You're already delivering music to Spotify, Apple Music, and other DSPs via DDEX. DistroLink adds Shopify to that list, so files only need to be uploaded once on your end — not again in Single. Follow the steps below to set up your pipeline.
Note: If your distributor handles DDEX delivery for you, see our other guide to connect your store instead.
How It Works
You push DDEX files to Single via SFTP. We ingest them, map them to the right store, and stage a Draft release. The Single user reviews and publishes from there.
The full flow:
You deliver DDEX files via SFTP
Single fetches and processes the delivery
The release is mapped to the correct store
A Draft release appears in that store
The user reviews and publishes
Technical Specifications
Term | Requirement / Detail |
Delivery Method | SFTP |
DDEX Versions | 3.8.x, 4.2, 4.3 |
Mapping Logic | Matches by Artist Name, Party ID, or both |
Supported IDs | All Party ID types defined in the DDEX spec — ISNI, Proprietary ID, DPID, and any other DDEX-defined Party ID type |
Store Mappings | Artist (live) · Label (coming soon) |
Pro tip: While we support matching by artist name or Party ID alone, providing both reduces false matches — especially for artists with common names or multiple aliases.
Onboarding & Setup
Getting started is a 6-step process. Note that steps 3 and 4 differ depending on whether you are a Label or a Distributor.
Step 1 — We create your DdexOrg
We generate an internal ID for your organization. This is what we use to route deliveries and associate stores.
Step 2 — We share your SFTP credentials
Once your DdexOrg is created, we send SFTP credentials so you can start pushing files.
Step 3 — Your stores get connected
If you're a Label: You'll provide a .CSV containing all .myshopify.com domains you want linked to your DdexOrg, plus the relevant Store Mappings.
If you're a Distributor: Single users request a connection to your DdexOrg via an in-app form. Our team then requests connection approval from you via email or another agreed channel.
Step 4 — Artist mappings get attached to stores
If you're a Label: Stores are mapped based on the .CSV you provided in Step 3.
If you're a Distributor: Our team requests the relevant Party IDs during the initial DdexOrg connection approval.
Step 5 — You start delivering
Push your DDEX files via SFTP using the credentials from Step 2. Works the same as delivering to Spotify, Apple Music, or any other DSP.
Step 6 — Drafts land in stores
Releases land in the associated stores as Drafts. Users review and publish manually.
FAQ
What happens after I deliver — where do files go?
The delivery appears in the DistroLink page inside the user's Single store. They can expand it to see status (Fetching, Processing, Complete) and click View to open the Draft release directly.
Why do releases land in Draft instead of going live?
Draft is the user's review checkpoint. It's how we make sure a delivery never accidentally goes live before someone has confirmed everything looks right. For most users, publishing takes a couple of minutes once they're ready.
How do I re-deliver an updated release?
Push the updated DDEX file via SFTP the same way you delivered originally. Single matches on UPC/ISRC and updates the existing Draft. If the release has already been published, contact Single — we'll work with you to handle the update without disrupting the live product.
How do Single users request a connection?
In Single → Music → Digital Delivery, users request DistroLink access and submit a mapping with your DdexOrg name, ID type, and Party ID. Our team then verifies and activates the connection.
A delivery went through but the user doesn't see it — what now?
Most common cause is a mapping mismatch. Check that the artist name or Party ID in your DDEX file matches what's mapped to their store, and that the ID type is set correctly (ISNI vs. DPID vs. Proprietary). If everything looks right on your side, reach out to Single — we can check the ingestion log.
Can I deliver via API or S3 instead of SFTP?
Not yet. SFTP is the only supported delivery method today.