core-v1
Danilo_Bajocchi
trcd

Thanks tho you can get it on
https://berigarecordings.bandcamp.com/album/drive
https://berigarecordings.bandcamp.com/album/the-best
and archive.org!

I'll fix my subs....bit confused with only the one file format per sub....so I'm only gonna do wav (Bandcamp offers all options but I grab wav)

berigarec
Thanks tho you can get it on

nope - you need to fix all your submissions

example for you Drive

Should I provide the link in the viewable remarks or in the remarks about the changes?

Because it says in the rules for the additional information, that external links are forbidden.

e.no
misterbluesky, thanks for the info here. I think you're referring to this release: https://discogs.sitiosdesbloqueados.info/release/25900885-Magnetic-Field-Sorry-the-Hedgehog-Remix/
There is a source for mentioned in the submission notes. Also, the remix artist's name (concerning all uppercase) is correctly spelt with a lower-case 'the', hence the title of the record/track also features it in lower-case.

use Discogs guidelines not bandcamp

the = The

add only one file format

use Worldwide for digital

Please read top post and guideline links - you have other digital files with more than one file format to correct

nofuncle
I'll fix my subs....bit confused with only the one file format per sub....so I'm only gonna do wav (Bandcamp offers all options but I grab wav)

That's perfect, just submit what you ed.

misterbluesky
You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks
trilambda
cumslegborenail
razerhide
dius_alien
djme77
djpastorrock
MC_Lars - wrong track positions, Capitals First Letter Each Word, Wrong cat number, no link
Sommernacht15
rsolnegro 2nd ping
_Mindlink_
NativeMusic 2nd ping
allisonics

Should I provide the link in the viewable information or in the information about the changes?

Because it says in the rules for the additional information, that external links are forbidden.

Sommernacht15
Should I provide the link in the viewable remarks or in the remarks about the changes?

example First Sounds (International Edition)
you have no source for , added one for you

too many file format - only choose one

as with file amounts normally you would add as 12 x file

misterbluesky
Sommernacht15Should I provide the link in the viewable remarks or in the remarks about the changes?

example First Sounds (International Version)
you have no source for , added one for you

too many file format - only choose one

as with file amounts normally you would add as 12 x file

I see.
But should I put the source in the comments or in the additional information?

Sommernacht15
source in the comments or in the additional information

as I have done not 'visible in the' sub notes but the - Release Notes / Post Comment section

misterbluesky
Sommernacht15Should I provide the link in the viewable remarks or in the remarks about the changes?

example First Sounds (International Version)
you have no source for , added one for you

too many file format - only choose one

as with file amounts normally you would add as 12 x file

Oh, I think I get it now. I should add the sources in that area where you posted the comment on the release, right?
Like this: https://discogs.sitiosdesbloqueados.info/de/release/24329285-de/history#latest

misterbluesky
e.nomisterbluesky, thanks for the info here. I think you're referring to this release: https://discogs.sitiosdesbloqueados.info/release/25900885-Magnetic-Field-Sorry-the-Hedgehog-Remix/
There is a source for mentioned in the submission notes. Also, the remix artist's name (concerning all uppercase) is correctly spelt with a lower-case 'the', hence the title of the record/track also features it in lower-case.

use Discogs guidelines not bandcamp

the = The

add only one file format

use Worldwide for digital

Please read top post and guideline links - you have other digital files with more than one file format to correct

I don't use Bandcamp guidelines, I was reacting to the 'missing URL' claim.
So if an artist name is all lower-case letters, it still needs to appear here with Capitalisation, even though the artist is explicitly written differently? Before, special-case artist names were allowed, hence the small-letters THE in "Sorry the Hedgehog". Will remove the other file formats and will change to 'Worldwide', thanks.

I hope I corrected everything in the right way now.

Musicalito85 after some 2000 submissions, perhaps it might be beneficial to read this;

You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks

djhellix

Um, thanks for the invite.

I note that the points at the top of the page are 'guidelines' not mandatory diktats.

Cheers.

misterbluesky thanks, I fixed my submissions

oop. sorry bout that. I'm not sure what exactly to file the release I submitted as, since all of those formats are available from Bandcamp. Please advise.

Auranium
oop. sorry bout that. I'm not sure what exactly to file the release I submitted as, since all of those formats are available from Bandcamp. Please advise.

When adding digital files - only add one file type - don't add all available. After all which file did you - that's the one you add.
I've made the submission Wav, for any other file type add an new submission. hope this helps

You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks

leonido

musicomputer
Um, thanks for the invite.

I note that the points at the top of the page are 'guidelines' not mandatory diktats.

Cheers.

They are mandatory if you want to be submitting properly and not receiving negative votes which could limit your ability to submit in the future.

musicomputer
I note that the points at the top of the page are 'guidelines' not mandatory diktats.

Imagine being at Discogs since 2003 and only noticing know these "guidelines". Which is just a nice way of saying "you should do it this way". Any votes you have coming to you are well-deserverd really.

misterbluesky Have edited one of a few so far. So from what i understand from previous comments....only 1 format allowed regardless of if it's available as wav, mp3, aif etc.
URL's for available stores in the notes section.
Is that it? Thanks.

[quote=misterbluesky]You have been invited to the forum thread for a reason & its at the top of the page for you thanks