Music Release Timeline Template: 8-Week Countdown

You finished the song. It’s mixed. It’s mastered. Now what?

Most indie artists upload to their distributor, post once on release day, and wonder why nobody listens. The song drops into the void because there’s no plan.

A successful release isn’t an event. It’s a campaign. The work starts weeks before the song goes live and continues weeks after. This timeline template gives you the exact week-by-week breakdown.

Print it. Copy it. Use it for every release.

Why 8 Weeks?

The 8-week timeline exists for specific reasons.

Spotify editorial submission: Spotify requires pitches 4-6 weeks before release to be considered for editorial playlists. Less than 4 weeks and you’ve missed the window entirely.

Building anticipation: Fans need multiple touchpoints before they’ll take action. One announcement isn’t enough. You need time to build awareness.

Content creation: Creating 10-15 videos, graphics, and assets while also handling life and other music work takes time. Rushing leads to weak content.

Playlist curator outreach: Curators need time to discover and consider your song. Reaching out the week of release is too late.

8 weeks is long enough to execute well without being so long that you lose momentum or excitement.

Before You Start: Prerequisites

Don’t start the timeline until these are done:

  • [ ] Song is finished (production complete, mixed, mastered)
  • [ ] Artwork is finalized (3000x3000px, high resolution)
  • [ ] You have a distributor account set up (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, etc.)
  • [ ] Basic social media presence exists (somewhere to announce)
  • [ ] You’ve chosen your release date

If any of these aren’t done, finish them first. Starting the timeline with incomplete assets causes problems.

For complete career strategy context, see our indie artist guide.

Week 8: Foundation and Submission

Theme: Get the logistics locked and submit to Spotify editorial.

Distribution

  • [ ] Upload song to your distributor
  • [ ] Set release date (pick a Friday for consistency with industry standard)
  • [ ] Double-check all metadata: artist name, song title, featured artists, genre
  • [ ] Confirm all platforms are selected (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, TikTok, etc.)
  • [ ] Verify ISRC code is assigned

Spotify for Artists

  • [ ] Confirm your Spotify for Artists profile is claimed
  • [ ] Wait 2-5 days for the song to appear in your upcoming releases
  • [ ] Submit to Spotify editorial via the “Pitch a Song” feature
  • [ ] Write a compelling pitch (genre, mood, story, similar artists)

The pitch matters. This is your one chance to convince an editor. Be specific about what makes the song interesting. Include any momentum or notable facts.

Pre-Save Campaign

  • [ ] Set up pre-save link (Feature.fm, Linkfire, Show.co, or Hypeddit)
  • [ ] Configure email capture (critical for building your list)
  • [ ] Test the pre-save link on all platforms
  • [ ] Create a simple graphic for pre-save promotion

Why pre-saves matter: When someone pre-saves, your song automatically appears in their Spotify Release Radar on release day. More pre-saves = better day-one performance.

Planning

  • [ ] Draft your content calendar through release day
  • [ ] Identify 4-5 key promotional moments (artwork reveal, snippet, story)
  • [ ] Block time for content creation in week 7

For strategic timing considerations, see our waterfall release strategy guide.

Week 7: Content Creation

Theme: Create your promotional arsenal. Film everything you’ll need.

Video Content

  • [ ] Film 10-15 TikTok/Reels videos in one batch session
  • [ ] Vary content types: performance clips, behind-the-scenes, storytelling, reaction
  • [ ] Film in different outfits/locations to avoid sameness
  • [ ] Create Spotify Canvas (6-8 second looping video)

Batching saves time and mental energy. 2-3 hours of focused filming can create content for weeks.

Visual Assets

  • [ ] Create social media graphics (square, story, banner sizes)
  • [ ] Design countdown graphics (7 days, 3 days, tomorrow, out now)
  • [ ] Prepare lyric cards or quote graphics
  • [ ] Create pre-save specific graphics

Email Drafts

  • [ ] Write release day email (save as draft)
  • [ ] Write pre-save reminder email (to send week 4-5)
  • [ ] Prepare email subject line options to test

Outreach Preparation

  • [ ] Research 50-100 playlist curators in your genre
  • [ ] Find contact information (bio links, social media, websites)
  • [ ] Prepare your pitch template (to customize for each curator)

For TikTok-specific content strategy, see our TikTok music promotion guide.

