LUCY Sounds exists to help independent artists and labels release music safely, fairly, and with integrity. This policy explains what music can be distributed to streaming, download, and UGC platforms through our service.

1. Two Types of Service

Non-UGC (Streaming & Downloads): Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer, Tidal, etc. Regular streaming or download services where music is released for listening or purchase, not for content fingerprinting.

UGC (User-Generated Content): YouTube Content ID, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snap. Platforms where users add music to their own videos, requiring exclusive ownership and completely unique recordings.

2. What We Don't Accept (All Platforms)

2.1 Copyright & Ownership

Samples, loops, beats, vocals, or stems you don't fully own or can't prove you cleared
Royalty-free, stock, or production music without exclusive rights
Public domain content, including classical or traditional recordings
Wholly or partially AI-generated material without clear proof of ownership
Sound-alikes imitating other songs or karaoke versions
Unauthorized AI-generated voice or likeness clones of real artists
Bootlegs, leaks, or unauthorized live recordings
Releases misusing someone else's name, brand, or identity

2.2 Metadata & Presentation

Misleading titles, fake artist names, or false collaborations
Metadata manipulating search results (e.g., "Drake Type Beat")
Incorrect or duplicate ISRCs, UPCs, or credits
Artwork with mismatched information, copyrighted images, logos, or poor quality

2.3 Non-Musical or Low-Quality Audio

Podcasts, speeches, sermons, audiobooks, or spoken word-only content
White noise, nature sounds, or meditation tracks without musical composition
Broken, distorted, or silent audio
Tracks with extended silence at start or end

2.4 Harmful or Offensive Content

Hate speech, discrimination, or harassment
Sexually explicit or violent material
Promotion of self-harm, misinformation, or illegal activity

3. Compilations & Re-Releases

Catalog re-releases must be transparent and genuine
Mark previously released material as compilations in metadata
Don't re-upload old tracks as new unless clearly changed: remastered, re-recorded, remixed, or performed live/acoustically
Small tweaks (trimming, EQ, re-exporting) don't count as new versions
Same recording shouldn't appear multiple times across different releases
For UGC platforms, re-releases or compilations of existing audio are ineligible

4. Catalog Quality & Platform Standards

LUCY Sounds periodically reviews catalog performance and content quality aligned with streaming platform expectations.

Releases may be reviewed or removed if they:

Repeatedly fail metadata or feed delivery requirements
Contain functional, non-musical, or low-engagement content
Are repeated, derivative, or non-unique uploads
Are linked to artificial streaming or platform manipulation

This approach protects music positioning across DSPs and maintains LUCY Sounds' standing with partners. All releases remain subject to individual streaming platform policies for acceptance and monetization.

5. Rules for Non-UGC Platforms

Releases must:

Be original, legal, and owned or controlled by you
Have accurate metadata and credits
Use proper artist, label, and version fields (no hidden features)
Avoid duplicate or near-identical uploads unless officially versioned or licensed
Not be distributed through another distributor or aggregator at the same time (no double-distribution)

6. Rules for UGC Platforms (YouTube Content ID, Facebook, TikTok, Snap)

Recordings are eligible for UGC only if:

You own exclusive rights to 100% of the master
Audio is unique and original, not derived from other tracks
It is a musical recording, not speech, ambience, or SFX
It passes fingerprint scans with no matches
It excludes public domain or stock content

7. Enforcement & Appeals

Every release is reviewed for rights, metadata, and audio integrity
Content breaking this policy may be blocked or removed
Repeated or serious violations can lead to account suspension or permanent UGC access loss
Appeals with ownership documentation can be sent to: [email protected]

8. If Your Content Isn't Eligible

Ineligible content can be shared directly on your own channels — YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram — the best option for public domain, sample-based, or experimental content.

9. Quick Summary

Don't upload if:

You didn't create or own it
It's public domain, stock, or royalty-free
It's a remix, cover, or reused track
It's offensive, fake, illegal, or misleading
It's already released elsewhere
It's not actually music

10. We're Here to Help

Contact [email protected] with questions about release eligibility.

What We Accept and What Is Not Permitted

The LUCY Content Policy defines the standards and guidelines for distributing music through our platform. Learn about the types of content accepted, quality requirements for audio files, metadata standards, artwork specifications, and content that is not permitted. We aim to support creative freedom while maintaining the quality and compliance standards required by streaming platforms and digital stores worldwide.

Content Standards

The LUCY Content Policy defines the quality and compliance standards for all music distributed through the LUCY platform operated by ONE Studios Ltd. These standards ensure that your releases meet the technical requirements of streaming platforms and digital stores worldwide. Content that does not meet these standards may be rejected during our review process or removed after distribution.

LUCY supports creative freedom and does not censor artistic expression based on genre, style, or lyrical content. However, all content must comply with applicable laws, streaming platform policies, and the specific guidelines outlined in this policy. Our review team checks every release before delivery to help you avoid rejections and delays.

Audio and Artwork Requirements

Audio files must be submitted in WAV format at a minimum of 16-bit depth and 44.1 kHz sample rate. We recommend 24-bit WAV files for the highest quality. MP3 and other lossy formats are not accepted for distribution. Tracks should be properly mastered with no clipping, excessive silence at the beginning or end, or audio artifacts that would indicate a low-quality file.

Cover artwork must be a square image at a minimum resolution of 3000 by 3000 pixels in JPG or PNG format. Artwork must not contain blurry or pixelated images, social media handles, website URLs, pricing information, or logos of streaming platforms. The artwork should accurately represent the release and not mislead listeners about the content or the artist.

Metadata Standards

Accurate metadata is essential for proper delivery and royalty attribution. Every release must include a correct artist name, release title, track titles, genre classification, and release date. Featured artists, songwriters, and producers should be credited accurately. LUCY validates metadata during the upload process and will flag common issues such as formatting inconsistencies or missing required fields.

Artist names and track titles must use standard capitalization and must not include extraneous information such as streaming keywords, hashtags, or promotional text. Version tags like Remix, Acoustic, or Live should be placed in the designated version field rather than appended to the track title. Proper metadata ensures your music is discoverable and that royalties are attributed correctly across all platforms.

What We Accept and What Is Not Permitted

LUCY accepts original music across all genres including pop, hip-hop, electronic, rock, classical, jazz, world music, spoken word, and podcasts. Cover songs are accepted only if you have obtained the appropriate mechanical license for the territory where the music will be distributed. Remixes require written permission from the original rights holder.

Content that is not permitted includes AI-generated music submitted without meaningful human creative input, sound effects or nature recordings marketed as music releases, content created solely to exploit streaming algorithms rather than serve a genuine audience, and any material that infringes on the intellectual property of another party. Releases that violate this policy will be rejected or removed, and repeated violations may result in account action under our Acceptable Use Policy.