GRAMMY 101: The Road to the GRAMMYs

By Craig Posey, Community Manager at Vydia

So your latest release feels different. But what does it actually take to submit for a GRAMMY® Award? 

As Community Manager at Vydia and someone who’s served on the Recording Academy’s Professional Development Committee, participated in the 2024 GRAMMYs NextGen program, and manages a 3x GRAMMY-nominated artist, I’ve seen firsthand what makes an entry competitive. This guide breaks it down for artists who are looking to make that next step to submit.

Here’s what you need to know.

Becoming a Member of the Recording Academy 

First, you need to figure out what type of member you are.

The Recording Academy offers a few paths. If you’re a recording artist, songwriter, producer, or engineer with at least six verifiable commercial credits, you’ll likely fall under the Voting Member category. This gives you access to submit music for consideration and vote in the awards process.

If you’re a manager, publicist, music attorney, educator, or label rep, someone supporting artists but not directly creating the music like myself , you’d be considered a Professional Member. You can submit, but you won’t vote.

There’s also a Student Member tier for full-time college students studying music or related fields. It’s a great way to tap into the ecosystem early, though you won’t be able to submit or vote just yet.

The Application Process

Membership invitations are issued once per year, and applications are due each year by March 1st. You would need to submit your resume, professional credits, and have two recommendations from peers who can vouch for your work in the industry (they do not have to be current Recording Academy members). You’ll apply directly at recordingacademy.com, and once approved, you’ll have access to submit entries during the next GRAMMY cycle.

Submitting Your Work for Consideration

Once you’re a member (or working with someone who is—like a manager, label, or distributor), you’re eligible to submit music for GRAMMY consideration.

For the 68th GRAMMY Awards, your project must be released between August 31, 2024 and August 30, 2025, with the submission window open from July 16 to August 29, 2025.

What do you need to submit?

• Audio files and ISRC/UPC metadata
• Links to eligible DSPs, such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal
• Proper credits and lyrics (especially for songwriting categories)
• Accurate category selection (think: R&B Album of the Year vs. Progressive R&B)

Positioning Yourself Within the Academy

Here’s the part people don’t talk about enough: this is a peer-voted award.

That means building relationships within the Academy is just as important as your submission. Show up at local chapter events. Join a committee. Volunteer at showcases or conferences. And most importantly, support the community you’re part of.

When it’s time to campaign, think of it like a mini political run. You’re building visibility, credibility, and awareness, not just promoting. Having respected voices in your genre speak your name in rooms you’re not in? That moves the needle.

Promoting Your Submission (The Right Way)

The Academy enforces strict For Your Consideration (FYC) guidelines to keep the playing field fair. If you don’t follow them, your submission could be disqualified.

Here’s What You Can Do:

• Use the phrase “For Your GRAMMY® Consideration”
• Share artwork, credits, and direct streaming/download links
• Post on social media or email lists—just include an opt-out
• Mention category names (Best R&B Album, for example) after nominations are announced
• Upload one listing per eligible category to the Academy’s official FYC platform

Here’s What You Can’t Do:

• Use the GRAMMY® logo, gramophone image, or refer to it as the “68th GRAMMY Awards”
• Mention chart stats, streaming numbers, or RIAA certifications
• Ask people to vote for you directly or offer incentives (meals, tickets, merch, etc.)
• Share your field number, category number, and submission number, or call out competing artists
• Hand out FYC materials at Recording Academy–hosted events
  FYC events are allowed—but they must be open to the public, ticketed, and completely free of gifts.

Submitting for the GRAMMYs is more than just checking boxes. It’s about entering the conversation with intention, community, and clarity about what makes your work stand out—not just in sound, but in impact.

At Vydia, we champion artists across every stage of their careers. Whether this is your first eligible release or your fifth, we’re here to help you navigate the process thoughtfully and confidently.

If you’re asking, “Am I ready?” this might be the year to find out. 

Learn more about becoming a member of the Recording Academy here. 

Learn more about submissions and promotion here.