SUR & SAUDAThe 8-week release checklist
The short answerPrint this and tick it off for every release. It covers the eight weeks before release (master, artwork, metadata, IPRS, distributor delivery, Spotify pitch, pre-saves, content and press), release day, and the four weeks after. The Spotify pitch needs the song delivered at least seven days before release; aim for three to four weeks.
Release date (a Friday): ____________________ Song: ____________________
Week −8: finish the music
- ☐ Final master approved (and a clean or radio edit if needed)
- ☐ Title locked, spelled exactly as it will appear everywhere
- ☐ Split sheet signed by every writer
- ☐ Samples cleared, if any
- ☐ AI use noted, if any, for your distributor's declaration
Week −7: visuals and story
- ☐ Cover art, 3000 × 3000 px, no logos or text that break store rules
- ☐ Press photos, horizontal and vertical
- ☐ The story of the song in one paragraph
- ☐ Lyrics typed and checked
Week −6: metadata and rights
- ☐ Metadata and credits sheet complete
- ☐ ISRC assigned (by your distributor, or your own)
- ☐ Song registered with IPRS by every writer, with matching shares
- ☐ Release date chosen
Week −6 to −4: deliver
- ☐ Uploaded to distributor, all platforms selected
- ☐ YouTube Content ID and Official Artist Channel requested, if available
- ☐ Delivery confirmed and no errors flagged
Week −4: pitch
- ☐ Song visible under Music → Upcoming in Spotify for Artists
- ☐ Spotify pitch submitted with accurate genre, mood, language and story
- ☐ Asked distributor about pitching other platforms
Week −4 to −1: build anticipation
- ☐ Content plan written: story, hook, making-of, countdown
- ☐ Hook clips tested with Trial Reels
- ☐ Pre-save link live and in your bio
- ☐ Closest fans told personally (DMs, WhatsApp, email list)
Week −2: outreach
- ☐ Personal pitches sent to playlist curators, journalists, blogs and radio
- ☐ Premiere offered to one outlet, if relevant
- ☐ EPK updated
Week −1: final prep
- ☐ Spotify Canvas uploaded
- ☐ Music video, lyric video or visualiser scheduled as a YouTube premiere
- ☐ Release-day posts and stories ready
- ☐ Link hub updated to go live on release day
Release day
- ☐ Song live on all platforms (check each one)
- ☐ Posts on Instagram, YouTube and everywhere else
- ☐ Artist Pick and bios updated
- ☐ Reply to every comment and message
- ☐ Thank and share everyone who supports it
Weeks +1 to +4: keep it alive
- ☐ A new clip of the song every two or three days
- ☐ Fan videos and playlist adds shared
- ☐ Numbers checked weekly: active listeners, saves, sends, watch time
- ☐ Plan an alternative version (acoustic, live, remix) for weeks +4 to +8
- ☐ Notes written: what worked, what to change next time
Questions people ask
Can I release faster than eight weeks?
Yes, but you lose time to pitch editors, build pre-saves and plan content. If you must, protect the essentials: correct metadata, delivery at least two weeks ahead, and a Spotify pitch at least seven days before release.
Does this work for an EP or album?
Yes. Give yourself 10 to 12 weeks, and release one or two songs as singles before the full project.