To get music on LINE MUSIC, artists release their tracks through a music distributor that delivers to the platform. The process usually includes uploading mastered audio, cover artwork, metadata, and ISRC/UPC details, then selecting LINE MUSIC as a delivery destination. After submission, the release goes through platform review before it becomes available to listeners.

LINE MUSIC launched in Japan in 2015 as an on-demand subscription service connected to the LINE messaging ecosystem, with music sharing built into chats and timelines. It features more than 100 million songs and 100,000 music videos.

Can you distribute music directly to LINE MUSIC?

No, independent artists cannot distribute music directly to LINE MUSIC. The platform only accepts music submissions through authorized distributors or aggregators. To get your music on LINE MUSIC, you need to work with a distributor that handles distribution, licensing, and delivery to the platform on your behalf. The process includes:

• Uploading mastered audio, cover artwork, metadata, ISRC/UPC details
• Selecting LINE MUSIC as a delivery destination
• Waiting for the platform review before the release goes live

Why distribute your songs to LINE MUSIC?

LINE MUSIC combines music streaming with the broader LINE ecosystem, including messaging, social sharing, profile integrations, karaoke, and short-form listening features. Artists use the platform to reach listeners in Japan through a mobile-first streaming experience connected to how users already communicate and discover music daily.

Here’s why artists distribute music to LINE MUSIC:

• Reach listeners across Japan and LINE-heavy markets through the broader LINE app ecosystem.
• Build streaming visibility beyond Spotify, Apple Music, and other major DSPs.
• Increase discovery through playlists, rankings, karaoke, and profile background music features.
• Reach active audiences across J-pop, K-pop, anime music, Vocaloid, hip-hop, electronic, and multilingual genres.
• Benefit from music sharing through LINE chats, timelines, and social profile integrations.

Why use SoundCloud to distribute music to LINE MUSIC?

SoundCloud distribution combines audience growth, monetization, and release management within a single workflow. This helps artists manage uploads, analytics, royalties, and fan engagement from one platform.

For artists distributing to LINE MUSIC, release management involves more than uploading a track. Metadata formatting, ISRC management, ownership details, release timing, and artist profile mapping all affect how music appears across streaming platforms.

Here’s why artists use SoundCloud for music distribution to LINE MUSIC:

• Distribute music to LINE MUSIC and other platforms through one release workflow.
• Keep 100% of royalties from distributed music.
• Build audience traction on SoundCloud before wider platform rollout.
• Grow listener engagement through reposts, comments, shares, and artist discovery features.

How to upload music to LINE MUSIC?

Releasing music on LINE MUSIC starts with a distributor, since independent artists cannot upload directly to the platform. Before submission, artists need finalized audio, release artwork, metadata, ownership details, and platform-ready formatting to avoid delivery or profile issues later.

Step 1: Finalize the audio master before upload

Streaming platforms expect distribution-ready audio files. Poor mastering, clipping, inconsistent loudness, or unsupported file formats can delay approval or affect playback quality after release.

Common audio delivery standards for music distribution include:

• WAV format
• 16-bit or 24-bit audio
• 44.1 kHz sample rate
• Stereo export
• High-resolution master without distortion
• Consistent audio levels across multi-track releases

If the release has already been distributed before, keep the same ISRC attached to the recording to avoid stream-splitting or duplicate versions across platforms.

Step 2: Prepare release artwork that meets platform standards

Cover artwork becomes the primary visual identifier for the release across artist pages, playlists, search results, and streaming apps.

General artwork requirements include:

• 3000 x 3000 pixel minimum size
• Square dimensions
• JPG or PNG format
• High-resolution image quality
• No website URLs or social handles
• No blurry images, excessive text, or misleading visuals

Step 3: Organize release information and credits

Metadata determines how music appears on streaming platforms and how royalties are tracked across systems. Incorrect metadata can create artist profile conflicts, delayed releases, or reporting issues.

Before uploading, organize:

• Artist and featured artist names
• Release title and track titles
• Genre and language
• Songwriter, producer, and contributor credits
• Explicit content labels
• Release date
• Copyright details
• ISRCs for recordings
• UPC for the release package

Step 4: Select a distributor that supports LINE MUSIC

Not every distributor delivers to LINE MUSIC in all regions, so artists should verify platform availability before uploading a release. Distribution services also differ in pricing, payout structure, release timing, analytics, and monetization features.

