How to promote a release before it is out
In short
Make the release link before the song is out and set the release date. The page counts down and shows a Notify me button. Every email lands in its own list, and on release day the page switches to the Play buttons by itself.
Set it up
Create the release early
Add the title, artist and cover as soon as you have them. If the song is already on Spotify as an upcoming release, paste that link.
Set the release date
The page shows a countdown with a Notify me button until that day.
Share it now
Put the link in your bio and every teaser post. People who want it sign up with their email.
Let release day happen
On the day, the countdown turns into the Play buttons. We look the release up on the other services, so the buttons are ready without you.
Notify list or pre-save?
A pre-save asks fans to log in to Spotify or Apple Music and give an app access to their account. Many people stop at that screen. A notify list only asks for an email, works for fans on any service, and the list is yours to keep.
- The list is yours. Every sign-up goes to its own email list in Email lists, next to your others, to view and export.
- On release day, Pro sends one email to everyone on the list with a link to listen.
- After release, the same people are the first to hear about the next one.
What to post before release day
- Two to three weeks out: the cover and the date, with the link.
- One week out: a 15 second clip of the best part of the song.
- The day before: a reminder that it is out tomorrow, and how many people are already waiting.
- On the day: the link, pinned, everywhere you post.
Questions
Does the page change by itself on release day?
Yes. When the date comes, the countdown and the Notify me button make way for the Play buttons. You do not have to do anything.
Is the release day email free?
Collecting sign-ups is free. Sending the email on release day is part of Pro.
Can I change the date?
Yes. Change it any time before the release, and the countdown follows.