Releasing a Song? Don’t Miss a Step! Your ULTIMATE Checklist for a Smooth Launch
Excited to release your new song? Imagine this: Your track drops, fans are buzzing, and streams are climbing. But… what if you missed a key step? Don't let all your hard work go to waste! Use this ultimate checklist to launch your single like a pro—stress-free and with maximum impact.
Step 1: Lock in the Basics
Before you start shouting from the rooftops, make sure you have the foundation set:
Pick a release date wisely – Avoid holidays, major artist releases, or big industry events that might steal the spotlight. (Pro tip: Since Fridays are when most artists release new music, picking a day mid-week might be better to capture attention!)
Set a budget – Decide how much you can spend on production, promotion, and visuals. Even a small budget can go a long way with smart planning!
Confirm song details – Double-check your song title, artist name, and metadata. Mistakes here can make your song hard to find (or worse—cause delays!).
Step 2: Get Your Music Ready
Your song needs to sound its absolute best before the world hears it. Here’s how:
Professional mixing & mastering – A polished sound can make or break how your track performs on streaming platforms. Don't skip this step!
Choose a distributor – Services like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby get your song on Spotify, Apple Music, and beyond. Give yourself at least four weeks for distribution to avoid last-minute hiccups.
Register for royalties – Sign up with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to make sure you get paid when your song is played.
Step 3: Create Eye-Catching Visuals
People listen with their eyes first. Stand out with strong branding:
Cover art that pops – Your artwork is the first impression—make it high-quality and visually represent your song's vibe.
Teasers & lyric videos – Short, engaging clips for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube can build hype before the release.
Press kit ready – A solid EPK (Electronic Press Kit) includes your bio, high-quality images, links, and a short write-up about your single—perfect for blogs, radio, and influencers.
Step 4: Hype Up Your Release
You’ve got the music, now let’s get people talking about it!
Run a pre-save campaign – Encourage fans to pre-save your song on Spotify to boost streams from day one.
Create a countdown – Post daily or weekly updates leading up to release day (behind-the-scenes clips, fun facts, or even teasers).
Engage your audience – Go live on Instagram or TikTok, answer fan questions, and let them be part of the journey!
Step 5: Make a Splash on Release Day
The big day is here—time to maximize impact!
Announce your release – Share everywhere! Post your streaming links on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and even email your fans.
Engage with listeners – Respond to comments, share user posts, and thank fans for listening. Personal connections make fans stick around.
Submit to playlists – Pitch your track to Spotify’s editorial playlists (at least 4 weeks before release) and reach out to independent curators.
