Release planning 5 min read
Music release-day checklist for independent artists
A simple timeline from the first announcement to your first-day insights.
Anyone can read this guide. Some steps use features in Pro or Lifetime.
- 1
3–4 weeks before: prepare
- Confirm your release date with your distributor.
- Create an upcoming-release smart link with artwork and a working pre-save, if you have one.
- Turn on fan email capture so listeners can hear from you.
Tip: Test the page as a fan on your phone, not only in the editor.
- 2
One week before: check the details
- Check artwork, spelling, service buttons and the release date.
- Make sure the link you share is your fan link, not your private owner link.
Watch out: Release times vary by distributor, service and country. Not every fan gets the music at the same midnight.
- 3
Release day: verify and update
- Open each streaming service and confirm the right release is live.
- Edit your existing smart link to add the live listening URLs.
- Keep sharing the same fan link — no need to replace it in posts or your bio.
Watch out: The countdown ending doesn’t prove every service is live. Always check each button yourself.
- 4
After launch: check what works
- Open your private Owner Insights link or Dashboard → Insights (Pro or Lifetime).
- Visits, taps and sign-ups update live — refresh to see the latest.
- Use the results to plan your next post, and email only fans who opted in.
Tip: Taps show interest, not confirmed plays or royalties.