How to Release Music in 2026: The Complete Checklist

Everything downstream, artwork, pitching, press, pre-saves, assumes the audio is final. Not 'almost final'. Final. Changing audio after delivery may require a replacement or redelivery, depending on your distributor.

Before you call it done: bounce the master, listen on headphones and a phone speaker, and check the loudness. Streaming playback varies by service and listener setting. Check that the final file meets your delivery specifications before sending it.

A distributor delivers your music to Spotify, Apple Music, Beatport and the rest. The main differences are pricing model (per-release vs subscription), which stores they reach, payout speed and how much control you keep over metadata.

For electronic music, check which DJ stores your distributor supports before you commit; availability varies. Read the royalty split and contract terms carefully, including how long any percentage applies.

Friday is the industry’s common global release day, not a requirement. Pick the day that fits the audience and your campaign, then work backwards from it.

Here is an example countdown based on a four-week delivery window. Confirm your distributor’s processing time and give editorial and press teams more time when possible:

Metadata is how stores and royalty systems identify your music. A wrong artist name can send a release to the wrong profile; a mistyped code can create confusion in reporting. Compare every field with the distributor’s records before delivery.

The two codes that matter: the ISRC identifies one recording and follows it forever across every store and royalty statement. The UPC identifies the release (single, EP, album) as a product. Your distributor usually assigns both for free. If you bring your own: never reuse an ISRC for a different recording, and never let one recording end up with two ISRCs.

Also check: exact artist name spelling (including featuring artists), title capitalisation per store style guides, genre tags, and explicit-content flags.

Every major store requires exactly square artwork. Spotify lists 640 pixels per side as its minimum; distributors often ask for larger files. Aim for a clear square 3000×3000 image when possible, and check the requirements of the distributor you use.

Text rules vary between stores and distributors. Avoid promotional URLs, prices and store logos, and check that names on the cover match the release metadata where required. Review your distributor’s current artwork rules before uploading.

Pitch an eligible unreleased track in Spotify for Artists once your distributor has delivered it. Spotify recommends pitching at least seven days before release for Release Radar eligibility; earlier gives your team more time. You get one pitch per artist profile per release, so write it carefully: mood, genre, story, and any traction you already have.

A pre-save page lets interested fans save the release before it is out. It does not guarantee streams or playlist placement. Get it live three weeks out and put it in every bio link.

Press works on the same lead times. Outlets have different lead times. Ask about their deadlines and send the music, artwork and story before their coverage window closes.

On release day: post the smart link everywhere, reply to every comment, and update your artist profiles (Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists) with the new release pinned. Track which messages and channels lead to real listener responses; there is no guaranteed first-48-hour playlist formula.

The week after is where most independent releases die, not from lack of quality but from silence. Keep posting: behind-the-scenes clips, the Canvas loop, fan reactions, the story of how the track was made. A release is a campaign, not an upload.