Release Dates and Scheduling

Strategic release scheduling is a crucial part of your music marketing plan. This guide explains how to set effective release dates, understand lead times, and maximize the impact of your music launches through Dismusic.

Understanding Release Dates

The release date is when your music becomes available to the public on streaming platforms. When you set a release date in Dismusic:

This is the date your music will go live on all selected platforms
All platforms will receive instructions to make your music available on this specific date
The date is set in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)

Most new music is released on Fridays, which aligns with Spotify's New Music Friday and other platform-specific new release features.

Minimum Lead Times

To ensure your music is properly processed and delivered to all platforms by your chosen release date, you must submit it with adequate lead time:

Standard distribution: Minimum 14 days (2 weeks) before release date
Recommended lead time: 21-30 days (3-4 weeks) before release date
For major releases or marketing campaigns: 6-8 weeks before release date

Important: Submitting with less than the minimum lead time may result in your music not being available on all platforms by your chosen release date.

The Distribution Timeline

Here's what happens after you submit your release:

Dismusic Review: 1-2 business days
Delivery to Platforms: 1-2 business days after approval
Platform Processing: 3-10 business days (varies by platform)
Pre-Save/Pre-Order Setup: After platform processing, before release date
Release Date: Music becomes available to the public

This timeline explains why adequate lead time is necessary—each step requires processing time that can't be rushed.

Choosing an Effective Release Date

Day of the Week

Friday: Traditional release day, aligns with platform new release features
Wednesday/Thursday: Can help you stand out from Friday releases
Monday/Tuesday: Good for building momentum throughout the week
Weekend: Generally not recommended unless for special events

Seasonal Considerations

Consider these factors when choosing your release month:

Avoid major holiday periods when media attention is limited (late December)
Consider seasonal themes that align with your music
Be aware of major music industry events that might overshadow your release
For holiday-themed music, release 6-8 weeks before the holiday

Avoiding Competition

Research release dates of major artists in your genre to avoid competing for attention. Consider:

Checking announced release dates of major artists in your genre
Avoiding dates of major music award shows or industry events
Looking at your local music scene calendar to avoid conflicts

Pre-Save and Pre-Order Campaigns

Setting a future release date allows you to run pre-save campaigns, which can help build momentum:

Pre-save links become available after your music is processed by platforms
Typically available 1-2 weeks before your release date
Allow fans to save your music before it's released
Help boost your day-one streaming numbers

Dismusic automatically generates pre-save links for your releases, which you can find in your release details once your music has been processed by platforms.

Instant Gratification Tracks

For album releases, you can select certain tracks as "instant gratification" tracks:

These tracks become available immediately when fans pre-save the album
Helps build excitement for the full album release
Typically limited to 1-3 tracks per album

To set up instant gratification tracks, select this option during the album submission process and choose which tracks to make available early.

Changing Your Release Date

If you need to change your release date after submission:

Pushing back (delaying): Generally possible with at least 5 business days notice
Moving earlier: Often not possible once delivery to platforms has begun
Process: Use the "Request Changes" option in your release details

Note: Frequent release date changes may affect your relationship with platforms and could impact playlist consideration.

Release Strategies for Different Content Types

Singles

Release 3-6 weeks before an album to build momentum
Space multiple singles 3-4 weeks apart
Consider releasing on Thursdays to maximize New Music Friday playlist potential

EPs

Release a single 2-4 weeks before the EP
Consider mid-week releases to stand out from Friday album releases
Plan for 3-4 weeks of promotion before release

Albums

Release 2-3 singles before the album (spaced 3-4 weeks apart)
Set release date 6-8 weeks in advance for proper marketing
Friday releases align with most album charts and playlist refreshes

Coordinating with Your Marketing Plan

Your release date should be synchronized with your marketing activities:

Announce the release 2-4 weeks before the release date
Schedule social media content to build up to the release
Plan music video releases to coincide with or slightly precede the audio release
Coordinate press coverage to hit around the release date
Schedule live performances or online events to support the release

Platform-Specific Release Considerations

Spotify

Releases by Friday at midnight local time are eligible for New Music Friday consideration
Submit to Spotify for Artists playlist consideration at least 7 days before release
Release Radar features new releases from artists that users follow

Apple Music

New releases are featured in the "New Music" section
Friday releases align with their weekly refreshes
Pre-adds (Apple's version of pre-saves) can help boost chart positions

Other Platforms

Each platform has its own new release features and timelines. Our distribution ensures your music arrives at all platforms with instructions to release on your chosen date.

Best Practices for Release Scheduling

Plan your release calendar 3-6 months in advance
Allow adequate time between releases (at least 4-6 weeks)
Submit well ahead of your target date to avoid rushing
Consider time zones when setting release dates (midnight in each time zone vs. global time)
Align release timing with your strongest markets
Use analytics from previous releases to inform future release timing