Practical guide
A 30-Day Music Release Promotion Plan
Use this plan as a working schedule, not a promise that every release can be delivered in thirty days. It covers days −21 to +8 around release day. Distribution lead times, rights clearance and partner deadlines may require preparation earlier than this window.
Days −21 to −15: get the release ready
Confirm the master, artwork, artist name, credits, release date and distribution status. Put the essential information in one brief. Decide what success means for this release: a focused audience test, relevant press conversations or re-engaging existing listeners.
- Create a shareable asset folder and test access while signed out.
- Write a short bio and one specific story angle.
- Choose one primary campaign channel and a spending cap.
- Build a shortlist based on recent relevant work, not a purchased mass-contact list.
Deliverable: a complete brief and a usable electronic press kit.
Days −14 to −8: prepare the paths
Prepare recipient-specific pitches and schedule your own announcement material. If the release is eligible and visible in Spotify for Artists, follow the official editorial-pitch process early. Spotify’s guidance says to pitch at least seven days before release for the associated Release Radar benefit; editorial selection is not guaranteed.
Provider source: Spotify pitching requirements. Checked September 23, 2026. Prices, eligibility and limits can change; confirm the final terms before paying.
Test the listening or pre-save link on a phone. Give collaborators the correct date and assets. Deliverable: a contact log, a working destination and scheduled material you have reviewed.
Days −7 to −1: check, then simplify
Check every name, credit and link again. Remove last-minute tasks that do not support the main objective. Confirm any agreed interviews and send only requested assets. Prepare a release-day message that makes listening easy without asking for five other actions first.
If the date moves, update the distributor, landing page, collaborators and recipients who were told the old date. Keep a record of the change rather than quietly leaving conflicting announcements online.
Day 0: verify before amplifying
- Open the live release on the intended services and confirm the correct artist mapping.
- Replace temporary destinations where necessary.
- Share the announcement with the audience that expects to hear from you.
- Respond to actual questions and asset requests.
- Record issues and fix the listening path before adding paid traffic.
Days +1 to +8: learn and follow through
Share a useful second angle: a performance clip, a recording detail or an approved piece of coverage. Thank people who supported the release without assuming they want repeated pitches. Follow up only where appropriate to the recipient’s guidelines.
Review campaign activity against the baseline. Decide what to continue, what to stop and what to carry into the next release. Deliverable: a short review containing outcomes, costs, open conversations and three lessons—not just a screenshot of the largest number.
Adapt the schedule
What if my song is already out?
Start with link checks, the story and audience fit. Skip expired pre-release tasks and build a new reason to communicate, rather than presenting old news as a fresh release.
What if I have only a week?
Reduce the channel count and protect the essentials: correct delivery, usable assets, a clear listening link and a small relevant outreach list. Do not promise partners a timeline you cannot meet.
Download the release marketing checklist to assign owners and deadlines.