Let’s be real: releasing a song in 2025 can feel like throwing it into the digital void and hoping the algorithm gods take mercy. You’ve put your heart and soul into this track — only for it to rack up 37 streams, most of which came from your mom and that one SoundCloud bot that comments “🔥🔥🔥.”
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
I’ve been in the trenches with dozens of indie artists and run campaigns that have brought in hundreds of thousands of streams (shoutout to Meta ads, more on that in a sec). So I put together a no-fluff, field-tested 12-step song release checklist that’s designed to get your music heard beyond your immediate group chat.
This isn’t theoretical. It’s not generic. And it definitely doesn’t involve blowing your rent money on a Times Square ad. It’s just the stuff that works — simple, repeatable, indie-artist-friendly.
Let’s get into it.
Pre-Release: Set Yourself Up for Success
These steps happen before your song hits the world. Get these right, and you’ll save yourself a whole lot of scrambling later.
1. Lock the Master & Cover Art
Obvious? Yes. Skipped more often than you’d think? Also yes.
Before anything else, finalize your mix/master and get your artwork squared away. If you don’t have these, you don’t have a release. Period.
2. Upload to Your Distributor
Pick your distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby — they’re all fine). Don’t obsess over which one is “best.” Obsess over releasing your song.
Just make sure to give yourself enough lead time — at least 2 weeks before release, more if you’re pitching to Spotify editorial.
3. Build Your EPK
Yes, the humble EPK (electronic press kit) still has a place. Include:
- A short bio
- A few quality press photos
- Song description + links
- Any key credits, stats, or quotes
Useful for press, playlist curators, blogs, and your website. I’ve got a separate guide on how to build one if you need the step-by-step.
4. Make Your Content (Before You Need It)
Content creation is the part most artists dread, but it’s also the part that fuels discovery. Here’s the move:
- Record at least 10 short-form vertical videos (TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts style).
- Vary it: performance clips, storytelling intros, lip syncs in cool spots (outside > inside), lyric snippets, acoustic takes.
- Bonus points for making content that doesn’t feel like content.
You don’t need to go viral. You just need to show up with intention.
5. Pitch to Spotify Editorial
Do this through Spotify for Artists. Yes, it’s a long shot. But sometimes it hits — and when it does, it can be a serious boost.
Pro tip: Pitch at least a week before release day (and ideally two weeks).
6. Build Anticipation (But Not Too Much)
Start teasing the release 1–2 weeks out on social media. That’s the sweet spot.
Too early, and people forget. Too late, and you miss the hype window. Post about the date, share artwork, maybe tease a lyric or a soundbite.
Release Day: It’s Go Time
This is where a lot of artists drop the ball. Don’t be that artist. Here’s what to do the day your song drops.
7. Email Your List + Post Everywhere
If you have an email list, now’s the time to use it. Otherwise, post to all your socials (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, etc.) and let people know: “It’s out!”
Include the link. Make it easy for people to listen.
8. Update All Your Links
Your link-in-bio, your website, your smart URL — wherever you send traffic, update it with your new track.
Make sure it’s frictionless. One tap, boom: your song.
9. Run Meta Ads (If You Can)
Meta (Facebook + Instagram) ads are still one of the best ways to get cold listeners to actually hear your music.
If you’ve got a budget, even $5–10/day can go a long way. I’ve used them to drive serious stream numbers for clients and myself.
No budget? Skip this step — but consider it for future releases.
10. Celebrate. Seriously.
Too many artists rush past this.
Sit with it. Blast the song in your car. Text your friends. Order pizza. This is your moment.
You made something from nothing and put it out into the world. That’s no small thing.
Post-Release: Keep the Momentum Going
The week after your release is arguably more important than the week before. Keep pushing.
11. Start Dripping Out Content
Remember those 10 videos you made? This is where they come in.
Stagger them over the next few weeks — 2 or 3 a week is solid. Keep the story alive. Keep the song top of mind.
And don’t worry if you feel repetitive. Most people didn’t see your last post.
12. Submit to Curators + Blogs
Use platforms like SubmitHub and Groover to pitch your track.
- Focus more on playlists than blogs — they drive more listens.
- Don’t expect miracles.
- Do engage with what you get: share playlist adds, thank blog writers, reshare everything in your stories.
Even a few placements can compound over time.
Bonus Tip: Engage With People. For Real.
Every comment, DM, or tag? Respond. Say thank you. Be human.
Algorithms love it. But more importantly, your fans feel it.
And if someone takes the time to care about your music, the least you can do is care back.
Want This as a Downloadable Checklist?
I put together a free Google Sheet with all the steps, including auto-calculated dates based on your release timeline. Plug in your release date, and it tells you exactly what to do and when.
Final Thoughts
Releasing music is hard. Promoting it is harder. But it is possible to build momentum without selling your soul or shouting into the void.
Use this checklist as a guide — not a gospel. Tweak what works for you. Try weird ideas. Make noise. Build slowly. Be patient.
And remember: until you’re too famous to care, it’s worth doing this stuff with care.
You got this.
