If your album cover does not meet platform rules, it gets rejected or cropped. The safe standard for 2025 is 3000 × 3000 pixels, square, JPEG or PNG, at 72 dpi. This guide explains exact requirements for Spotify, Apple Music, and more, plus mistakes to avoid.
Spotify Album Cover Size Requirements
Minimum and recommended dimensions
- Minimum: 640 × 640 px
- Recommended: 3000 × 3000 px for crisp results on all devices
File formats
- JPEG or PNG
DPI and file size
- 72 dpi
- File size under 20 MB
Apple Music Album Cover Dimensions
Required size
- Minimum: 3000 × 3000 px
File formats
- JPEG or PNG
- RGB color mode only
File rules
- No blurry or pixelated images
- No pricing badges or promo stickers
- High quality only to pass review
Key difference: Spotify accepts smaller images. Apple Music expects 3000 × 3000 px. Target 3000 × 3000 px and you satisfy both.
Other Platforms
- Amazon Music: 3000 × 3000 px, JPEG or PNG, RGB
- SoundCloud: 3000 × 3000 px, JPEG or PNG, keep file size low for fast load
- Bandcamp: 3000 × 3000 px minimum, allows up to 7000 × 7000 px, JPEG or PNG
Best practice: create one master file at 3000 × 3000 px and reuse across platforms.
Album Cover DPI and Resolution Explained
DPI belongs to print. Streaming services look at pixel dimensions. For digital releases, resolution in pixels matters most.
- Export at 72 dpi
- Use RGB color
- Focus on sharpness at full size
Bottom line: prioritize pixel size over DPI for online distribution.
Common Mistakes That Get Covers Rejected
- Wrong aspect ratio. Anything not square gets cropped or flagged.
- Low resolution. Under 1000 px looks soft and unprofessional.
- CMYK color. CMYK is for print. Use RGB for streaming.
- Text too close to edges. Give it breathing room.
- Image rights issues. Avoid unlicensed Google images or unlicensed stock.
Quick Reference Chart
| Platform | Size (px) | Format | Max File Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotify | 3000 × 3000 | JPG or PNG | 20 MB | Square, 72 dpi |
| Apple Music | 3000 × 3000 minimum | JPG or PNG | N/A | High quality required |
| Amazon Music | 3000 × 3000 | JPG or PNG | N/A | RGB only |
| Bandcamp | 3000 × 3000+ | JPG or PNG | 10 MB | Allows up to 7000 px |
| SoundCloud | 3000 × 3000 | JPG or PNG | Keep small | Square only |
FAQ
What happens if my album cover is too small for Spotify?
Spotify scales it up. That causes blur. Covers under 640 × 640 px face rejection.
Can I use PNG for Apple Music?
Yes. PNG and JPEG both work. Use RGB color and submit high resolution artwork.
Do I need 300 dpi for album covers?
No. 300 dpi is for print. For streaming, pixel size is what matters. Use 72 dpi.
What is the best aspect ratio for album art?
1:1 square. Any other ratio gets cropped.
Wrap Up
Create your cover at 3000 × 3000 px in JPEG or PNG, RGB, 72 dpi. This single master works on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp.
Next read: Best file format for album covers and Free album cover makers.
