Audio file formats for Spotify

We strongly prefer the Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) format for audio delivery.

Your audio must meet these specs:

  • Sample rate: 44.1 kHz or higher
  • Bit depth: 16-bit or higher
  • Channels: Stereo (2-channel)

We also accept Waveform Audio File Format (WAV) files under the same specs, though we prefer FLAC.

WAV files must:

  • Use format code 0x0001 (WAVE_FORMAT_PCM). Don't use 0xFFFE (WAVE_FORMAT_EXTENSIBLE)
  • Contain valid fmt and data subchunks
  • Include only audio data following the start of the data subchunk

We only accept full tracks. Don't deliver sample clips.

Delivery and processing details

  • WAV files are losslessly converted to FLAC before playback.
  • Tracks delivered at sample rates higher than 44.1 kHz (e.g., 48 kHz, 96 kHz) or bit depths higher than 24-bit are downsampled and/or reduced to a maximum of 44.1 kHz / 24-bit FLAC for playback on supported clients, with a fallback to 16-bit FLAC for backward compatibility.
  • Tracks with sample rates lower than 44.1 kHz (e.g., 28 kHz) or bit depths lower than 16-bit are upconverted to 44.1 kHz / 16-bit, but aren't offered as lossless
  • Don't downsample or reduce quality before delivery. We prefer highest-quality masters — we handle any necessary optimization internally to suit the playback framework.
  • Deliver the highest quality audio file available.
  • We only support one stereo master per track. For example, if a 24-bit / 96 kHz file is available, there's no need to also deliver a 16-bit / 44.1 kHz version of the same track.
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