Work backwards from release day
Type the date. The planner lays out everything that has to happen before it — distributor upload, pitch window, artwork lock, teasers — each with editable lead times and honest defaults.
Free · no account · runs in your browser — nothing you enter is sent anywhere.
| Do by | Milestone | Lead time | Status |
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Lead times are editable — the dates re-flow instantly. Defaults are commonly used conventions; your distributor's current requirements win.
The plan is paper. The audience is the point.
SongPlaylists in the studio turns release plans into placements — playlist research, pitching workflows, and the follow-up that actually gets songs added. Sign up: 3 full packs free.
How to plan a music release timeline
- Enter the release datePick the day the song comes out.
- Review the checklistThe planner counts back to each deadline: distributor upload, playlist pitch, artwork, teasers.
- Adjust lead timesEdit any lead time to match your distributor or schedule.
- Keep itPress Print the plan or Copy shareable link.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I plan a release?
Four weeks is the comfortable minimum; six to eight unlocks everything. The hard constraint is editorial playlist pitching, which wants your track delivered and pitched well before release day — that single deadline drives the whole timeline backwards.
When should I upload to my distributor?
Most distributors recommend 3–4 weeks before release to guarantee store delivery and pitch eligibility; some process faster. The planner defaults to 4 weeks and lets you edit it — check your distributor's current guidance, which changes.
What if my date is only two weeks away?
The planner compresses honestly: tasks that no longer fit get flagged rather than silently squeezed, so you know which corners you're cutting (usually editorial pitching). Sometimes the right call is moving the date — the planner makes that trade visible.
Can I share the plan with my team?
Yes — the link carries the date and your lead-time settings (never any names or private info), and the printable sheet gives rehearsal-wall paper. Everyone sees the same countdown.