Week 6: Outreach and Teasers

Theme: Start building public awareness and reaching out to curators.

Public Announcement

  • [ ] Announce release date on all social platforms
  • [ ] Share artwork for the first time
  • [ ] Post pre-save link prominently
  • [ ] Update link-in-bio to feature pre-save at top

Teaser Content

  • [ ] Post first song snippet (10-15 seconds of the hookiest part)
  • [ ] Share behind-the-scenes content from recording
  • [ ] Post 2-3 TikTok/Reels from your batch
  • [ ] Begin building anticipation through Stories

Outreach

  • [ ] Send first wave of playlist curator outreach (20-30 curators)
  • [ ] Personalize each email (reference specific playlists)
  • [ ] Track who you’ve contacted and responses

Press (If Applicable)

  • [ ] Identify 10-20 blogs that cover your genre
  • [ ] Prepare press release or pitch email
  • [ ] Have high-quality photos ready for media requests
  • [ ] Begin blog outreach

Email List

  • [ ] Send announcement email about upcoming release
  • [ ] Include pre-save link
  • [ ] Share story/context about the song

Week 5: Visualizer and Deep Assets

Theme: Create longer-form content and continue momentum.

Video Assets

  • [ ] Create lyric video or visualizer
  • [ ] Export in correct formats for YouTube (16:9) and socials (9:16)
  • [ ] Schedule lyric video to publish on release day

Continued Promotion

  • [ ] Post 2-3 more teaser clips
  • [ ] Share songwriting story or meaning
  • [ ] Continue TikTok/Reels posting (3-5 posts this week)
  • [ ] Upload Spotify Canvas via Spotify for Artists

Outreach Continued

  • [ ] Send second wave of curator outreach (20-30 more)
  • [ ] Follow up with first wave (if no response after 5-7 days)
  • [ ] Continue blog/press outreach

Pre-Save Push

  • [ ] Remind followers to pre-save in Stories
  • [ ] Share pre-save count milestone if hitting one
  • [ ] DM engaged fans personally asking them to pre-save

Week 4: Ramp Up Intensity

Theme: Double down on promotion. Maximum visibility.

Daily Promotion

  • [ ] Post pre-save link on Stories daily
  • [ ] Vary the content around the link (different snippets, perspectives)
  • [ ] Post 3-5 TikTok/Reels this week
  • [ ] Engage heavily with every comment and DM

Email List

  • [ ] Send reminder email about pre-save
  • [ ] Include new content (snippet, story)
  • [ ] Emphasize why pre-saving matters (“helps me so much”)

Community Building

  • [ ] Go live on Instagram or TikTok to talk about the song
  • [ ] Answer questions about the release
  • [ ] Thank supporters publicly
  • [ ] Build energy in Discord/community spaces

Outreach Wrap-Up

  • [ ] Final wave of curator outreach
  • [ ] Follow up with non-responders (one follow-up only)
  • [ ] Document who responded positively for future releases

For more on playlist strategy, see our Spotify playlists guide.

Week 3: Final Preparations

Theme: Lock everything in. Prepare for release day execution.

Technical Checks

  • [ ] Verify distributor dashboard shows correct release date
  • [ ] Double-check all metadata one more time
  • [ ] Confirm Spotify Canvas is approved and ready
  • [ ] Test all links (pre-save, website, etc.)

Content Scheduling

  • [ ] Schedule release day posts on all platforms
  • [ ] Prepare Stories content for release day (5-10 story posts)
  • [ ] Have captions written and saved
  • [ ] Create “it’s out now” graphics

Email Preparation

  • [ ] Finalize release day email
  • [ ] Test email rendering
  • [ ] Schedule to send at optimal time on release day

Fan Engagement

  • [ ] Create countdown stickers on Instagram Stories
  • [ ] Thank people who have pre-saved
  • [ ] Build final anticipation

Week 2: Last Push

Theme: Final countdown. Maximum pre-save pressure.

