If your release has already been approved (finalized) by CD Baby, most release details become locked, even if the release is not yet showing as “Delivered.” This article explains what you can still update after approval and delivery, and what changes are no longer supported.
Quick answer
Once your release is approved (finalized), most edits are no longer possible. Some updates are still allowed for all releases, and some corrections are only possible for FastForward releases within specific time limits. If you’re seeing that the system “won’t let you edit” something, it usually means the release has already been finalized.
Why are changes limited after approval?
Once your release is approved, your audio files and metadata move into the delivery process and are prepared for distribution across streaming platforms. This is why many options become locked immediately after approval.
Changes that are still allowed after approval
These updates may still be requested after approval and delivery, even if your release is not a FastForward release:
Release date changes
A release date change may be possible only if the release is not yet live on platforms. We generally advise that the current and requested release dates are more than 2 weeks away, as it can take some time to process your change and deliver it to all platforms.
Explicit tag updates (within 1 year)
You can request to:
- Add an Explicit label
- Remove an Explicit label
Distribution-level changes
These options may remain available after approval:
- Cancel distribution
- Change territories
- Add CD Baby Boost (if eligible)
- Update certain distribution options (if eligible)
Genre updates (Apple Music/iTunes only)
Genre changes are only supported for Apple Music/iTunes, not across all platforms.
Corrections possible for FastForward releases
Some post-approval corrections are only available if its a FastForward release
Within 1 year of approval
The following minor corrections may be possible within one year, for FastForward releases only:
- Artist name typo corrections (true spelling errors only)
- Track title typo corrections
- Album title typo corrections
- Technical audio corrections (skipping, glitches, extended silence)
These requests must be minor fixes, not creative updates or rebranding.
Within 1 month of approval
The following updates may be possible within one month, for FastForward releases only:
Adding or removing featured artists (limits apply)
Changes not supported once a release is approved
After approval and delivery, CD Baby does not support changes to:
- Cover art/artwork
- Replacing audio with a new master
- UPC or ISRC codes
- Songwriter or publisher information
- Producer or remixer credits
- Primary artist name changes
- Renaming tracks or albums
If you need one of these updates, you will need to cancel distribution and submit a new release. See more here: How do I cancel a release?
Common searches
- Can I edit my release after it’s approved?
- Why is my release locked before delivery?
- Release approved but not delivered — can I still change it?
- Fix mistake after submission
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