How to Release Music Successfully

Releasing your own music is quite an accomplishment, and there can be quite a bit of money in it too. Of course, getting your sound out there is the main thing, but selling your music means you could do this full-time.

With a huge variety of platforms and streaming services, you need a carefully plan your music release strategy to stand out. Whether you’re an indie artist working on your own music or collaborating with record labels, each step in the process—from creating visual assets to submitting your track to playlist editors—can significantly impact your success.

Releasing a new song isn't just about finding the right site to host it on. It’s about how you build excitement for your release day! Whether you’re dropping a single, EP, or even an album. Everything from the quality of your track to your cover art, music video, and social media posts can either bring new fans on board or leave your music unnoticed in a sea of other artists' work.In this guide, we’ll teach you how to release your music like a pro. We’ll cover everything from choosing a release date and submitting your track to digital stores to promoting it on social media.

Table of contents

1. 1. Select a distribution platform
   2. Create your release strategy
   3. Develop a promotional plan
   4. After release
   5. Are there any legal issues to look out for?

Before you even think about setting a release date or planning promotional content, you need to make sure your music is release-ready. The quality of your music on release will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Ensure your track is professional

For your music to be professional, it needs to be recorded with high-quality equipment and edited well. Great music starts with a great recording. You can have the best song in the world, but if it’s poorly recorded or mixed, it's going to flop.Other things to look out for are details like the song title. A catchy or interesting song title can draw people in, find something that resonates with your audio. If you're making a lyric video, then make sure the video is produced to a high standard and the lyrics are easy to read.Consider working with professionals to get your track sounding crisp and polished, or teach yourself!

Choose the right format for your release

To the untrained, it might not seem like there is much of a difference between audio formats, but there are quite a few substantial differences to take note of. Here's a list of some of the most common audio formats

• WAV (Waveform Audio File) – Ideal for professional audio production and archiving. Often used in recording studios and for mastering.
• AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) – Commonly used on Apple devices and in professional audio environments.
• MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3) – Widely used for digital music distribution, streaming, and portable devices.
• AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) – Commonly used for streaming (e.g., Apple Music, YouTube) and as a default format for iTunes.
• FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) – Ideal for audiophiles and achieving high-quality music.
• ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) – Used primarily in the Apple ecosystem (e.g., iTunes, Apple Music).

The right format depends on what you need, MP3 is a tried and true audio format, so you will likely find this to be the simplest to use, but there's no harm in converting it to other audio formats as well.The main step to preparing your new music for release is where to host it. Most artists will opt for digital distribution via streaming platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music, but don’t forget other formats.

Do you want to release physical copies, like CDs or vinyl? Or are you considering a hybrid approach, offering both digital and physical versions to cater to different types of listeners?

Select a distribution platform

Once your music is ready and your release strategy is in place, it’s time to get your track out there.

Digital distribution services

Services like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby can help you distribute your music to digital stores and streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.These platforms can help you expand your music library, letting you post new music, music videos, and more to your account for all to see.Here's how you can set up with DistroKid, TuneCore and CD Baby, as well as other services they can offer.

DistroKid

• Create an account – Sign up with DistroKid for an annual fee, which allows you to release unlimited songs and albums.
• Upload your music – Easily upload your track or album in formats like MP3 or WAV, along with your cover art.
• Set your release date – Choose a specific release date to time your launch perfectly, or release immediately.
• Pre-save campaigns – Enable pre-save links for platforms like Spotify, allowing fans to save your song before its release.
• Customised credits – You can directly add song credits like producers, featured artists, and musicians in the distribution process.

TuneCore

• Create an account – Sign up for TuneCore, which offers pay-per-release pricing (e.g., per single or album).
• Upload your music – TuneCore lets you upload your songs along with cover art.
• Release timing – Set a future release date for your single, EP, or album to coordinate with your promotion plan.
• Track performance – Use TuneCore's analytics tools to track your song’s performance across streaming platforms.
• Digital stores & physical sales – TuneCore distributes to digital platforms and offers options for selling physical copies like CDs and vinyl.
• Collect royalties globally – TuneCore will collect royalties from around the world.

CD Baby

• Create an account – CD Baby offers one-time fees per release, meaning you only pay once to have your music distributed forever.
• Upload your music – Upload your tracks and artwork.
• Release strategy options – Distribute to all major digital stores (Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube)
• Physical and digital options – CD Baby is great for artists who want both digital and physical distribution, offering print-on-demand services for CDs and vinyl.
• Marketing tools – CD Baby provides additional services, like an electronic press kit, for pitching your music to blogs, radio stations, and playlist curators.
• Monetise your music on YouTube – CD Baby helps you collect royalties from YouTube whenever your music is used.

Having a distributor will help you ensure a successful release by helping you release your music to all platforms simultaneously, as well as serving as a reputable website where your target audience can purchase your music.Many distributors also offer the option for physical copies of your music, like CDs and Vinyl, which are very popular with all the music-goers out there. Having physical formats of your music can lead to more sales, ensuring that it's successful upon release.

