Release-Date Planning

Updated July 2026.

To hit a release date reliably, submit your release ahead of that date — at least 2 weeks, with 3 to 4 weeks ideal for singles and 4 to 6 weeks for albums — so there is time for quality review, delivery, and store processing. If you want editorial-playlist consideration, deliver 2 to 3 weeks early and pitch through Spotify for Artists at least 7 days before release. This guide covers the milestones to plan around, the New Music Friday standard, and how to schedule a release in LabelGrid.

For the marketing overview of platform timelines, see How Long Does It Take to Go Live on labelgrid.com. For per-platform processing times, see Distribution Lead Times.

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Release milestones at a glance

Plan backward from your release date. The lead times below are recommendations for hitting your date comfortably and keeping your options open for promotion and editorial.

Milestone	Recommended lead time
Finalize audio, artwork, and metadata	4+ weeks before release
Submit a single to LabelGrid	At least 2 weeks (3 to 4 weeks ideal) before release
Submit an album/EP to LabelGrid	4 to 6 weeks before release
Pitch to Spotify editorial (Spotify for Artists)	At least 7 days before release
Deliver for Apple Music / Amazon editorial consideration	2 to 3 weeks before release
Open an Apple Music pre-order	Up to 366 days before release
Share pre-save / pre-order links	2 to 3 weeks before release, once approved

Note

“Lead time” is how far ahead you submit. Time-to-live after delivery varies by platform and is not guaranteed — Apple Music typically goes live within 1 to 5 business days; other platforms vary, so verify per DSP. See Distribution Lead Times for per-platform processing detail.

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New Music Friday and the global release day

Under the IFPI New Music Fridays standard, Friday is the global music release day, with new releases going live at 00:01 local time in each territory. Aligning your release with Friday matches how DSPs surface new music and how New Music Friday playlists are built.

You are not required to release on a Friday — you can choose any date — but a Friday release is the industry default and keeps your timing consistent with editorial and algorithmic new-release surfaces.

Tip

If you have a hard date tied to a marketing moment (a tour, a music video, a partner campaign), plan your submission from that date backward using the milestone table above.

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Scheduling a release in LabelGrid

When you create a release, you set its release date — the day it should go live. LabelGrid runs a quality review before delivery begins, so leave room for review time when you plan.

Basic scheduling

1. Set your intended release date on the release.
2. Submit the release ahead of that date, following the lead times above.
3. LabelGrid reviews the release, then delivers it to each enabled store.
4. Stores process and publish it on your release date.

Advanced timing

For exact go-live times and territory-specific rollout, use Advanced Date Settings:

• Exact release time — by default a release goes live at midnight local time per territory. Enable exact release time if you need a specific moment (for example, aligning with a video premiere).
• Territory-specific dates — set different go-live timing per territory where needed.

See Advanced Date Settings for the full options.

Caution

Changing the release date after a release has been approved resets it to Draft and requires re-approval and redistribution, which takes several business days. Avoid changing the date close to launch — and if you must, rebuild enough buffer so the new date is still achievable.

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How to hit an exact date

1. Work backward from the date. Use the milestone table to schedule submission, editorial pitching, and pre-save setup.
2. Submit with buffer. Aim for 3 to 4 weeks ahead for singles, 4 to 6 for albums, so review and processing finish with room to spare.
3. Confirm approval early. Once approved, your pre-save and pre-order links can go out and editorial pitching windows stay open.
4. Avoid late date changes. A post-approval date change resets the release and restarts delivery.
5. Monitor delivery status. Track the release through LabelGrid so you can catch any issue before release day rather than after.

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FAQ

”How do I make sure my release goes live on my chosen date?”

Submit your release ahead of the date — at least 2 weeks, with 3 to 4 weeks ideal for singles and 4 to 6 weeks for albums — so there is time for quality review, delivery, and store processing. Set the release date in LabelGrid, and use Advanced Date Settings if you need an exact go-live time or territory-specific timing.

”What day of the week should I release music?”

Friday is the global music release day under the IFPI New Music Fridays standard, going live at 00:01 local time in each territory. Releasing on Friday aligns with New Music Friday playlists and how DSPs surface new releases, though you can choose any date.

”How far ahead do I need to submit to be considered for editorial playlists?”

Pitch through Spotify for Artists at least 7 days before release, and deliver 2 to 3 weeks ahead for Apple Music and Amazon editorial consideration. Pitching does not guarantee placement — earlier delivery simply gives curators time to consider your music.

”Can I change my release date after submitting?”

Yes, but changing the release date after approval resets the release to Draft and requires re-approval and redistribution, which takes several business days. Avoid changing the date close to launch, and rebuild in enough buffer if you do.

”What time of day does a release go live?”

By default a release goes live at midnight local time in each territory on your release date. If you need a specific go-live time, enable exact release time in Advanced Date Settings.

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Related Guides

• Distribution Lead Times - Per-platform processing times
• Advanced Date Settings - Exact and territory-specific timing
• Supported Stores - Available distribution outlets

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Planning a release? Contact our support team if you need help hitting a date.