- Finish and check your master, artwork and metadata before you submit.
- Upload at least three to four weeks before release for pitching and promotion.
- Plan the release as a campaign, not a single upload.
The Short Answer
Releasing music is easy to do and easy to do badly. A good release plan covers the audio, the information, the timing and the promotion. Taking a few extra weeks to prepare can make a big difference to how a song performs.
Prepare the Music and Artwork
Use a properly mixed and mastered file in the format your distributor asks for. Listen on several devices. Prepare square artwork that meets the platform rules and that you have the right to use.
Keep copies of lyrics, credits and split sheets ready.
Choose a Distributor
Compare distributors on fees, payout terms, speed, support and what they take. Check whether you keep all your rights and whether you can move your catalogue later. Read reviews from other independent artists.
Avoid services that ask for ownership of your music or lock you into long contracts without a clear reason.
Get the Details Right
Enter your artist name, song titles, writers, producers and release date exactly as you want them to appear. Add genre, language and any explicit-content flags. Mistakes in metadata are hard to fix and can delay payments.
Register your songs with any collecting society you use.
Plan the Timeline
Submit at least three to four weeks before release so you can pitch to platform editors and prepare content. Announce the song, share short clips, set up a pre-save link and tell your mailing list.
Line up friends, DJs and media to support release day.
After Release
Share your link everywhere, thank people who share it and track listeners, saves and playlist adds in your dashboard. Keep releasing and promoting for several weeks, not only on the first day.
Review what worked and use it for the next release.
A Simple Release Timeline
Week one: finish and master the song, confirm credits and agree the splits. Week two: finalise artwork, choose a distributor and submit. Weeks three and four: pitch to playlists, share clips and build a pre-save list. Release week: share the link widely and thank supporters. Following weeks: keep posting and review your numbers.
Mistakes to Avoid
Do not submit the song the day before release, use uncleared samples or artwork, buy fake streams or enter the wrong names. Do not ignore ISRC and credit information, because they affect payment and tracking.
Protect Your Catalogue
Keep original files in more than one place, record all agreements and keep login details for your distributor secure with two-factor authentication. Know how to move your catalogue if you change distributor.
Action Checklist
- Finish and check the master on several devices
- Prepare artwork you have the right to use
- Compare distributors on fees and rights
- Double-check names, credits and release date
- Submit at least three to four weeks in advance
- Track results and keep promoting after release
