A finished song still needs a release plan. Before announcing a date, check that the recording, credits, artwork and distribution arrangements are ready. Fixing an error early is easier than discovering it after you have sent everyone a listening link.
Use this first music release checklist for an original single. Covers, samples, remixes and collaborative projects can need additional permissions and preparation, so check the requirements for your particular release rather than assuming one checklist covers every case.
1 Approve the final recording
Listen to the full export, including the opening and ending, on more than one device. Check for accidental silence, clicks, cut-off fades and any words that are difficult to hear. Confirm that the file is the approved version rather than an earlier mix with a similar filename.
Keep the master file in a clearly labelled folder with a backup. Follow your distributor's current audio requirements rather than converting a low-quality file and assuming the new format improves it.
2 Confirm permissions and credits
List everyone involved in writing, performing and producing the track. Confirm names, roles and any agreed credits with the people concerned. Check that the permissions you have cover your planned release, including any beats, samples, artwork or other third-party material.
Keep agreements and relevant licence information with the project files. If rights are unclear, resolve the question with the collaborator, provider or an appropriately qualified adviser before uploading. A release date should not force a guess about permission.
3 Prepare accurate release details
Create one reference sheet with your artist name, track title, songwriter names, featured performers, language, release date and explicit-content status where relevant. Use consistent spelling and capitalisation across the distributor upload and your promotional material.
If you already have artist profiles, collect their exact links so the release can be associated with the right artist. Save any recording and release identifiers supplied by the distributor for your records.
4 Check artwork against the actual requirements
Review the cover at both full size and thumbnail size. Can you read any essential wording? Does it still look clear when small? Check that you are uploading the final artwork and have permission to use it.
Requirements vary. As one example, DistroKid recommends square 3000-by-3000-pixel JPG artwork and WAV or FLAC audio. Treat that as provider-specific guidance, not a universal specification. Check DistroKid's current first-release instructions and follow the rules of the service you actually use.
5 Allow time for delivery and corrections
Choose the release date after checking the distributor's processing guidance and whether your plan supports a scheduled date. Leave room for review, corrections and access to artist tools.
DistroKid recommends uploading about four weeks ahead when you want a coordinated release date. That is useful planning guidance, not a promise that every provider or release follows the same timeline. Avoid announcing a date based only on the fastest turnaround you have heard about.
If you want Spotify editorial consideration, its current guidance allows you to pitch an upcoming, unreleased song through Spotify for Artists. Submit the pitch at least seven days before release; you can pitch one song at a time, and placement is not guaranteed. Build this into your schedule after delivery. Read Spotify's pitching guidance.
6 Prepare your profiles and a simple launch
Check your artist name, image, short biography and contact links for consistency. Prepare a listening link, one clear announcement and a few pieces of content that explain or perform the song. Three simple video ideas are a chorus performance, a short explanation of one lyric and a before-and-after comparison of the demo and finished recording. Use material you have permission to share.
If you use YouTube, distinguish a regular channel from an Official Artist Channel. The latter has eligibility requirements, including an official release delivered by a distributor or label, and is requested through an eligible partner. It does not appear automatically just because you upload a video. See YouTube's Official Artist Channel requirements.
7 Check the live release and learn from it
On release day, open the links yourself. Confirm the correct artist profile, audio, artwork and credits wherever they are displayed. Report problems through your distributor's support route and update any broken promotional links.
A week later, note the questions listeners asked and which content helped them understand the song. Keep promoting it thoughtfully while planning what you will improve next time.
Common questions
Should I delay if something important is unresolved? If the recording, permissions or delivery arrangements are not ready, revisiting the date can be more sensible than rushing the upload.
Where can I get help with the creative side? Talk to LaunchCraft about music support if you need direction, lyrics, production, artwork or launch content. Confirm the deliverables for your project; distribution and commercial-use arrangements need their own checks.