Consider independent and traditional labels

If you’re working with a record label, they’ll likely handle the distribution for you. However, if you're a smaller artist, you won't have a record label right away.

If you’re an independent artist, then you will have to handle distribution yourself. Digital distribution services will help you release music to a wider audience without a traditional record deal.

Create your release strategy

Now that your track is ready, it’s time to think about how you’re going to release it. Your release plan should focus on what you're going to release, and when.

Single, EP, or album?

Deciding on what kind of music you're going to release depends on what kind of artist you are. Any kind of release can be successful. If you're just starting, then releasing a couple of singles will be easier than developing a whole album.It will also help you get used to writing and making music, so that when you do make an album, you;ll have more skills under your belt.Here's a brief rundown on Singles, EPs and albums:

• Singles are great for building momentum and releasing new material regularly.
• An EP can give your audience a taste of your upcoming album, without all the work of putting an album together.
• A full-length album allows you to fully showcase your creativity. The choice depends on your goals, fan base, and overall release strategy.

Set a release date

Timing is everything. Choose a release date that doesn’t clash with major holidays, big events, or releases from other artists in your genre. Releasing during other major releases will hamper the sales and success of your music.Give yourself enough time to prepare, promote, and build hype with a pre-save campaign and other promotional materials.

Create other media

Creating a music video will take a lot of know-how and a plan of its own. However, it's still worth the time and effort as it can engage your audience even more, and create more promotional material to be shared around.

Develop a promotional plan

You've released your music, great work! But how can you be sure it'll reach your audience? A solid promotion plan will help you reach new listeners and keep your audience aware of all your releases.

Build up hype

Don’t wait until release day to start promoting. Tease your audience with sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes videos, and snippets of your track on social media. Social media is your greatest friend here. Write posts weeks or even months in advance, getting your audience excited for your new music.If you don't have that many followers, you should still use social media, you never know when something will get noticed.Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube are fantastic platforms for sharing short-form content that can grab the attention of fans.

Social media strategy

Create a content calendar to promote your new release across platforms. Share visuals like cover art, lyric videos, and even clips from your official music video to build hype.On release, engage with your fans through social media posts, live streams, or even a virtual listening party.

Submit to music blogs and playlist curators

A press release can increase interest in your music massively. As awareness of your music spreads, your music will end up on more playlists on platforms like Spotify. The more playlist placements you get, the more streams and exposure you’ll receive.

Email marketing and pre-save campaigns

Encourage fans to pre-save your track on Spotify or Apple Music ahead of release day. You can also use email marketing to keep your fan base informed, sending out updates about your upcoming album or single release.

Share promotional content

On release day, post your music video, share links to digital stores, and update your fans with relevant information about where they can listen to your new track.Don’t forget to thank your fans for their support!

After release

You've released and promoted your music. You've done everything from releasing it onto multiple platforms to sending out promotional materials and using social media. So what now?

Monitor performance metrics

Check your streaming stats and monitor how well your track is doing. Look at key performance indicators (KPIs) such as streams, playlist placements, and new listeners.This data shows you how well your music is performing, and where it might be falling short. It'll help you know where to focus more of your efforts for your next release.

Engage with your fan base

An engaged fanbase is an interested fanbase. Keep engaging with fans after release day. Respond to comments, share fan-made content, and keep promoting your song.The more you interact with your audience, the stronger your connection will be.

Plan your next release

Think ahead! Whether it’s a follow-up single or a full album, start promoting your next release. Keep your fans excited by sharing updates, behind-the-scenes content, and teasers for new material.

Are there any legal issues to look out for?

So you've made some stellar music and are ready to send it out into the world, but first, there's just a small amount of paperwork to sort out.

Register your music with a performing rights organisation (PRO)

PRS for Music is the main PRO that helps you collect royalties whenever your track is played on radio stations, streaming platforms, or live performances.Registering your music ensures you get paid for your work and protects your rights as an artist.

Get an ISRC code

Every song needs an International Standard Recording Code (ISRC). This unique identifier helps track your song’s usage across platforms.Most digital distribution services will provide one, but it’s important to double-check if you're managing your own music release.

Copyright your music

While your work is automatically copyrighted the moment you create it, registering that copyright gives you an added layer of protection, especially if you plan on releasing your music internationally.It’s worth checking UK copyright law to ensure your rights are fully covered. The last thing you want is someone taking credit for your hard work.

Conclusion

Releasing music is a multi-step process that requires planning, strategy, and promotion. From ensuring your track is professionally recorded and choosing a release plan to building a buzz with social media posts and pre-save campaigns.Follow these tips carefully and plan out your release. With a strong plan and promotional strategy, you can get the word out about your music, ensuring that it sees some success upon release.

TYX London Recording Studios

If you're looking for professional support to elevate your music career, TYX London Studios offers top-notch recording facilities and expertise to help you produce high-quality music that stands out.

Our music production studios will help you to produce your unique sound with the best possible equipment. Record with us today, and create stunning music that will leave your audience wanting more.Contact us today, and we'll assist you in achieving a successful music release!