Build your dated music release plan

Set your release date

Follow your dated release plan

Use each date as a handoff

Your distributor needs the finished recording, cover, credits and metadata before the campaign can depend on store links. The plan starts six weeks out because CD Baby calls four to six weeks ideal for a scheduled release. Uploading early also leaves room for inspection and store processing.

Open the pre-save campaign when the distributor has delivered the release and given you the identifier or link you need. Apple Music tells independent artists to arrange pre-adds through a distributor. CD Baby says an Apple pre-order needs at least one week live and recommends 30 days of lead time for inspection, processing and delivery. Its help page limits that Apple option to eligible albums, so this tool only adds the Apple instruction to EP and album plans.

Send your press release and blog pitches four weeks out. Give each writer a private listening link, a short reason the release fits their coverage, a clear date and assets they can use. Build the document first with the music press release guide, then tailor the pitch to each publication.

Send radio submissions during the same promotion window. Read each station's rules before you attach audio or send a download link. Record the contact, submission page and follow-up rule so you do not send the same station conflicting messages.

Wait until Spotify shows the unreleased music in your Upcoming tab, then pitch one track. Spotify sets seven days as the minimum. Submit earlier when the release appears earlier. Read the Spotify playlist submission guide before you choose the track and write its pitch.

On release day, open every destination yourself. Update the landing page, send your listener message and save screenshots of any title, credit or artwork error. Your distributor manages store delivery, so send it the exact service link and correction when something differs from the approved metadata.

Answer the release planning questions

How far ahead should you plan a music release?

Start six weeks before your chosen date. CD Baby calls four to six weeks ideal when you need a fixed date, promotion, playlist pitching and pre-save time.

When should you pitch Spotify editorial?

Submit one eligible unreleased song at least seven days before release through Spotify for Artists. Spotify states that minimum on its own pitching help page.

When should you send a music press release?

Send the press release with your targeted pitches four weeks before release when you want national coverage. CD Baby gives national media four weeks and local media at least two weeks.

When should you launch a pre-save?

Launch when your distributor delivers the release and gives you the required link or identifier. This plan uses four weeks for a single. For an eligible album pre-add, it uses the 30 days CD Baby recommends for Apple pre-order processing and delivery.