DISTROBOLT ARTIST GUIDES
Original script, transliteration and translation in lyrics
Original script, transliteration and translation are different text products. Record which one you are preparing and keep it tied to the actual performed words rather than replacing the source lyric with an approximate alternative.
Define the three versions
Original script represents the words in their language’s writing system. Transliteration represents their writing or pronunciation in another script; translation conveys meaning in another language. A singable adaptation can change the words further and needs its own review. Do not treat all three as interchangeable lyric submissions.
Prepare a controlled language record
Keep the final master, original text, language, contributor and review date. Link each alternate text to the relevant source lines. Have a competent reviewer check spelling, meaning and pronunciation. A machine output should not be presented as artist-approved merely because it appears fluent.
Check permissions and destination support
A translation or adaptation can raise separate rights questions under the relevant agreement and law. Confirm the authorised use and current submission format. Apple describes original-language static lyric submission and offers translation or pronunciation for selected songs; it does not guarantee those features for every language.
Preserve the approved source
Keep corrections in each text version traceable and do not overwrite the original with a transliteration. Review timing independently if the displayed words or audio version changes. Ask DistroBolt about actual partner support before promising multilingual delivery. This guide does not provide an active translation API, legal clearance or guaranteed search visibility.
Sources and review
Reviewed 4 November 2026. Platform requirements and plan terms can change. Examples are planning aids, not a promise of account access, release acceptance or earnings.
Continue your release planning
- WAV or FLAC for distribution: choose a lossless master
- Check true peaks and clipping before final delivery
- Approve a mastering revision with a clear version record
Ask the DistroBolt team about your release. Send a concise question and release reference; never send account passwords or verification codes.