Key Dates at a Glance

Your music release schedule

Sign up for distribution

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Get music delivered to platforms

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Create Spotify pre-save

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Claim or update streaming profiles

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Pitch music to Spotify

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Set up your smartlink

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Share your music

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Distribution Setup

Finalize Your Cover Artwork

Finalize Your Cover Artwork

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We recommend a JPG or PNG file that is 3000×3000 pixels.

Need help creating cover artwork? 

Get Your Music Mastered

Get Your Music Mastered

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You’ll need a 44.1 kHz, 16bit stereo WAV or FLAC file.

Want to make your mix sound great? Get quick, automated mastering!

Submit your music for distribution

Submit your music for distribution

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Sign up for global music distribution, monetization, and more.

Double-check all your metadata before submitting!

Verify your music has been delivered

Verify your music has been delivered

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Has your music been sent to streaming platforms? Here’s how to check.

IMPORTANT: Platforms will not publish your music UNTIL your chosen release date.

Promo Prep

Music PR

Doing a PR campaign for your release?

YOU’LL NEED ADVANCE PREPARATION OF:

  • 3-4 months for national or international media
  • 2-3 months for online media (blogs, podcasts, etc.)
  • 1-2 months for local press (weeklies, newspapers, etc.)

Here are some other things you should do BEFORE your release date…

Create your Show.co account

Create your Show.co account

Between and

Grow your Spotify engagement with these FREE tools.

Set up a Spotify pre-save

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Let your fans save your music on Spotify before it’s released!

Update your Spotify Profile

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Claim your  Spotify for Artists account.

Update Your Apple Music Profile

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Get verified with  Apple Music for Artists.

Update your Amazon Music profile

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Access  Amazon Music for Artists.

Update your YouTube Official Artist Channel

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Get verified for an  Official Artist Channel on YouTube.

Get your lyrics on Instagram Stories

Get your lyrics on Instagram Stories

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See your lyrics on major digital services via Musixmatch.

Pitch your music to Spotify

Pitch your music to Spotify

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Submit a track to Spotify’s editorial team.

Do this at LEAST seven business days before your release. 

Create a Spotify playlist

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Build a playlist related to your music so it’s ready to go!

Then add YOUR music on the release date.

Set up your smartlink

Set up your smartlink

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With HearNow, your customized smartlink:

  • Can be created instantly
  • Gives you an attractive promo page
  • Directs fans to their preferred platforms

You can even collect virtual tips with links to Patreon, PayPal, and Venmo.

Official Release Date

Your music is available

Your music is available

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Verify your music is live on all the big platforms.

Update your online presence

Update your online presence

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Add new photos, bio, and links to your social profiles and website. 

Tell the world

Tell the world

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Share your new music with your audience via:

  • Email & social posts
  • Website announcement bar
  • Blog or news updates on your website
  • Editing your featured playlists
  • Updating your Spotify bio
  • And much more

Be sure to share your smartlink rather than pasting a dozen URLs!

Follow-Up Promo

Run a 'Social Unlock' campaign

Run a "Social Unlock" campaign

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Drive Spotify streams, follows, and saves by offering secret content or giveaways.

Pitch music to indie curators

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Reach out to playlisters interested in your genre.

Post supporting visual content

Post supporting visual content

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There are countless ways to SHOW the story of your songs:

Shine a light on different aspects of your music!

Run an interactive ad

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Spread awareness with interactive ads that:

Do a first-week audit

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Where is your music performing best? Check your analytics on:

  • Spotify for Artists
  • Next Big Sound
  • Amazon Music for Artists
  • Apple Music for Artists
  • Facebook Ads Manager
  • Google and YouTube

 

Release a supporting single

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Keep your algorithmic energy going with a follow-up song!

Ready?

Releasing singles on Spotify

Release music the right way!

  1. Keep ALL your music available online with no annual fees.
  2. Find a global audience on 150+ platforms.
  3. Make the most money with sync, publishing, social videos, and more.
Release Music

Extra Credit

Got more time before your release?

Sweet! Do these things too.

Document The Creative Process

Document The Creative Process

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Capture video and take pics. Also, keep detailed notes about:

  • The meaning of the lyrics
  • The story of the recording
  • The gear you used
  • Working with collaborators

This stuff will come in handy later for promo content and social posts.

Figure Out Your Story

Figure Out Your Story

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Find your hook for press & playlisters by asking:

Distill that into an elevator pitch! You’ll have a leg up in your promotion.

Book your release party

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Celebrate your album live with both online and IRL performances, including:

  • Livestream concerts
  • A special “album release” gig or tour
  • Listening parties on Instagram Live, Twitter, etc.
  • Behind-the-scenes VIP experiences

Plan ahead so you can host a memorable event for your fans; music venue talent buyers often need 3-6 months to get you on the calendar.

Get more from every recording session

Get more from every recording session

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Before you close down your session or leave the studio:

  • Burn instrumental mixes for sync licensing
  • Print stems for remixers
  • Try a stripped-down alternate mix

Save yourself the time later by doing this stuff NOW.

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