2025 Music Release Day Checklist for Independent Artists

Off Trail Studios
Nov 4
11 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

How to promote your song on release day and make your launch smooth, stress-free, and successful.

Release day is one of the best feelings in the world. After months of writing, recording, and shaping your sound, your song is finally out. But while it’s tempting to sit back and celebrate, what you do today can make a huge difference in how far your music travels.

This guide focuses on the week leading up to and after your release — the final stretch where the right prep and timing can amplify your reach. The full process of branding, production, mixing, mastering, and marketing often takes months to build, so think of this as your short-term launch plan to keep things running smoothly when it counts most.

Stay tuned for our complete Music Release Plan, which will break down every stage from demo to distribution. For now, here’s how to make release day feel less chaotic, more strategic, and actually fun.

🎉 RELEASE DAY CHECKLIST

Prep (1 Week Before Release)

Set up your Smart Link — one landing page for all streaming and social links.
Create a pre-save link using HyperFollow or Soundraiser.io.
Update your EPK with art, photos, bio, press release, and a private streaming link.
Refresh your bio using the ChatGPT prompt so it’s ready for Spotify and press.
Update your profiles. Announce release date & update streaming visuals so banners and photos align with the release.
Do last minute submissions to playlists.
Confirm distributor details: metadata, credits, splits, and lyrics.
Organize content: visuals, captions, and videos ready to post.
Schedule mailing list sends: one week before and the morning of release.

On Release Day

Update your Profile Bios to "OUT NOW"
Share your Smart Link everywhere.
Pin your main post on socials.
Post Stories and Reels throughout the day.
Tag and thank collaborators.
Update Spotify Artist Pick and playlists.
Swap “Coming Soon” graphics for “Out Now.”
Ask friends and fans to reshare.
Send a quick release email.
Engage and reply to comments.
Go live or host a Q&A.
Check analytics and confirm lyrics are live.
Celebrate and thank your team.

After Release Day

Share behind-the-scenes clips.
Highlight press mentions and playlist adds.
Post live or acoustic versions.
Repost fan reactions.
Tease music video visuals or lyric clips.
Share updates or reflections about the track.
Hint at your next release.
Update your EPK and website with new wins.

⏳ COMPREHENSIVE RELEASE TIMELINE

KEEP AN EYEOUT FOR OUR UPCOMING 2025 COMPREHENSIVE RELEASE GUIDE

Before your rollout, plan the creative side and line up your collaborators. Designers, videographers, and photographers often book weeks ahead — respect their process, pricing, and timelines.

If you’re going the DIY route, research artists you admire, gather inspiration, and stay open to collaboration. The best releases balance creativity with preparation.

8–10+ Weeks Before Release (Pre-Production & Creative Planning)

Start planning long-term creative projects (branding, merch, music videos).
Be mindful of collaborator availability, pricing, and turnaround times.
Begin developing your visual identity — research artists you admire, create moodboards, or hire a designer/studio.
Book your photoshoot for cover art and press images.
Begin pre-production for music videos if applicable.
Start designing or ordering merch, vinyl, or physical products (allow time for proofing and shipping).
Create a shared folder to organize your ideas, references, and assets.

6–8 Weeks Before Release

Finalize your mixes and masters.
Register your song with your distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, etc.) and set your release date.
Register with your PRO (ASCAP, BMI, PRS, etc.) and SoundExchange.
Confirm credits and royalty splits with collaborators.
Begin designing or finalizing your visuals — cover art, press photos, and early branding.
Start organizing your shared release folder with all creative and admin assets (art, photos, metadata, EPK, etc.).

4–6 Weeks Before Release

Create or update your EPK (Electronic Press Kit) and start pitching to blogs, playlists, and press.
Submit your track to Spotify for Artists for editorial playlist consideration.
Set up your Smart Link (Beacons, ToneDen, or Linkfire).
Create your Pre-Save Link (e.g., DistroKid’s HyperFollow or Soundraiser.io).
Update or rewrite your artist bio using the ChatGPT prompt in our guide.
Plan teaser content — short clips, lyric snippets, or behind-the-scenes moments.
Schedule mailing list announcements for one week before and on release day.

2–3 Weeks Before Release

Finalize cover art, press photos, and banners.
Double-check metadata, lyrics, and credits in your distributor.
Organize your content folder (visuals, captions, videos, and promo assets).
Refresh your Spotify and Apple Music visuals to match your new release.
Test your Smart Link and Pre-Save Link to make sure all streaming links work.
Coordinate with collaborators for resharing and launch-day posts.

1 Week Before Release

Post teasers and countdown content across socials.
Schedule your social posts and ads for release week.
Finalize your press release and verify all EPK links are active.
Review your Smart Link and Pre-Save one last time.
Update your social media bios and banners so they’re ready to swap on release day.

