#4 WEEKS BEFORE

PRE-RELEASE

• Finalize your master audio files.
• Ensure that any audio samples used in your recordings are cleared and licensed.
• Shoot and finalize all artist photos, marketing images, and album artwork.
• Collect all photos and videos shot during your songwriting, recording, studio, and mixing processes for use on social media once the release is live.
• Create a split percentage sheet for all collaborators involved in the production process. Make sure you have the correct spellings for each contributor you want to credit.
• Type out all lyrics in their original language.
• Choose a good release date. It is recommended to schedule at least 16 days prior for streaming platforms.
• Decide whether you’ll be hiring a publicist or managing the press pitch yourself and take the necessary steps.
• If this is not your first release, make sure you're registered with Musixmatch Pro and verified as an artist for future lyrics updates (a free plan is available).

#3 WEEKS BEFORE

THE UPLOAD STAGE - STREAMING

• Ensure all of your metadata is in the correct format.
• Double-check that all audio files are 44.1 kHz, 16-bit stereo .wav files.
• Double-check that the album artwork is a 3000×3000 px .jpg file.
• Upload your release to the label/distributor platform and select the planned release date.
• If this is not your first release, make sure you've sent the lyrics to the label/distributor to ensure the fastest lyrics appearance time.

#2 WEEKS BEFORE

REVIEW CONFIRMATION & MUSIC VIDEO

• Confirm that your music has been successfully delivered to stores.
• Hand over your Spotify Canvas video clip to your label or add it on Spotify for Artists.
• Pitch your release to playlists on Spotify for Artists and others, if your distributor or label provides any.
• Plan your social media platform cover photos and profile picture updates.
• Start posting your TikTok clip cuts or teaser videos on social media.
• Plan your “Coming Soon” or “Releasing On” posts.
• Plan your “Out Now” or “Listen and Download” posts.
• Get your music video finalized.
• Finalize your YouTube thumbnail (no larger than 2MB and 1920×1080 px).

#1 WEEK BEFORE

FOR ALL ONLY 1 WEEK AVAILABLE

• If you’re going to do a Pre-Save campaign, collect the pre-save link from the distributor or your label.
• Research and pitch your release to independent playlist curators and blogs.
• Write your artist bio and prepare your Electronic Press Kit (EPK).
• Double-check all the files you’ll need when the release is live.
• Prepare and double-check music video clips (20-40 seconds), story clips, and any other media you’ll use after the release and when the music video is out.

#2 DAYS BEFORE

• Make sure you’ve uploaded the music video (if you have one) and optimized it yourself or with the support of label curators.
• Ensure everything is good with the streaming release through your label or distributor.
• Ensure your video clips and "Out Now" posts are ready for the release day.
• If you plan to schedule posts after the release, now is the time.
• Double-check everything, such as posting dates and time zones, as they can mistakenly be selected for YouTube and social media.

#RELEASE DAY

• After the video/release is out, post the "Out Now" clips and posts you prepared.
• Double-check with your PR & marketing team about the release promotions you’ve decided to initiate.
• Stay chill.

#1 DAY AFTER

• Gather your closest friends to support and help share the release.
• Remind your label or distributor to sync the lyrics for streaming platforms.
• Register your compositions with a music publishing administrator if you didn’t do so during the release upload process on your distribution platform.
• Keep an eye on platform charts and trending lists, and share any highlights to build more visibility and engagement.

CONGRATS ON YOUR NEW RELEASE!