Your Song Release: More Than Just Uploading
Got a track ready? Awesome! But simply uploading and hoping for the best is a dead end. A successful release is like a good concert: you plan it. Your song deserves more than just a click on 'Upload'. We'll show you how to truly prepare your next release and get the most out of it.
Step 1: The Timeline – At Least 4 Weeks Buffer
Your distributor needs time. Spotify, Apple Music, and others need time. And YOU need time. Plan at least 4 weeks of buffer before your song goes live. 6-8 weeks is even better. This period is crucial for making all preparations stress-free and resolving potential issues before they become real obstacles. Remember: a well-planned release is half the battle.
OGRECORDS™ delivers your music from one upload to 38+ DSPs in 240+ territories. This global reach requires lead time so your track is available everywhere on schedule. Use the time you gain through OGRECORDS™' fast distribution to focus on your marketing strategy.
Step 2: All Data – Everything Must Be Perfect
Cover art, metadata, audio files – everything must be correct. No typos in the title, no pixel artifacts in the cover. A single error can delay the release by days. This is frustrating and costs you valuable momentum. Pay attention to high-resolution cover artworks and correct spelling for track titles, artist names, and other information. These details directly impact the discoverability and professionalism of your release.
At OGRECORDS™, ISRC and UPC are automatically assigned, saving you a step. Nevertheless, it's your responsibility to accurately enter all other metadata. Find more details in our /glossar.
Step 3: Pitching Preparation – Reaching Playlists
Once your song is uploaded to OGRECORDS™, it appears in Spotify for Artists. Use this time to pitch your track for official Spotify playlists. This is invaluable, as a spot on a major playlist can exponentially increase your reach. Prepare your pitch carefully: What's the story behind your song? What genre does it fit? What mood does it convey? The more convincing your pitch, the greater the chance.
In addition to self-pitching, OGRECORDS™ also offers a /playlist-pitching add-on (50 € per track, no success fee). This can be valuable support in gaining the attention of curators.
Step 4: Pre-Save and Smart Links – Building Hype
A pre-save is a powerful tool to build hype before the release and mobilize your fans. Your fans can save your song before it's even released. This way, it lands directly in their library on release day and is positively rated by DSP algorithms. OGRECORDS™ provides you with free Pre-Save pages and /smart-links that bundle all major streaming services on one page. Actively use these tools in your communication.
Share your Pre-Save links on social media, in newsletters, and on your website. Regularly remind your fans to pre-save the song. The more pre-saves you generate, the stronger the signal to the DSPs that your release is relevant.
Step 5: Marketing Mix – Beyond the Release
A successful release doesn't end on the release day. Plan your marketing activities for the weeks that follow as well. This includes content creation for social media (behind-the-scenes, lyrics, visualizers), email marketing to your fanbase, and potential collaborations. Consider YouTube Content ID, which is included with OGRECORDS™, to generate revenue from the use of your song on YouTube.
With daily analytics via the free iOS and Android app from OGRECORDS™, you always have an overview of your track's performance. Use this data to adjust and optimize your marketing strategy. Your success is in your hands – and in proper planning.
Prepare, plan strategically, and make your next song a complete success with OGRECORDS™.