Daily Countdown

  • [ ] Post countdown content daily (“7 days,” “5 days,” “3 days,” etc.)
  • [ ] Each countdown post should include pre-save link
  • [ ] Use countdown stickers on Stories

Content Volume

  • [ ] Post 5-7 TikTok/Reels this week
  • [ ] Higher volume as release approaches
  • [ ] Mix content types (don’t just post “pre-save”)

Email

  • [ ] Send final pre-save reminder (3-4 days before release)
  • [ ] “Last chance to pre-save” messaging

Preparation

  • [ ] Confirm all scheduled posts are correct
  • [ ] Prepare playlist submissions for post-release
  • [ ] Plan your release day schedule (when to wake up, what to post when)
  • [ ] Get some rest before release week

Week 1: Release Week

Theme: Execute the launch. Be everywhere.

Early Week (Monday-Wednesday)

  • [ ] Continue countdown content
  • [ ] Engage with everyone commenting on pre-release posts
  • [ ] Final checks that everything is ready
  • [ ] Confirm timing (midnight release is local time for each country unless your distributor uses a single timezone)

Release Day (Thursday/Friday typical)

Morning:

  • [ ] Wake up early, check that song is live on all platforms
  • [ ] Verify all links work correctly
  • [ ] Check Spotify Canvas is displaying
  • [ ] Post release announcement on all socials immediately

Throughout the day:

  • [ ] Send email blast with streaming links
  • [ ] Post to Stories 5-10 times throughout the day
  • [ ] Reply to every comment within minutes/hours
  • [ ] Share fan reactions and DMs (with permission)
  • [ ] Thank everyone engaging

Evening:

  • [ ] Submit to user-curated playlists (now that song is live)
  • [ ] Share any early wins (stream counts, playlist adds)
  • [ ] Continue engaging in comments

Day After Release

  • [ ] Share fan reactions and messages
  • [ ] Post stream milestone if you hit one
  • [ ] Continue TikTok/Reels content
  • [ ] Check Spotify for Artists for early analytics

Weekend After Release

  • [ ] Share any user-generated content
  • [ ] Keep posting content using your song as the audio
  • [ ] Thank specific supporters publicly
  • [ ] Review initial performance

Week 0: Post-Release (Weeks 1-4 After)

Theme: Sustain momentum. Don’t disappear.

Week 1-2 After Release

  • [ ] Post 3-5 TikTok/Reels per week (don’t stop)
  • [ ] Share different angles: production, lyrics, story
  • [ ] Monitor Spotify for Artists daily
  • [ ] Share playlist adds and milestones
  • [ ] Continue submitting to user-curated playlists
  • [ ] Engage with any fan-created content

Week 3-4 After Release

  • [ ] Maintain 2-3 posts per week
  • [ ] Analyze performance: what worked, what didn’t
  • [ ] Document learnings for next release
  • [ ] Send thank-you email to your list
  • [ ] Thank curators who added you
  • [ ] Keep the song alive (don’t abandon it completely)

Transition to Next Cycle

  • [ ] Start planning next release timeline
  • [ ] Apply learnings from this release
  • [ ] Maintain posting between releases (don’t disappear)
  • [ ] Continue building email list

For a complete task-by-task checklist, see our music marketing checklist. Also check our Instagram Reels guide for content creation strategy.

How this differs from the Music Marketing Checklist: This timeline focuses on when to do things week by week. The checklist focuses on what to do in each phase. Use the timeline for scheduling and the checklist for comprehensive task tracking.

Customizing This Timeline

If you have less time (4-week version)

Week 4: Distributor upload, Spotify submission, pre-save launch Week 3: Content creation batch, first round outreach Week 2: Heavy teaser promotion, curator outreach Week 1: Final push, release day execution

You sacrifice editorial playlist consideration (probably too late) and have less runway for awareness. But it’s doable for less planned releases.

If you have more time (12-week version)

Extend weeks 8-6 for more gradual buildup:

  • More thorough curator research
  • Multiple content creation sessions
  • PR campaign with longer lead time
  • Build more anticipation slowly

Useful for albums or significant releases.

