Submission Best Practices · 5 min read
How to Submit Music to Radio Stations: Format, Metadata & Pitch Checklist
Published October 15, 2026 · Updated October 28, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Always provide both a 320kbps MP3 for quick preview/ingest and an optional uncompressed WAV for high-resolution broadcast systems.
- Ensure your track is a radio-clean edit or clearly flag explicit content so FM/college stations remain broadcast-compliant.
- Keep your pitch note under 150 words: state the genre, sonic touchstones, release date, and any notable production or touring story.
1. Prepare Broadcast-Ready Audio Files
Radio automation systems (such as RCS Zetta, WideOrbit, and Rivendell) have strict ingestion requirements. Always upload a constant-bitrate 320kbps stereo MP3 with embedded ID3v2 tags (Artist, Title, Album, Year, Genre, ISRC). Providing an optional 16-bit, 44.1kHz stereo WAV file gives audiophile and national broadcasters an uncompressed master.
Avoid 30-second silent intros or unedited studio chatter at the start of the file. Radio DJs look for tight intros and clean endings.
2. FCC & Broadcast Clean Edits
Terrestrial FM, AM, and college stations operate under strict broadcast decency rules. Even a single prohibited expletive can disqualify a song from daytime rotation. If your master contains explicit language, bounce a clean radio edit (muting or replacing explicit words rather than using harsh bleeps) before submitting.
3. Write a Concise Programmer Pitch Note
Music directors audition dozens of tracks per week. Lead with your primary genre, two or three realistic musical comparisons ('For fans of Alvvays and Slowdive'), where the track was recorded, and why the song resonates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I send attachments or download links to radio stations?
- Never send 50MB audio attachments directly to station inboxes—mail servers reject them. Always use a trusted promotion platform that serves signed, virus-scanned MP3 and WAV download links.
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