AI-generated artwork needs the same careful review as any other release cover. Check your rights to the source material, the finished image and text, and your distributor’s current artwork rules before uploading. The public sources below describe artwork requirements; they do not guarantee approval of a particular AI-generated cover.

An AI music policy is not automatically an AI artwork policy. Likewise, meeting a file specification does not prove that you hold the necessary rights. Keep technical review, source permissions and destination approval separate.

What distributors actually care about

DistroKid’s AI policy covers music made with AI tools; it is not a blanket approval of AI-generated cover images. For the cover itself, use its artwork requirements: a JPG in RGB, at least 1000 × 1000 pixels and ideally a square 3000 × 3000 file, without prohibited content such as URLs, QR codes, prices or streaming-service logos.

TuneCore requires artwork you have the rights to distribute, with artist/release text matching the submitted metadata and its listed file specifications. Check the linked requirements for the complete rule. If a rule is unclear for your image, ask distributor support before submitting; do not infer permission from an unrelated music policy.

Where AI cover art gets risky

Inspect references and final imagery for recognizable people, logos, characters or third-party artwork. If you cannot establish permission for a required element, pause that choice and resolve it rather than assuming a prompt grants permission.

• Do not use celebrity likenesses or imitation-heavy portraits without rights.
• Do not include streaming logos, brand marks, prices, or URLs in the cover.
• Do not treat prompt output as final until you have checked it at thumbnail size.
• Do not assume “the AI made it” protects you from copyright or identity problems.

How to make AI art release-ready

Treat the generated image as material to inspect. Check the composition, exact text, file dimensions, format and color mode against the current destination requirements. Use the actual export rather than a screenshot of the preview.

Keep a short record of the source assets you used, their permissions or applicable terms, the final artwork file and the metadata submitted with it. This is a practical recordkeeping suggestion, not legal clearance or a promise of approval.

• Check for trademarked objects, copied likenesses, and accidental text artifacts.
• Make sure the final file still feels premium at mobile thumbnail size.
• Keep the typography minimal and consistent with the release metadata.
• Export the cover as a clean square RGB file rather than a rough draft screenshot.

Keep a clear review record

Before submitting, record the image filename and version, artist and release names, file specifications checked, source-asset permissions and the distributor guidance used. If the distributor flags the cover, keep its actual rejection reason and resolve that reason rather than regenerating blindly.

A visual quality check cannot certify ownership or eliminate every rights issue. For a material dispute or unclear permission, obtain appropriate advice or permission before using the asset. Covermatic does not provide a rights-clearance service.

Need a new cover direction for your single, EP, or album? Start with a photo or written idea in Covermatic, then refine the artwork for your release. Before uploading, check the finished file against each destination’s current requirements.

Official sources worth checking

• DistroKid AI upload policy
• DistroKid artwork requirements
• TuneCore cover art formatting requirements
• CD Baby cover-art correction policy after release