Your Track's File Journey: From DAW to Listener
Your song is finished. Before it reaches anyone's ears, though, it has to pass through several hands, and each one expects a different file. Send the wrong one and you can lose a week to a rejected upload or lose quality you can't get back.
Lossless vs. lossy
There are two families of audio formats. Lossless formats like WAV, AIFF and FLAC keep all of the original information from the recording. WAV and AIFF are uncompressed, so the files are large. FLAC compresses the file but plays back identical audio. Lossy formats like MP3 and AAC save space by throwing away detail the encoder assumes you won't notice.
Sooner or later you'll need to switch formats: the studio sends AIFF when your distributor wants WAV, or you need audio pulled from a video for a teaser. A browser-based tool like convert covers these jobs without installing software. Remember that converting a file will not increase its quality. A WAV converted from an MP3 will be a WAV, but it will have all of the deficiencies of an MP3. Always convert from the best-quality files. Especially avoid repeated conversions from MP3 to MP3 or similar.
From the DAW to mastering
When you send your final mixes from your DAW for mastering, export them as WAVs in 24-bit quality and the same sample rate as your session. Make sure they have enough headroom and take out the limiter on your master bus unless the engineer specifically asks for a limited mix.
To your archive
Some mastering engineers prefer WAVs and some prefer AIFFs. Always follow instructions and make sure to use descriptive file names to avoid causing anyone else any headaches. Examples might be YourName_SongTitle_Mix1_24bit.wav or similar.
To the distributor
When you save a final version of a song to your archives, save the best-quality WAV as above, plus all of your project files. Store these in at least two places.
When preparing to send a song to your distributor, check to make sure you're providing files in the correct format. Formatting mistakes are especially damaging at this point since your release may be rejected and therefore delayed. Most distributors prefer WAVs at least 16-bit/44.1 kHz stereo.
Common reasons for rejection:
- an MP3 or other lossy file instead of WAV
- a mono export
- audio that cuts off, or a broken or corrupted file
- clipping
- long silence at the start or end
To press, blogs and curators
Send a private streaming or download link first. Nobody wants a 60 MB attachment in their inbox. Keep a 320 kbps MP3 ready for anyone who wants to listen offline.
To radio, DJs and labels
WAV at 16-bit/44.1 kHz is a safe default, but each of them may have their own requirements, so ask before sending. If a DJ takes MP3, make sure it's 320 kbps.
To social media
Export an MP4 with AAC audio made from your best-quality source. Instagram, TikTok and YouTube recompress every upload, so starting with a clean file matters. And don't forget to promote it properly on social media.
Cheat sheet: what to send where
| Recipient | Format | Resolution | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mastering engineer | WAV or AIFF | 24-bit, session sample rate | No limiter on the master bus |
| Archive | WAV plus project files | Session resolution | Back up in two places |
| Distributor | Stereo WAV | 16-bit/44.1 kHz or higher | Check the distributor's specs |
| Press and curators | Private link, MP3 on request | 320 kbps MP3 | No heavy attachments |
| Radio, DJs, labels | WAV, MP3 if accepted | 16-bit/44.1 kHz or 320 kbps | Ask first |
| Social video | MP4 with AAC audio | High-bitrate AAC | Start from your best source |
Once the upload clears
Getting the song onto streaming platforms is the first step, not the finish line. Pitch it to playlists and plan music promotion that brings real listeners at a steady pace, so both algorithms and curators see early activity around the release.
FAQ
Can I upload an MP3 to my distributor?
Usually not. Most distributors require an uncompressed stereo WAV at 16-bit/44.1 kHz or higher, and they reject lossy files at the upload stage. Even when a platform technically accepts an MP3, you are handing over a file that has already lost detail, and every later version is made from that. Keep the WAV as your delivery master.
Does converting an MP3 to WAV improve the sound?
No. Conversion changes the container, not the content. A WAV made from an MP3 is a larger file with the same missing detail, because the data was discarded during MP3 encoding and cannot be restored. Convert only from the highest-quality file you have, and go back to the original master whenever you can.
24-bit or 16-bit: which should I send?
Send 24-bit to your mastering engineer and keep 24-bit in your archive, since the extra headroom helps during processing. For distribution, 16-bit/44.1 kHz is the common standard, though many distributors also accept higher resolutions. Let the mastering engineer handle the conversion down rather than doing it yourself after the master is finished.
What file should I send to a blog or curator?
Start with a private streaming or download link instead of an attachment. If someone asks for a file to listen offline, a 320 kbps MP3 is enough, and it arrives in seconds rather than filling their inbox. Save the WAV for DJs, radio stations and labels that ask for it.