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Read guideA release checklist for independent artists
A practical release plan covering your files, credits, distribution, links and the work that continues after release day.
Build a timeline with room for corrections
| Stage | Work to finish |
|---|---|
| Before delivery | Approve the master, artwork, credits, spelling and release details. Confirm the distributor’s requirements. |
| After delivery | Check artist mapping and scheduled release details. Prepare your artist profiles, press information and links. |
| Before release | Finish eligible editorial pitches, make your content, brief collaborators and test the listener journey. |
| Release day | Check the live release and every public link. Publish the announcement and thank the people involved. |
| Following weeks | Share different ways into the song, follow up relevant conversations and review what listeners actually did. |
Deal with pitching before the deadline
If you use Spotify’s editorial pitching tool, its current guidance covers upcoming, unreleased music and recommends pitching at least seven days before release. Pitching does not guarantee editorial placement. Check the current instructions rather than assuming a distributor upload automatically submits a pitch.
Prepare the details that make the track easier to understand: its sound, the circumstances behind it, relevant instrumentation and what you are doing around the release. Describe the actual recording. A claim that a track is “the next huge hit” gives an editor little to work with.
Prepare a small, usable asset pack
- One strong cover image in the required delivery format.
- A short description of the release in plain language.
- A current artist photo and a short bio.
- A few vertical clips with readable text and a clear link or next step.
- Credits and collaborator handles, checked with those people.
- One page containing the listening options you want to share.
Sources and further reading
Product details checked on 10 November 2026. Plans, fees and availability can change.
Give the release one home
Bring your release, videos and social links together on your Artist Page.
Give the release one home