🚀 Release Day

Share your Smart Link everywhere — Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, website, and email.
Pin your main post on Instagram and TikTok.
Post throughout the day across Stories and Reels.
Tag and thank collaborators in posts and stories.
Update your Spotify Artist Pick and playlists.
Swap any “Coming Soon” visuals for “Out Now.”
Encourage your circle to share and tag your song.
Send a release-day email to your mailing list.
Engage actively — reply to comments, repost tags, and go live to celebrate.
Track early analytics on Spotify for Artists and DistroKid.
Take a moment to celebrate and appreciate your hard work.

🌿 1–4 Weeks After Release (Post-Release Momentum)

Post behind-the-scenes clips or lyric notes.
Highlight press mentions and playlist features.
Share a live, raw, or acoustic version of your song.
Repost fans and friends enjoying your track.
Drop music video teasers or lyric visuals.
Keep the conversation going with reflections or creative updates.
Tease your next release or upcoming project.
Update your EPK and website with new visuals, press quotes, or playlist placements.
Review analytics on Spotify, Apple Music, and DistroKid.
Verify lyrics on Musixmatch and Genius.

Treat this timeline like a rhythm, not a rulebook. Each release will teach you something new — about your audience, your sound, and your process. Preparation gives you freedom, and freedom lets your art shine.

💡 Off Trail Tip: These steps should be handled at least a week or two before release so you’re free to enjoy launch day instead of scrambling with updates or uploads.

Get our FREE Google Doc version of this Release Day Checklist Ready for you to duplicate, personalize, and reuse for each new release. It’s perfect for tracking your rollout steps and staying organized with collaborators.

FREE! Release Day Checklist

🗓️ Before Release Day (Prep)

Set Up Your Smart Link Your Smart Link is the hub of your release — a single landing page that houses everything in one place: streaming links, social media, your website, press features, and even upcoming shows.It’s the link you’ll share everywhere — in bios, TikTok captions, emails, and more — so fans can instantly find your music no matter where they listen.If you don’t already have one, check out our post on Best Smartlinks for Artists. We recommend Beacons for artists without a website — it’s clean, customizable, and keeps your presence unified.
Obtain or Set Up Your Pre-Save Link Some distributors (like DistroKid, via HyperFollow) let you create a pre-save link before release.Pre-saves help build momentum — fans can save your song early, and once it’s out, that same link becomes a universal streaming link for Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more. If your distributor doesn’t offer one, explore tools like Soundraiser.io or others listed in our pre-save guide.
Create or Update Your EPK (Electronic Press Kit) Your EPK and pitching process should start at least one month before release. It’s your professional hub for press, blogs, and playlists — presenting everything about your release in one clean package. A strong EPK includes:
- Cover art and press photos
- Updated bio
- Press release
- Private streaming or download link
- A short pitch letterIf you need help structuring one, read our guide on What to Include in an EPK.
Update Your Artist Bio Your bio should reflect your upcoming release. If it’s been a while since your last update, rewrite it with your new era in mind.

㋛ Here’s an easy prompt to use with ChatGPT:

“Write an updated artist bio for me. I’m a [genre] artist based in [city/country], inspired by [key influences]. My new single, [song title], was released on [release date]. My sound blends [describe your sound briefly], and my lyrics explore [themes]. I started making music [brief background]. I’ve performed at [notable performances or venues] and collaborated with [artists or producers]. Keep it concise, professional, and suitable for Spotify, Apple Music, press kits, and social bios.”

You can adjust tone and length depending on where you plan to use it.

Refresh Your Streaming Profiles
1. Update your profile bios so that it announcing the upcoming release date!
2. Make sure your Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists profiles match your new visual world. Update your banners, profile photo, and bio to align with your cover art and branding.
3. If it’s your first release and you can’t access your artist profile yet, prepare your visuals in advance — then update everything as soon as your track goes live.
Submit to Playlists
1. Ideally, pitch your song to playlists about one month before your release date — but even last-minute submissions (at least 7 days before release) can still make an impact.
2. Use platforms like Spotify for Artists, Groover, or SubmitHub to reach curators. Before submitting, always research the playlists you’re pitching to — make sure your song fits their usual style and vibe.
3. Include your EPK and a private streaming link so curators can easily listen and learn more about you.

㋛ Here's a ChatGPT playlist pitch prompt you can try out!

“Write me a short and engaging playlist pitch for my upcoming single.Song title: [insert song name]Release date: [insert release date]Genre: [insert genre(s)]Sounds like: [similar artists or references]Song mood or theme: [describe tone or story briefly — e.g. nostalgic, empowering, heartbreak, summer energy, etc.] Here’s my artist bio: [paste your artist bio here]

Keep the pitch around 5–7 sentences. Make it conversational, authentic, and easy for a curator to skim. Mention how it fits their playlist vibe without sounding generic. End with a thank-you and call to listen.”

