Universal Music Release Calendar: Pitch to Spotify, Apple & Amazon Editors

🗓️ The Universal Release Calendar: Structuring Multi-Platform Pitches for Simultaneous Editor/Curator Approval

In the modern music industry, a release is only as successful as its earliest momentum. Getting placement on editorial playlists and featured pages across Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music can be the difference between a track that sinks and one that soars.

The key to unlocking this simultaneous, multi-platform boost is the Universal Release Calendar. This professional timeline and asset checklist ensures your pitch reaches all major editorial and curator teams at their optimal submission window, maximizing your chances of a global impact.

🚀 The Core Principle: Aligning Disparate Deadlines

While each major Digital Service Provider (DSP) has its own submission portal and minimum lead time, the professional standard is to target the longest required window.

  • Spotify for Artists: Minimum 7 days before release for editorial consideration (and to guarantee placement on followers’ Release Radar).
  • Apple Music for Artists: Minimum 10 days before release via their submission portal.
  • Amazon Music for Artists: Minimum 14 days (2 weeks) before release via their app/portal.

To be safe and allow your distributor ample time to deliver the music and for the most strategic pitch, a lead time of 4-6 weeks is the industry best practice.

📅 The Professional 6-Week Universal Release Timeline

This timeline is structured backward from your Release Day (Friday), ensuring you hit all critical editorial windows and maximize pre-save/pre-add campaign momentum.

Phase I: The Foundation (6-4 Weeks Out)

Timeline Action Item Platform/Target Goal
6 Weeks Out Master & Finalize Assets Distributor (TuneCore, DistroKid, etc.) Create WAV/FLAC audio (44.1kHz, 16-bit, stereo) and 3000×3000 high-res cover art.
5 Weeks Out Distribute & Set Date Distributor Upload your music and set your official Friday release date (4-6 weeks in the future). This generates your URI/links.
4 Weeks Out Secure Pitching Links & Pre-Save Spotify, Apple, Amazon Confirm track links are visible in Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists. Launch your pre-save/pre-add campaign.

 

Phase II: The Editorial Push (3-2 Weeks Out)

Timeline Action Item Platform/Target Goal
3 Weeks Out The Amazon Pitch Window Amazon Music for Artists Submit your track to the Amazon editorial team.
2.5 Weeks Out The Apple Pitch Window Apple Music for Artists Submit your track to the Apple Music editorial team.
2 Weeks Out The Spotify Pitch Window Spotify for Artists The most critical pitch: Complete the full submission form with compelling genre, mood, and culture details.
2 Weeks Out Independent Pitching Blogs, Playlisters, Pandora AMP Begin outreach to independent playlist curators and music blogs (e.g., via SubmitHub or direct contact).

 

Phase III: The Final Countdown (1 Week Out – Release Day)

Timeline Action Item Platform/Target Goal
1 Week Out Visual Assets & Profile Polish All DSPs & Social Media Upload Spotify Canvases. Update artist bios, profile pictures, and banners across all platforms for a cohesive look.
Release Day (Friday) Launch & Promotion All DSPs & Social Media Update your Spotify Artist Pick and Apple Music Artist Link. Post “OUT NOW” across all channels.
1 Week Post Analyze & Follow-Up Spotify/Apple/Amazon for Artists Analytics Check for editorial playlist placements. Share successful placements and repurpose pitch elements for independent curators.

 

✅ Essential Asset Checklist for an Editor-Ready Pitch

A stellar song is only half the battle. Your pitch must be professional, compelling, and provide editors with everything they need to feature your track immediately.

The Music & Metadata

  • Final Mastered Audio: 44.1kHz, 16-bit, Stereo WAV or FLAC.
  • High-Res Artwork: 3000×3000 pixels, JPG or PNG.
  • ISRC & UPC Codes: Assigned by your distributor.
  • Songwriter & Producer Credits: Correctly listed in your metadata.

The Written Pitch (The Story)

The written pitch is your single best tool to win over an editor. It must be concise, unique, and compelling.

  • The Hook (1-2 Sentences): A powerful summary of the song and its genre. Example: “A blend of 80s synthwave and modern hyperpop, this track is the perfect late-night driving anthem.”
  • The Story/Context: Why is this song being released now? (e.g., first single off an album, dedicated to a tour, a major life event).
  • Marketing/Press Highlights: Mention any confirmed press, radio airplay, video release date, or significant social media campaigns.
  • Geographic Context: If you’re gaining traction in a specific city/country, mention it. Editors often look for local success stories.

The Visual & Profile Assets

  • Electronic Press Kit (EPK): A downloadable folder or link with high-resolution promotional photos, an updated biography, and any critical press quotes.
  • Spotify Canvas: A short, looping vertical video for the track (8 seconds max).
  • Video Content: A link to the official music video (if available) or a visualizer.

🔑 Pro-Tip: Speak the Editor’s Language

When filling out the submission forms (especially the detailed one on Spotify), be highly specific. Do not just select “Pop.” Drill down: “Indie Pop with elements of Dream Pop and a driving rhythm.”

Use the mood and genre tags to tell a story:

  • Mood: Focus, Study, Late Night Drive, Workout.
  • Vibe: Melancholic, Uplifting, Cinematic, Introspective.

The Universal Release Calendar is not just a checklist; it’s an orchestration. By respecting the deadlines of each major platform and crafting a single, compelling narrative, you give your music the best shot at simultaneous, global editorial success.