How to release music independently, step by step
To release music independently, finish the masters and sign the splits, upload to a distributor at least 4 weeks before release day, pitch one song to Spotify's editors at least 7 days before, register the songs so every royalty reaches you, and promote the release from 8 weeks before release day to 4 weeks after. Here is the order, week by week.
8 weeks out: lock the music and the plan
- 1
Finish the masters
Mixed and mastered, with the final file for every track. Release dates slip when the music isn't done.
- 2
Pick a Friday release date
New music goes live worldwide on Fridays, and that's when playlists refresh. Eight weeks gives you room for everything below.
- 3
Write down one goal and a budget
A number you can check later, like first-month streams or new followers, and what you'll spend on content, ads and pitching.
- 4
Sign the paperwork
A split sheet signed by every writer, a producer agreement, and written permission for any sample. All of it is harder after release.
6 weeks out: cover art and content
- 1
Finish the cover art
A square image at least 3000 by 3000 pixels, with no web addresses, logos or social handles. Distributors reject art that breaks these rules.
- 2
Shoot the video and photos
A music video shot now has about 4 weeks to edit. No time or budget? A visualizer or lyric video takes days, not weeks.
- 3
Book a release show
Rooms book 6 to 8 weeks ahead, and an event gives fans a reason to show up on release week.
4 weeks out: deliver, announce and pitch
- 1
Upload to your distributor
Masters, cover art, credits, explicit flags, genre and language. Your distributor assigns the ISRC and UPC codes for free.
- 2
Get your pre-save link
Most distributors make one, and free tools do too. Put it in your bio and on your press kit.
- 3
Announce the release
Reveal the cover and the date together, then post teaser clips until release day.
- 4
Pitch press, blogs and curators
Writers and playlist curators plan weeks ahead. A pitch on release day is usually too late.
1 to 3 weeks out: Spotify and the final push
- 1
Pitch Spotify's editors
In Spotify for Artists, pitch one song from the release at least 7 days before release day. Earlier is better, and it also puts the song on your followers' Release Radar.
- 2
Send it early to press and radio
A private link a week or two ahead lets writers have something ready for release day.
- 3
Update your profiles
New photo, bio and links on Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists, plus a Spotify Canvas loop.
Release week and after
- 1
Release day
Schedule posts and stories the day before, run release-day ads, point every bio link at the new release and feature it on your press kit.
- 2
First week
Check your numbers against the goal you wrote down 8 weeks ago, and follow up with every curator and writer you pitched.
- 3
Weeks 2 to 4
Put out a follow-up piece, like an acoustic version, remix or live video, and keep posting. Most releases fade because the posting stops.
Register the songs so you get paid
Streaming pays several different royalties, and each one is collected by a different organization. Register with each, or money goes unclaimed.
- A performing rights organization (ASCAP or BMI in the US) for your songwriter royalties. Register every song with every writer's split.
- The MLC, or a publishing admin, for mechanical royalties from streams. Use one or the other, not both.
- SoundExchange for digital performance royalties on the recording, as both the artist and the owner of the master.
- Your distributor for a YouTube Official Artist Channel and Content ID, once you have 3 official releases.
Run this plan in Artistboard
Add your release date and Release Rollout lays out this whole plan with real dates, and the Release Checklist tracks distribution, codes, splits and registrations so nothing is missed.
Plan your releaseQuick answers
How far in advance should I upload my music to a distributor?
At least 4 weeks before release day. That leaves time for approval, a pre-save link and a Spotify editorial pitch, which has to be in at least 7 days before release.
Do I need a label to release music?
No. A distributor gets your music onto Spotify, Apple Music and the other stores, and you keep your masters. A label adds money and a team in exchange for a share of your income or ownership.
What day should I release music?
Friday. New music goes live worldwide on Fridays, and that's when most editorial playlists and Release Radar refresh.
How long should a release rollout be?
Plan for 8 weeks before release day and 4 weeks after. Less is possible, but content and pitching are the first things to suffer.
Should I release singles or an album?
Many independent artists release several singles first, a few weeks apart, then the full project. Each single is another chance at playlists and new listeners.
What registrations do I need to get paid?
A performing rights organization for songwriter royalties, the MLC or a publishing admin for mechanical royalties, SoundExchange for the recording, and your distributor for streaming payouts.