Release Plan
Projected Release Date September 25, 2022
KEY DATES AT A GLANCE
Sign up for distribution by August 28, 2022
Get music delivered to platforms by September 11, 2022
Create Spotify pre-save by September 12, 2022
Claim or update streaming profiles by September 13, 2022
Pitch music to Spotify by September 14, 2022
Set up your smartlink by September 24, 2022
Share your music
DISTRIBUTION SETUP
Finalize Your Cover Artwork
by August 26, 2022
We recommend a JPG or PNG file that is 3000×3000 pixels.
Need help creating cover artwork?
Get Your Music Mastered
by August 27, 2022
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
by August 28, 2022
Sign up for global music distribution, monetization, and more.
Double-check all your metadata before submitting!
Verify your music has been delivered
by September 11, 2022
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
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
from August 28, 2022 through September 11, 2022
Grow your Spotify engagement with these FREE tools.
Set up a Spotify pre-save
by September 12, 2022
Let your fans save your music on Spotify before it’s released!
Update your Spotify Profile
by September 13, 2022
Claim your Spotify for Artists account.
Update Your Apple Music Profile
by September 13, 2022
Get verified with Apple Music for Artists.
Update your Amazon Music profile
by September 13, 2022
Access Amazon Music for Artists.
Update your YouTube Official Artist Channel
by September 13, 2022
Get verified for an Official Artist Channel on YouTube.
Get your lyrics on Instagram Stories
by September 13, 2022
See your lyrics on major digital services via Musixmatch.
Pitch your music to Spotify
by September 14, 2022
Submit a track to Spotify’s editorial team.
Do this at LEAST seven business days before your release.
Create a Spotify playlist
by September 23, 2022
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
by September 24, 2022
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
Verify your music is live on all the big platforms.
Update your online presence
Add new photos, bio, and links to your social profiles and website.
Tell the world
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
on September 26, 2022
Drive Spotify streams, follows, and saves by offering secret content or giveaways.
Pitch music to indie curators
on September 27, 2022
Reach out to playlisters interested in your genre.
Post supporting visual content
from September 28, 2022 through October 25, 2022
There are countless ways to SHOW the story of your songs:
Music videos
Lyric videos
Visualizers
Spotify Canvas
Lyric snippets on Instagram
Reels and TikTok
Livestreams
Pics and video from the creative process
Shine a light on different aspects of your music!
Run an interactive ad
on September 29, 2022
Spread awareness with interactive ads that:
Get your message on sites like Rolling
Stone & Pitchfork
Boost streams & video plays
Have affordable minimum budgets
Do a first-week audit
on October 2, 2022
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
on November 9, 2022
Keep your algorithmic energy going with a follow-up song!
READY?
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.
GOT MORE TIME BEFORE YOUR RELEASE?
Sweet! Do these things too.
Document The Creative Process
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
Find your hook for press & playlisters by asking:
Who is your ideal listener?
Why do they need your music?
What makes you unique as an artist?
Distill that into an elevator pitch! You’ll have a leg up in your promotion.
Book your release party
Public events aren’t advisable now, but there are other ways to celebrate,
including:
Livestream concerts
Listening parties on Instagram Live,
Twitter, etc.
Behind-the-scenes experiences
Plan ahead so you can host a memorable event for your fans.
Get more from every recording session
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.
We’d appreciate your feedback with this really short survey! Thank you!
