> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.beatpass.ca/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Request Specifications
> Field-by-field guide to the Beat Request form, including description, reference tracks, genre, BPM, key, mood, and budget formatting.
When creating a beat request, you can provide detailed specifications to help producers understand exactly what you're looking for. This guide explains each field and how to use it effectively.
***
## Overview of Fields
| Field | Required | Purpose |
| ------------------- | -------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **Description** | Yes | Explain what you need in your own words |
| **Reference Track** | Yes | Link to a song that represents the sound |
| **Genre** | No | Musical style category |
| **BPM Range** | No | Tempo preference |
| **Key** | No | Musical key preference |
| **Mood** | No | Emotional feel of the beat |
| **Budget** | No | What you're willing to pay |
***
## Description (Required)
The description is where you explain what you're looking for in plain language.
### Requirements
* **Minimum:** 10 characters
* **Maximum:** 500 characters
* Write it in plain language producers can act on quickly
### What to Include
* Type of song you're making
* Style and vibe you want
* Specific elements (instruments, sounds)
* Artist or song references
* What the beat will be used for
### Example
> Looking for an upbeat R\&B/Pop beat with a groovy bassline and smooth synths. Think something like The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" vibe but more laid back. Need it for a summer single about new beginnings.
***
## Reference Track (Required)
A reference track is a link to a song that represents the sound you want. This is the most important specification because it gives producers an audio example.
### Accepted Links
You can use URLs from:
* **YouTube** — youtube.com, youtu.be
* **Spotify** — open.spotify.com
* **SoundCloud** — soundcloud.com
* **Apple Music** — music.apple.com
* **Any public audio URL**
### Requirements
* Must be a valid URL
* Maximum 500 characters
* Must be publicly accessible
### Tips for Choosing References
* **Pick something close** — Don't reference a rock song if you want hip-hop
* **Consider production, not just the artist** — Focus on the beat itself
* **Multiple references in description** — You can mention other songs in your description for additional context
Links to private or unlisted content won't work. Make sure the reference track is publicly accessible.
## How to use a reference track responsibly
Good reference notes:
* "I like the tempo and spacious hook section."
* "Use this as mood direction, not a copy."
* "Similar energy, but different melody and drums."
* "Leave room for melodic vocals."
* "Avoid recreating the main melody."
Avoid:
* "Make this exact beat."
* "Clone this YouTube beat."
* "Same melody, same drums."
* "I want this but cheaper."
***
## Genre (Optional)
The genre field helps categorize your request so producers can quickly identify if it matches their style.
### Format
* Letters, numbers, spaces, and common separators such as `-`, `&`, `/`, `(`, `)`, `.`, and `'`
* Maximum 100 characters
### Common Genres
| Main Genre | Subgenres |
| -------------- | -------------------------------- |
| **Hip-Hop** | Trap, Boom Bap, Lo-Fi, Drill |
| **R\&B** | Modern R\&B, Neo-Soul, Slow Jams |
| **Pop** | Dance Pop, Indie Pop, Synth Pop |
| **Electronic** | House, EDM, Future Bass |
| **Rock** | Alternative, Indie, Pop Rock |
| **Latin** | Reggaeton, Latin Pop, Bachata |
| **Afrobeats** | Afro-Pop, Amapiano |
### Examples
* `Melodic Trap`
* `R&B & Soul`
* `Future Bass`
* `Lo-Fi Hip-Hop`
Be specific with subgenres. "Drill" is more helpful than just "Hip-Hop" if that's the specific style you want.
***
## BPM Range (Optional)
BPM (beats per minute) indicates the tempo or speed of the beat. Providing a range helps producers understand your pace preference.
### Format
* Numbers and dashes only
* Spaces are also allowed
* Examples: `140`, `120-140`, `90-100`
* Maximum 20 characters
### Common BPM Ranges by Genre
| Genre | Typical BPM |
| ------------- | ----------- |
| **Trap** | 130-170 |
| **Drill** | 140-150 |
| **Boom Bap** | 85-115 |
| **R\&B** | 60-90 |
| **Pop** | 100-130 |
| **House** | 120-130 |
| **Lo-Fi** | 70-90 |
| **Reggaeton** | 85-100 |
### Tips
* **Give a range** — "120-140" is better than a single number
* **Match the genre** — Make sure your BPM fits the style
* **Consider the song** — Faster for energy, slower for emotion
***
## Key (Optional)
The key helps producers understand the tonal center you want. In the current BeatPass form, you pick both a **Key** and a **Scale**, and BeatPass stores the final value together.
