Release Timeline Planner

Six to eight weeks is a common working timeline. Masters and artwork should be locked around week eight, distribution and metadata submitted around week seven, and pre-save links live about six weeks out. Uploading early matters because distributors need lead time and playlist pitching windows close before release day. Rushing a release usually costs you the promotional runway that makes it land.

Spotify's editorial pitching window typically closes about two weeks before release, so pitch through Spotify for Artists as soon as your release is scheduled with your distributor — commonly four to five weeks out. Earlier submissions give editors more time to listen. Requirements and deadlines change, so verify the current rules inside Spotify for Artists before you build your timeline around them.

Commonly around five to six weeks before release, once your distributor has generated the links. Pre-saves help drive algorithmic visibility at release time because saved tracks appear in listeners' libraries on day one. Share the link across socials, email your mailing list, and point press outreach at it — a pre-save landing page gives every piece of promo one destination.

Complete track titles, featured artists, songwriter and producer credits, ISRC codes, and artwork at the correct dimensions. Sloppy or missing metadata delays royalty payments and can misdirect them entirely, since distributors and collection societies match money to registrations. Double-check spellings and splits before submitting — correcting metadata after release is slower and messier than getting it right the first time.