The 8-Week Release Timeline
A week-by-week breakdown of everything you need to do before your release drops, from pre-production through post-launch.
The 8-Week Release Timeline
A successful music release requires coordinated effort across multiple fronts. Here's what to do each week leading up to your drop day.
Week 8: Planning & Production Lock
Finalize your track list and ensure all masters are locked. You shouldn't be mixing or mastering from here on—these weeks are for distribution and marketing prep.
- Confirm final track artwork and metadata
- Export masters at the correct loudness levels (typically -14 LUFS for streaming)
- Create a release checklist with all deliverables
- Book playlist pitching contacts if needed
- Set up your artist profiles on all platforms (if new)
Week 7: Distribution & Metadata Setup
Submit your release to a distributor (DistroKid, CD Baby, TuneCore, etc.) or your label. Provide complete metadata: track titles, featured artists, writers, producers, ISRC codes, and artwork at correct dimensions.
- Upload audio files with correct formatting
- Add all credits and songwriter information
- Schedule your release date in the distributor's dashboard
- Create your release page on Genius or Songkick
- Prepare social media graphics and video clips
Week 6: Pre-Save Campaign
Launch your pre-save links on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms. This drives algorithmic visibility at release time.
- Generate pre-save links from your distributor
- Share on all social channels with release artwork
- Email your mailing list with the pre-save link
- Reach out to press and music bloggers
- Create a landing page or story emphasizing the pre-saves
Week 5: Playlist Pitching Begins
Submit to editorial and algorithmic playlists. Spotify's pitching window typically closes 2 weeks before release, so start here.
- Pitch to Spotify for editorial and algorithmic placement
- Submit to Apple Music playlist curators
- Research and pitch to DSP-owned playlists
- Reach out to blog premieres (Pitchfork, Stereogum, etc.)
- Send to music journalists and tastemakers
Week 4: Press & Influencer Outreach
Contact press, influencers, and content creators. Build buzz through reviews, features, and mentions.
- Send press kits to music journalists
- Reach out to TikTok creators and YouTubers
- Coordinate any exclusive premieres
- Contact music blogs in your genre
- Prepare interview talking points
Week 3: Social Media & Content Push
Begin consistent posting about your release. Tease the track, share behind-the-scenes content, and build anticipation.
- Post teasers and snippets weekly
- Share production stories or visualizers
- Go live on Instagram or TikTok to discuss the release
- Create countdown graphics
- Engage with early supporters' comments
Week 2: Final Checks & Release Week Setup
Verify all metadata one more time across distributors. Prepare for release week activities like livestreams, interviews, or special promotions.
- Confirm release is live in distributor's dashboard
- Check that all artwork and metadata are correct
- Prepare release day social media posts (schedule them)
- Plan any release day activities (livestream, AMA, etc.)
- Ensure all streaming links are correct and shareable
Week 1: Release Day & Post-Launch
Your release is live. Maintain momentum through the critical first week.
- Share release across all platforms at launch time
- Respond to comments and messages promptly
- Monitor streaming numbers and playlist adds
- Share playlist additions and media coverage
- Plan follow-up content for the following weeks
The key is starting early and staying organized. Each week builds on the previous one, creating a coherent campaign that maximizes your reach.