### Format
* Letters, numbers, spaces, and `#`
* Examples: `C Minor`, `F# Major`, `A Minor`
* Maximum 10 characters
### Common Keys in Music Production
| Key | Feel | Common In |
| ----------- | -------------- | ------------------ |
| **C Major** | Bright, happy | Pop, Country |
| **A Minor** | Sad, emotional | Pop, R\&B, Hip-Hop |
| **G Major** | Uplifting | Rock, Pop |
| **E Minor** | Dark, intense | Hip-Hop, Rock |
| **F Major** | Warm, relaxed | R\&B, Jazz |
| **D Minor** | Melancholic | Hip-Hop, Trap |
### When to Specify Key
* You have existing vocals in a specific key
* You're matching another track
* You have a strong preference for the emotional feel
If you're not sure about musical keys, it's okay to leave this blank. Your reference track will give producers enough guidance.
***
## Mood (Optional)
The mood describes the emotional feel or atmosphere of the beat you want.
### Format
* Letters and spaces only
* Maximum 50 characters
### Common Moods
| Category | Examples |
| ------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| **Energetic** | Hype, Aggressive, Upbeat, Energetic |
| **Emotional** | Sad, Emotional, Melancholic, Nostalgic |
| **Relaxed** | Chill, Laid Back, Smooth, Mellow |
| **Dark** | Dark, Eerie, Sinister, Moody |
| **Positive** | Happy, Uplifting, Triumphant, Confident |
| **Romantic** | Sensual, Romantic, Intimate, Dreamy |
### Examples
* `Dark and aggressive`
* `Uplifting`
* `Chill vibes`
* `Emotional but hopeful`
***
## Budget (Optional)
If you want to signal spending range, you can add a budget. This helps producers decide whether the request fits the level of opportunity you are describing.
### Format
* Enter a number or range such as `50`, `50-100`, or `200`
* Choose one of the available currencies in the form: **USD**, **CAD**, **EUR**, or **GBP**
* BeatPass stores the final value as text, such as `50-100 USD`
### Important Notes
* Budget is **optional** and **informational only**
* BeatPass doesn't handle payments for beat requests
* Any transaction happens directly between you and the producer
* Submissions come from producers' existing catalogs
Including a budget can attract more serious submissions. Budget is informational — it signals what you are willing to spend, but the actual licensing or purchase still happens through BeatPass's normal licensing flow or through direct conversation with the producer.
***
## How Specifications Help
The more detail you provide, the better your results:
| Specification Level | Expected Results |
| ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| **Minimal** (description + reference) | More submissions, wider quality range |
| **Basic** (+ genre, mood, BPM) | Better self-filtering from producers |
| **Detailed** (all fields) | Stronger chance of highly relevant matches |
***
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't ask for a "140 BPM chill R\&B beat" — 140 BPM is typically too fast for chill R\&B. Make sure your specs align.
If your reference is a trap song but you describe wanting R\&B, producers won't know what you actually want.
"Good beat" or "fire instrumental" doesn't help. Be specific about style, mood, and elements.
Budget helps set expectations. Normal track licensing on BeatPass (standard downloads, exclusive purchases) works through the regular platform flow. Custom negotiations beyond that happen directly with the producer.
Requiring exactly "132 BPM in F# Minor with specific synths" may limit submissions. Give some flexibility.
***
## Related Topics
Step-by-step guide to posting a request.
How producers interpret your specifications.
Understand the standard license that applies when you release a finished song.
Review the human-made standard that applies to submitted beats.
See how reference-guided discovery connects to proof and rights.
## Need Help?
If you have questions or need assistance, contact the support team at [**contact@beatpass.ca**](mailto:contact@beatpass.ca) or visit the [Contact Support](/help/contact-support) page.