Music release plan
By the Slappcard teamFacts last checked
A music release plan is a dated list of the work before a release date: artwork, the distributor upload, a pre-save, a physical order and the show.
We make Slappcards, printed download cards. This planner is free and works whether or not you ever buy one.
Make a release plan
Type the release date and tick the formats. The list counts backward from that date. Change any number. Print the list, or save it as a calendar file. Nothing is uploaded.
The release-party checklist is what to do on the night. This page is only the when, counted back from the date you type. Read the release-party checklist.
What the numbers mean
A box that starts with a number is copying a page we opened, and you can change it. A box that starts empty has no number we could verify, so you type one. Four weeks is 28 days. That multiplication is ours.
| Step | Starts at | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upload to your distributor | 28 days | DistroKid's help page says to select a release date at least four weeks ahead if you need the music live on that date across all platforms. This box starts at 28 days, which is four weeks of our arithmetic. TuneCore's help page says to upload 3 to 4 weeks ahead, and more than 3 weeks when the date is required. Change the number for your distributor. | DistroKid, custom release dateHelp article, page undated. Read 12 Oct 2026.TuneCore, time to go liveHelp article, page undated. Read 12 Oct 2026. |
| Pitch the song on Spotify | 7 days | Spotify's pitching page says to deliver the music at least 7 days before release so editors have time to listen, and that pitching an unreleased song at least 7 days before release adds it to followers' Release Radar. This box starts at 7. | Spotify, pitching to playlist editorsHelp article, page undated. Read 12 Oct 2026. |
| Pre-save window | 7 days | DistroKid's help page says a release has to be in Spotify's system at least one week before the date to show under Upcoming. This box starts at 7 days for that reason. We did not find a pre-save product's own lead time, so change this if yours asks for a different day. | DistroKid, Spotify UpcomingHelp article, page undated. Read 12 Oct 2026. |
| Artwork final | You type it | No page we opened gives one day for finishing artwork. Type how many days before release you want the cover done. A suggestion, not a published lead time: finish it on or before the day you upload. | No sourced day |
| Order the physical run | You type it | We did not publish a plant's lead time. Type the number of days your replicator asks for, for CDs, vinyl or cassettes. | No sourced day |
| Order your cards | You type it | We publish no turnaround time. Type how many days you want between ordering cards and release day, after you have asked for an estimate. | No sourced day |
| Release show | You type it | Type 0 if the show is on release day, or how many days before. The release-party checklist covers what happens that night. This line is only the date. | No sourced day |
DistroKid's Upcoming article also says to upload at least two weeks prior if you want a song available to pitch. That is a second figure from the same help centre, not a change to Spotify's 7-day line. DistroKid, Spotify Upcoming. Help article, page undated. Read 12 Oct 2026.
Questions
When should I submit music to my distributor?
DistroKid's help page says to pick a date at least four weeks ahead if you need the release live everywhere that day. TuneCore's help page says 3 to 4 weeks, and more than 3 weeks when the date is required. The upload box starts at 28 days. Change it to the number your distributor gives you.
Four weeks is 28 days. That multiplication is ours.
How early does a pre-save need to be set?
We did not find a pre-save product's own lead time, so this page does not invent one. DistroKid says a release has to be in Spotify's system at least one week before the date to show under Upcoming. The pre-save box starts at 7 days for that reason. Move it if your pre-save asks for something else.
When should I order download cards?
We publish no turnaround time, so this page will not put a number in that box for you. Type how many days you want to allow, after you ask for an estimate. The order-your-cards line opens the designer.
Does this timeline put my music in stores?
No. It writes a list of dates and a calendar file on your computer. It does not upload audio, artwork or a release to a distributor. You still send the release through the distributor you use.
Can I print the plan or put it on my calendar?
Yes. Print this plan uses your browser's print dialog. Save calendar file downloads an .ics file you can open in a calendar app. Only steps that have a day are in the file. Nothing is uploaded.
Need something custom?
Something this page does not cover starts as a conversation. Ask for a free consultation, or email us.
Next step
Order cards for the release
The order-your-cards line opens the designer. We publish no turnaround time, so ask for an estimate before you count on a day. Packs of 100 to 1,000 cards start at $120.00. Free shipping to the US and Canada.