Release Strategy

Release Checklist

Build the release around enough lead time to catch delivery, metadata, asset and rollout problems before they become emergencies.

FreeNo login20 minSaves on this device

What This Fixes

A release that reaches the calendar before the files, links, credits, fan message and follow-up plan are actually ready.

Leave With

A release checklist you can work from before, during and after the drop — without treating release day like the whole campaign.

How to Use It

Start 3–4 weeks before release when possible. The Spotify editorial-pitch floor is 7 days before release, but more lead time gives you room to fix delivery, assets and rollout problems.

Auto-saved in this browser

No login needed. Check ideas you want to try, then use the six rollout checks to review your plan. Progress and notes stay in this browser—not your RRL account. Clearing browser data or switching devices may erase them.

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Release Checklist

A release is a campaign with a date inside it. The goal here is not to do every possible tactic — it is to make sure the music, metadata, destination and fan message are ready before attention arrives.

3–4 Weeks Before

Final mix and master approvedDistributor delivery submitted early enough to fix delivery or metadata problemsArtist name, song title, featured artists, writers, producers and credits checkedCover art finalized in the distributor's required specsClean smart link or campaign destination chosenContent bank includes more than one angle: performance, story, proof, participation and direct CTACollaborators know what is releasing and what they are expected to do

7–14 Days Before

Confirm the unreleased track appears correctly in Spotify for Artists > UpcomingPitch one eligible unreleased song to Spotify editors at least 7 days before release if you want editorial considerationPre-save / pre-add is live only if it gives the campaign a useful actionOwned-fan message is ready for email, SMS or community if you have oneCanvas, Clips or Countdown Page prepared where available and usefulPress, playlist or partner outreach has started early enough for somebody to act before release dayPaid promotion is being considered only after the destination and creative are ready

Final 72 Hours

Distributor delivery status is clean; no unresolved metadata or rights issueLink-in-bio points to the current campaign actionPinned / featured profile content reflects the current releaseRelease-day posts and Stories are prepared but still feel native to each platformThe first post-release content wave is already planned

Release Day

Confirm the release is live on the services you actually promoteTest every public link on a phonePublish the strongest native content angle — not just cover art + "out now"Send the owned-fan message if you have a list worth messagingThank and tag collaborators accuratelyRespond to real comments, reposts and questions while the conversation is activeCapture useful fan reactions, comments and UGC for follow-up contentFollow up with press, curators or partners already in conversationDo not overreact to first-hour numbers; save the early baseline for comparison

First 7 Days After

Publish at least two different follow-up angles based on what people responded toReview saves, follows, active listeners, source of streams and content response — not streams aloneSave credible reactions or press quotes for future proofFix any link, metadata, credit or profile issue that surfacedDecide what deserves a second wave and what should be droppedUpdate the EPK or campaign page only with proof that is actually meaningful

My Next Move

Write the one change you will make after using this tool. It saves automatically on this device.

Need the full rollout, not just the checklist?

Build the content angles, fan activation and second-wave plan around the release.

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Release Checklist

Release Checklist

3–4 Weeks Before

7–14 Days Before

Final 72 Hours

Release Day

First 7 Days After

Need the full rollout, not just the checklist?

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