Music Release Planner
Pick your release date and get a backwards deadline timeline for every milestone
Finalise and approve your master recording. No more changes after this point.
Finalise cover artwork to the required spec (3000×3000 px, RGB, JPG/PNG).
Submit audio, artwork, metadata, and ISRC/UPC to your distributor. Most DSPs need 7–28 days for new releases.
Submit to Spotify for Artists editorial pitch and Apple Music pitch. Pitching opens once the release is live in the system.
Begin teaser content, announce pre-save links, and brief your PR / playlist team.
Activate your smart link / pre-save page. Share on socials and in email newsletters.
Daily content in the 7 days before release: behind-the-scenes, snippets, countdowns.
Your release goes live worldwide. Push your smart link, pitch to blogs, and monitor first-day streams.
7 days post-release: review stream counts, follow up with playlist curators, and run paid social if in budget.
Music Release Planner
About the Music Release Planner
A structured release takes 4–6 weeks of preparation. Audicient's Music Release Planner works backwards from your chosen release date to give you exact calendar deadlines for every key milestone — from locking the master and artwork through DSP submission, editorial playlist pitching, pre-save activation, and the post-release push.
The planner flags dates that have already passed and highlights milestones coming up soon, so you always know what needs to happen next. It also suggests a Friday release if you've chosen a different day, since most major DSPs give priority playlist consideration to Friday drops.
What it does
- 9 milestone deadlines from master lock to post-release
- Dates update instantly as you change the release date
- Past / today / upcoming status for each milestone
- Friday release suggestion for DSP playlist priority
- Covers DSP submission, playlist pitch, pre-save, promo
Features
Backwards Timeline
Every deadline is calculated relative to your release date so you always know exactly how much time you have.
Status Indicators
Each milestone shows whether it's in the past, due today, or how many days away — so nothing slips through the cracks.
Friday Release Tip
If you pick a non-Friday date the planner suggests the nearest Friday, since DSPs prioritise new releases on that day.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I plan?
At minimum 6 weeks — DSPs need 2–4 weeks, editorial pitch windows open earlier, and promo takes time to build momentum.
Does this work for EPs and albums?
Yes. The milestone structure is the same for singles, EPs, and albums — just the promo duration typically scales up for larger releases.
What is the playlist pitch deadline?
Spotify for Artists and Apple Music both require you to pitch editorial playlists through their artist portals at least 7 days before release once the track is distributed.