Generally-speaking, The Orchard does not accept the following content for distribution:
- Any content that does not conform to the Apple Style Guide or Apple Style Guide
- Any content containing artists found in our Artist Watch List (content for discussion has documented exclusive rights, a sales one-sheet, and relationship manager approval)
- Misleading/deceptive content, including erroneous use of audio and art without a proper license
- Tracks that appear on multiple releases, but do not have the same ISRC or metadata
- Soundalikes (Low quality, Misleading Tributes, and Covers)
- Audiobooks (any spoken word that is purely the text of a published book being read in audio format)
- Subliminal Content
- Karaoke, with or without a lead vocal
- Generic concepts, including:
- Relaxation
- Generic / Repurposed New Age
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Brain power
- Nature sounds
- New Age
- Workout / Fitness
- Public Domain sound recordings that are already in distribution
- Fake and/or keyworded artist names, generic artists, orchestras, or performers
- AI-generated content
- Advertisement or snippet tracks
- Purchased beat or nonexclusive instrumentals
- Duplicated albums: A duplicated album contains at least 50% of the same tracks as another album
- Tracks that have been delivered more than 5 times
- Thematic style Classical compilations (for babies, for study, for sleep, etc.)
- Low-budget content with little editorial value
- Titles packed with keywords
- Low-quality cover art
- Radio broadcasts and live performances without prior relationship manager approval
- Content without a clear chain of title
Please Note: These content guidelines are subject to change.
Reasonable Exceptions
There may be instances in which a label is allowed to distribute content that appears to violate the content guidelines.
This includes the following:
- Proven legitimacy of ownership of Watch List Artists
- High-quality releases from real artists in the realm of generic content
- New Age
- Workout / Fitness
- Relaxation
- High-quality Karaoke content
If you believe you have a catalog that may qualify for an exception, please discuss it with your Relationship Manager.
For all other questions, please reach out to your relationship manager or contact us at orchardsupport@theorchard.com.