When comparing distributors, check:

• Platform coverage
• Royalty payout policies
• Distribution fees or commission splits
• Release turnaround times
• Analytics and reporting access
• Ownership and takedown policies

Step 5: Upload the release and choose delivery platforms

Once audio, artwork, and metadata are ready, artists can upload the release through the distributor dashboard and select LINE MUSIC among the delivery platforms.

The upload process typically includes:

• Adding audio files
• Uploading artwork
• Entering release metadata
• Selecting streaming platforms
• Setting contributor and ownership details
• Reviewing release formatting before submission

Step 6: Schedule the release early

Streaming platforms need time to review metadata, process files, and create artist pages if the profile does not already exist. Uploading too close to release day increases the risk of delays, incorrect profile placement, or incomplete delivery across stores.

For smoother distribution and rollout planning, artists usually upload releases at least two to four weeks before launch.

Step 7: Monitor release delivery after submission

After the release is submitted, monitor delivery status, artist profile placement, and platform availability once the music goes live. If music appears under the wrong artist page, distributors generally require the release title, UPC, incorrect profile link, and correct artist profile link to process a remapping request.

How long does it take for music to go live on LINE MUSIC?

Most music releases appear on LINE MUSIC in up to two weeks after submission, depending on distributor processing, metadata review, and platform approval timelines. Release timing usually depends on the following distribution stages:

Why are releases delayed?

Releases usually get delayed because the platform or distributor cannot verify something cleanly.

Common delay triggers include:

• Artwork that does not meet platform standards
• Mismatched artist names or capitalization
• Missing songwriter or contributor information
• Incorrect explicit content tags
• Duplicate ISRCs used for different recordings
• Artist-name conflicts with existing profiles
• Last-minute release date changes
• Metadata that differs from a previous release version

How much does LINE MUSIC pay artists?

LINE MUSIC pays about $0.003-$0.004 per stream. These earnings can vary based on:

• Listener subscription type
• Listener country or region
• Distributor payout terms
• Label or rights-holder agreements
• Total streaming volume
• Master ownership and royalty splits
• Publishing and songwriter royalty collection

What are the distribution requirements for LINE MUSIC?

LINE MUSIC reviews music releases based on audio quality, metadata accuracy, artwork formatting, copyright information, and ownership details before approving delivery to the platform.

You will need:

• Final mastered WAV audio files with clean sound quality and proper formatting
• Release artwork in square format, ideally 3000 x 3000 pixels in JPG or PNG format
• Artist name formatting exactly as it should appear on streaming platforms
• Accurate track titles, release titles, and version naming
• Primary artist, featured artist, remixer, and contributor credits
• Songwriter details, genre information, language settings, and release dates
• Valid ISRCs for recordings and a UPC for the full release
• Correct explicit content labeling and metadata formatting
• Copyright ownership details for recordings, artwork, samples, and compositions
• Platform and store selection before release submission
• Proper rights clearance for samples, beats, artwork, and third-party copyrighted material

How to claim your LINE MUSIC artist profile?

Artists can access profile management, streaming statistics, audience insights, and team permissions through LINE MUSIC for Artists. LINE MUSIC requires artists or authorized representatives to submit a verification request before account access is approved.

To claim a LINE MUSIC artist profile:

• Release music on LINE MUSIC through a distributor
• Wait until the artist page becomes available on the platform
• Log in to LINE MUSIC for Artists
• Open the Home screen and select “Apply for artist team” or choose “Add team” from the team menu
• Search for the correct artist name and proceed with the application
• Enter account and artist information for verification
• Add a social media profile or official website to confirm artist affiliation
• Submit the request for review and approval
• Access artist analytics, profile management tools, and team permissions after verification is completed

Common digital music distribution problems and fixes

Distribution problems usually come from metadata, rights, profile mapping, or timing. Most are fixable if you catch them early.

Start distributing music to LINE MUSIC with SoundCloud

Artists releasing music on LINE MUSIC need more than basic delivery tools. SoundCloud combines music distribution, audience insights, monetization, and release management within one platform. It helps independent artists manage releases and track performance across streaming services more efficiently.

Why artists use SoundCloud for LINE MUSIC distribution:

• Distribute music to LINE MUSIC and other major streaming platforms from one workflow
• Keep 100% of royalties from distributed music
• Manage metadata, release scheduling, and artist profiles more efficiently
• Track audience behavior, streaming activity, and listener insights in one dashboard
• Build fan engagement through reposts, comments, and discovery features on SoundCloud
• Expand long-term catalog reach across streaming and monetization platforms

Release music on LINE MUSIC while managing distribution, audience growth, and monetization from a single platform. Upgrade to SoundCloud Artist Pro to streamline your next release.