Why the release date is crucial for your music
The date of your music release influences how well your song performs - on streaming platforms, in playlists and in the press. Here are the main reasons:
1. Fridays are playlist days
Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming platforms usually update their playlists on Fridays. If your song is released on this day, it has the best chance of being included in algorithmic or curated playlists.
But: Friday is also the day on which the most new music is released - so the competition is fierce.
Tip: If you want less competition, Tuesday or Wednesday can also be interesting - especially if you are targeting your community.
2. You need lead time for promotion and pitching
A successful release doesn't start on the day of release, but weeks in advance. Editors, blogs and playlists need time to check your song.
Spotify for Artists, for example, allows pitching to curated playlists up to 7 days before release - but ideally you should plan at least 3-4 weeks in advance to prepare all your marketing.
3. Season, target group and genre count
Not every month is equally suitable for every release. Think about when your target group is most active:
- Summer months: perfect for dance, pop or chillout tracks.
- Fall/winter: good time for introspective or emotional songs.
- Holidays (Christmas, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day): ideal for themed songs or campaigns.
Festivals, tours or major music events can also influence your timing.
4. Avoid spontaneous releases
A spontaneous upload without planning can cost you opportunities: you can't approach the media, prepare your fans or use social media in a targeted way. A structured plan helps you to release your song strategically - with more reach and impact.
Which release day suits you?
Not every day of the week is equally good for a music release. The following table shows you the advantages and disadvantages of the individual days at a glance:
| Day of the week | Advantages | Disadvantages | Recommended for ... |
| Monday | Good start to the week, less competition | Hardly any playlist updates, listeners still in weekend mode | Indie artist with small, active fan base |
| Tuesday | Little competition, good time for targeted promo | No playlist updates, less streaming activity | Targeted media releases, niche music |
| Wednesday | Midweek high, good social media reach | No playlist day | Teaser or pre-releases |
| Thursday | Ideal for pre-saves and final promo activities | Shortly before Friday, many releases are being prepared | Warm-up for major Friday releases |
| Friday | Playlist updates, high traffic on streaming platforms | Strong competition, many releases at the same time | Mainstream releases, major campaigns |
| Saturday | Good social media activity, listeners' free time | No editorial support, no pitching possible | Fan-oriented releases, spontaneous campaigns |
| Sunday | Emotional day, lots of streaming in the evening | Little media activity, no pitching | Quiet songs, singer-songwriters, acoustic releases |
Pre-save campaigns and fan activation: how to prepare your listeners for the release
An important part of a successful release strategy is the pre-save campaign. It allows fans to save your song on streaming platforms before it is released. This ensures that your track lands directly in your fans' playlists on release day.
Why pre-save is so effective
- Early reach: Your fans interact before the release, which increases visibility.
- Playlist potential: More saves signal to Spotify & Co. that the song is relevant - this increases the chance of curated playlists.
- Direct fan contact: With pre-save links, you can collect email addresses or activate the community directly on social media.
How to plan a successful pre-save campaign
- Create a smart link: Use tools such as FEIYR, Feature.fm or SmartURL to generate a pre-save link.
- Develop a communication plan: Integrate social media, newsletter, website and fan groups.
- Include a countdown: Regular teasers and updates increase excitement and attention.
- Offer exclusive content: Bonus content, early access or competitions motivate fans to use the pre-save.
- Monitoring & follow-up: Observe click figures, shares and reactions to adjust the campaign if necessary.
Tip: The earlier you start the pre-save campaign (at least 2-3 weeks before release), the better you can control fan activation and increase the chances of playlists.
Checklist: How to plan your release date correctly
| Period before release | Checklist |
| 8 weeks |
|
| 6-7 weeks |
|
| 4-5 weeks |
|
| 2-3 weeks |
|
| 1 week |
|
| Release day |
|
| After release |
|
Conclusion: timing is everything
The right release date is not a coincidence, but a strategy. A well-planned release with sufficient lead time, clear communication and targeted promotion can be crucial to your success. If you release your music via FEIYR, you can choose your release date freely and prepare your release optimally - including pre-save, playlist pitching and worldwide distribution.
Tip: Plan your next release early, analyze your previous releases and use tools like Spotify for Artists to see when your listeners are most active. That way, you'll always hit the right time in the future.
You need professional support with the distribution of your music or would like to find out more about our music promotion tools?
Register now on the FEIYR platform or contact the FEIYR support team.