Schedule Your Mailing List Announcements If you have an email list or fan community, set up two key messages:
- A pre-release announcement about a week before launch
- A release-day email at 8 a.m. with your Smart Link and artworkEmail is still one of the most personal, reliable ways to reach your biggest supporters.

🚀 On Release Day

Your prep work pays off here. This is your chance to connect, engage, and celebrate.

Share Your Smart Link Everywhere Double-check that it works, then drop it everywhere.
- Instagram and Facebook bios
- TikTok
- YouTube descriptions
- Website and email signature
Update your Profile Bios
1. Change your "upcoming announcement" to OUT NOW!
2. Change your profile photo so that it matches your cover art
Pin Your Main Post Post your official announcement and pin it to the top of your Instagram and TikTok. Anyone landing on your profile should instantly see your new track.A short, honest caption works best — and don’t forget to reply to every comment. Early engagement boosts your reach.
Share Across Stories and Reels Post clips that capture your song’s emotion or energy — a lyric moment, studio footage, or behind-the-scenes teaser. Spread them out during the day to keep engagement flowing. 🎥 Pro Tip: Authentic beats perfect. A quick, heartfelt video about how it feels to release your track often connects more deeply than polished content.
Tag Your Collaborators Tag every contributor — producers, engineers, photographers, designers, and featured artists — in posts and stories.When they reshare, you reach entirely new audiences while showing gratitude.
Update Your Spotify Artist Pick & Playlists Set your Spotify Artist Pick to your new track or a playlist featuring it first.Add the song to your personal playlists (with similar artists or influences) and move it to the top for visibility.If you had “Coming Soon” banners or text, update them to “Out Now.”
Encourage Your Circle to Share Send your track to close supporters and ask them to tag you when they share.If you have a fan group or newsletter, send a short note with your Smart Link. Every post compounds your reach in the algorithm’s favor.
Engage Actively Reply to comments, reshare tags, and thank people publicly.This early interaction tells algorithms your release matters — and shows fans you value their support.💬 💡 Bonus: Go live or host a short Q&A to celebrate with your audience.
Take a Moment to Celebrate You worked hard for this. Acknowledge your collaborators, soak in the messages, and enjoy it. Genuine excitement builds lasting connection — let people feel it with you.

🌿 Post-Release

The release doesn’t end when the song drops — this is when momentum really starts.

Share Behind-the-Scenes Moments Post candid moments from recording, lyric notes, or photos that didn’t make the final cut. It reminds fans of the story behind the sound.
Highlight Press and Playlist Features If your track lands on a playlist, blog, or radio show, share it and tag the outlet.Add those quotes and placements to your EPK to build ongoing credibility.
Post a Live, Raw, or Acoustic Version Share a stripped-back or live performance version. It keeps the release alive and gives your audience another entry point into your song.
Repost Fans and Friends Vibing to It Repost any stories, covers, or videos from your community. Encourage listeners to tag you using your artist hashtag or a lyric from your track.
Drop Music Video Teasers or Visuals If you have a music video coming, tease it with short snippets — even five seconds goes a long way.If not, experiment with lyric clips or visualizers that expand the song’s world.
Keep the Conversation Going Keep showing up — share what inspired the track, talk about its message, or reflect on the release.Small updates remind fans you’re active and invested in your art.
Tease Upcoming Releases
Once the buzz settles, start hinting at what’s next. Even a “new music soon” keeps your audience curious and engaged.
Update Your EPK and Website Add any new press quotes, visuals, or playlist placements to your EPK so it’s ready for the next pitch cycle.
Track Your Analytics Log into Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists, or DistroKid to review your data.Check:
- Which playlists added your song
- Where your listeners are located
- How engagement is trendingAlso verify your lyrics are live and correct on Musixmatch and Genius.
💡 Off Trail Tip: Treat the weeks after release as an extension of your launch — it’s a chance to deepen connection and grow your audience while the excitement is still fresh.

✅ Release Day Checklist Overview Want a version you can check off in real time? We’ve created a free Google Doc version of this Release Day Checklist — ready for you to duplicate, personalize, and reuse for each new release. It’s perfect for tracking your rollout steps and staying organized with collaborators.

Prep (1 Week Before Release)

Set up your Smart Link — one landing page for all streaming and social links.
Create a pre-save link using HyperFollow or Soundraiser.io.
Update your EPK with art, photos, bio, press release, and a private streaming link.
Refresh your bio using the ChatGPT prompt so it’s ready for Spotify and press.
Update your profiles. Announce release date & update streaming visuals so banners and photos align with the release.
Confirm distributor details: metadata, credits, splits, and lyrics.
Organize content: visuals, captions, and videos ready to post.
Schedule mailing list sends: one week before and the morning of release.