For albums vs. singles

Singles: Follow this timeline as-is

Albums/EPs:

  • Start 10-12 weeks out
  • Release singles as pre-release content (see waterfall strategy)
  • Each single follows abbreviated version of this timeline
  • Full album release is the final push

Tools to Manage Your Timeline

Project management

  • Trello: Free, visual boards, drag-and-drop tasks
  • Notion: More flexible, templates available, steeper learning curve
  • Google Sheets: Simple spreadsheet with dates and checkboxes
  • Paper planner: Sometimes analog is best

Content scheduling

  • Later: Instagram-focused, visual calendar
  • Buffer: Multi-platform, clean interface
  • Creator Studio: Free, built into Facebook/Instagram

Email

  • MailerLite: Free up to 500 contacts, good automation
  • Mailchimp: Free up to 250 contacts, widely used
  • ConvertKit: More powerful automation, $39/month (or free up to 10,000 subscribers)
  • Feature.fm: Industry standard, robust analytics
  • Linkfire: Higher tier, used by major labels
  • Show.co: Free option, basic features
  • Hypeddit: Affordable, good email capture

Common Timeline Mistakes

Starting too late

4 weeks is the absolute minimum for Spotify editorial consideration, and 8 weeks is better. If you’re uploading to your distributor 2 weeks before release, you’ve already missed opportunities.

Front-loading then disappearing

Many artists promote heavily pre-release, then go silent after day one. The song needs sustained promotion for 3-4 weeks after release. Post-release effort often matters more than pre-release.

Not batching content

Creating content day-by-day is exhausting and leads to missed days. Batch create in week 7 so you have assets ready for the entire campaign.

Skipping email

Your email list is your most reliable channel. Subscribers open at 20-40% rates while social followers see your posts at 1-5% rates. Don’t skip the email component.

See our email list guide for building this foundation.

Treating release day as the finish line

Release day is the starting gun, not the checkered flag. The real work of sustaining and growing streams happens in the weeks after.

Your Simplified Timeline

If the full timeline feels overwhelming, here are the non-negotiables:

Week 8: Upload to distributor, submit to Spotify editorial Week 6: Announce release, launch pre-save Week 4: Create content batch Week 2: Heavy promotion push Release day: Be everywhere, engage with everyone Weeks 1-4 after: Keep posting, don’t disappear

Start there. Add the additional tasks as your capacity grows.

The difference between songs that find audiences and songs that don’t usually isn’t the music itself. It’s the work surrounding the release. This timeline is your roadmap. Follow it, and your music gets the launch it deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I release a song with less than 8 weeks prep?

Yes, but you sacrifice Spotify editorial consideration (need 4+ weeks) and reduce your promotional runway. 4 weeks is the minimum for a decent release. Less than that is essentially uploading and hoping.

Should I release on Friday?

Fridays are industry standard because Spotify editorial playlists update on Fridays. But independent releases can benefit from off-day releases (Tuesday-Thursday) with less competition. Test both approaches.

What if I don’t have an email list?

Start building one now. Use your pre-save campaign to capture emails. Even 50 subscribers who open your messages are more valuable than 5,000 social followers who don’t see your posts.

Do I really need 8 weeks every time?

For your most important releases, yes. For smaller releases (loosies, covers, quick drops), a condensed 2-4 week version is fine. Match the timeline intensity to the release importance.

What if I release frequently (monthly)?

Overlap timelines. While you’re in post-release for one song, you’re in pre-release for the next. This is the waterfall strategy in practice. It’s more demanding but creates constant momentum.

How far in advance should I plan a music release?

Ideally 8 weeks, minimum 4 weeks. The 8-week timeline exists primarily because Spotify editorial submission needs 4-6 weeks lead time, and you want additional runway for content creation and building anticipation.

What’s the minimum time for a music release?

If you’re just uploading and hoping, you can technically release with 24-48 hours notice through most distributors. But for any promotional effort, 4 weeks is the practical minimum. Less than that means no Spotify editorial consideration and a rushed campaign that usually underperforms.