Why File Format Matters for Album Covers
Every music platform has technical requirements. If your file doesn’t meet them, your release gets delayed. File format affects three things:
- Compatibility: Some platforms prefer JPEG over PNG.
- File size: Larger files upload slower and might be rejected.
- Quality: The wrong format can introduce blurriness or artifacts.
JPEG vs PNG: The Key Differences
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
- Best for: Photos, gradients, complex images.
- Pros: Small file size, widely accepted by all platforms.
- Cons: Compression can reduce quality if overdone.
PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
- Best for: Logos, text-heavy designs, flat graphics.
- Pros: Supports transparency, sharper edges for text.
- Cons: Larger file size, sometimes rejected by distributors.
Which Format Do Spotify and Apple Music Accept?
Both platforms accept JPEG and PNG. But distributors and aggregators often recommend JPEG for smoother processing. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Platform | Accepted Formats | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify | JPEG, PNG | JPEG (3000x3000 px) |
| Apple Music | JPEG, PNG | JPEG (min 3000x3000 px) |
| Amazon Music | JPEG, PNG | JPEG |
| Bandcamp | JPEG, PNG, GIF | JPEG or PNG depending on design |
When to Use JPEG vs PNG
Choose JPEG if:
- Your cover is a photo or illustration with gradients.
- You want smaller file sizes for faster uploads.
- You need a format guaranteed to work on every platform.
Choose PNG if:
- Your design has sharp edges, logos, or lots of text.
- You need transparency (rare for album covers, but possible for marketing assets).
- You’re distributing independently on sites like Bandcamp where PNG works fine.
Best Practices for Exporting Your Album Cover
- Export at 3000 x 3000 pixels minimum.
- Keep 72 dpi for web (300 dpi is fine but doesn’t affect digital platforms).
- Save as high-quality JPEG unless your distributor specifies otherwise.
- Avoid compression levels below 80% quality when exporting JPEG.
- Check final file size—most platforms cap at 10 MB.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Exporting covers smaller than 1000 x 1000 px—most platforms will reject them.
- Using PNG unnecessarily—file size balloons with no benefit.
- Saving JPEG at low quality—this adds ugly compression artifacts.
- Using GIFs—these are not supported by Spotify or Apple Music.
Quick FAQ
Is JPEG always better than PNG?
No. JPEG is best for photos, while PNG is better for text and logos. But for album covers, JPEG is safer for streaming platforms.
Can I upload a transparent PNG as an album cover?
No. Platforms require a solid background. Transparency may cause rejection or display issues.
What quality setting should I use when saving JPEG?
80%–100% quality to balance file size and image sharpness.
Will 300 dpi help my album cover look sharper on Spotify?
No. DPI affects print, not digital screens. Stick with pixel dimensions.
Takeaway: Use JPEG for most album covers. PNG is only worth it for text-heavy designs or logos. Always export at 3000x3000 px and keep the file under 10 MB for smooth approval.
