Quality Principles

Overview

Our Quality Principles guide all of our decisions and practices regarding content, are are the basis for our Content Requirements. Any content that does not adhere to our Quality Principles and Content Requirements will not be considered for release.

Content Must Be Original

Splice is committed to distributing wholly original content and will not publish any material that infringes upon or attempts to profit from the work of other artists, sound designers, collectives, companies, or brands. This applies to all content being submitted, including but not limited to samples, presets, artwork, copy, video, etc.

Content Best Serves Our Users

When making a pack, consider the end user experience. Here are some things that can enhance credit spend in a Sample Pack.

  • Quality over quantity. We highly encourage unique sonics throughout packs. For example making one kick sample and pitching it 5 times to make 5 different kicks is not going to benefit our users. It’s going to fill your pack with similar sounding, non unique content. Consider cutting out loops that are too similar.

  • Clear, interesting and concise naming. Our naming guidelines are meant to work with the Splice interface, following them will ensure your samples are found through search. We highly encourage the use of creative naming. Though something like kick_low.wav is technically correct, samples like kick_gravity.wav or kick_distorted_dirt.wav might grab the attention of the user.

  • Consider Loop Points. Make sure when building samples you are considering how the files loop. A vocal loop drenched in reverb might sound beautiful, but does the reverb cut abruptly every time the audio loops?

Know Your Source Material

Splice will not accept sounds taken directly or derived from third party sound packs, sound libraries, certain sample based instruments, and/or copyrighted content - even if that content has been layered with original content, processed, or otherwise modified.

  • All content submitted to Splice becomes royalty-free for our subscribers, which means that it must be delivered unencumbered. Content must not:

    • Be previously available on Splice. This includes using ANY Splice samples as a starting point or inclusion within new samples - either oneshots or loops

    • Be previously licensed in any way

    • Be owned or controlled by a third party

    • Require additional permissions from any other person or entity

  • Copyrighted content of any kind, or content from previously released sound packs, is strictly prohibited.

  • The source material for all content should be able to be established upon request (for example project files, session agreements, etc.)

  • Content must comply with all third-party agreements (EULAs and otherwise) for all hardware and software used in its creation - see our Allowed and Prohibited Music Tools List for more information. If you’re not sure about a particular plugin or piece of gear, please let us know so that we can help you look into it.

  • Content must be new to Splice, i.e. not repackaged content from a previous pack that you have already distributed on Splice, or if Splice is commissioning new content, not repackaged content from a previous pack that you have already distributed on Splice or elsewhere.

Content Must Be Inclusive

Splice is a platform for musicians of all identities and from all backgrounds and perspectives who come to find inspiration. We reserve the right to reject, edit, remove, not publish, or otherwise limit the visibility of any content submitted to Splice that we determine, in our sole discretion, falls into one or more of the following categories:

  • Violence

  • Nudity

  • Profanity

  • Promotion of illegal behavior

  • Discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation

  • Cultural insensitivity or appropriation (language such as “ethnic,” “oriental,” or “tribal”)

Descriptive & Accurate Language

Splice supports language that’s inclusive and descriptive, demonstrating expertise from a musicological perspective. Content should represent its source material, genre, creators, and region in an authentic and genuine way.

Content should be:

  • Inclusive - it should involve, and provide a platform for experts in their fields and cultures.

  • Representative - it should provide a platform for musicians and Creators around the world to showcase their musical and cultural backgrounds.

Content should NOT be:

  • Inaccurate, disrespectful, and/or misleading in its description or portrayal of a genre, region, peoples, culture and/or subject area.

  • Uninformed. Described in a way that demonstrates little knowledge of – or expertise with respect to – musicology and/or the musical history of a people, culture, region, or tradition.

  • Misrepresentative or falsely associated with an existing artist, sound designer, collective, company, or brand. Products should be what they say they are.

Cultural Appropriation

  • Splice is committed to including, valuing, and appreciating music from a range of cultures and genres. We live this commitment by honoring the origins and roots of the sounds that we share on our platform.

  • Splice considers cultural appropriation to be the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of an element of one culture by someone who is not a part of that culture through lineage or heritage.

  • At Splice and the wider music industry, cultural appropriation can manifest in sounds, artwork demo tracks, and descriptions. We encourage all creators to be mindful of these dynamics when working with cultures different from their own.

Content Removal Policy

If there is any uncertainty on the part of Splice about the origin of content, or its adherence to the principles outlined above, the content provider must remove the content from their submission immediately. Splice may, in its sole discretion, reject any published or unpublished content that is suspected to be in violation of these principles, and reserves the right to terminate any existing or outstanding agreement(s) pursuant to their terms.