What is a music release checklist?

A music release checklist is a week-by-week action plan that guides independent artists through every stage of releasing a song, EP, or album. It covers tasks like DSP submission deadlines, playlist pitching windows, press outreach timing, social media content scheduling, and post-release promotion.

How far in advance should I start planning a music release?

Most music professionals recommend starting at least 6 to 8 weeks before your release date. This gives you enough time to submit to DSPs, pitch Spotify editorial playlists (which require 7 days minimum), reach out to blogs and radio, and prepare your social media campaign.

Is this tool free to use?

Yes. ArtistePilot offers a free tier that lets you generate release checklists at no cost. Paid plans unlock more generations per month and additional features like PDF export.

Can I share my release checklist with my team or manager?

Yes. Each checklist has a shareable public URL you can send to your team, manager, or collaborators so everyone can follow the same release plan.

Does the checklist work for singles, EPs, and albums?

Yes. The generator tailors the checklist to your release type. Singles, EPs, and albums each have different promotion priorities and timelines, and the checklist reflects those differences.

Release Checklist

Your Week-by-Week Release Plan

Enter your release details and get a tactical checklist covering DSP submission, playlist pitching, social media, press, and more built around your exact release date. Optionally generate a set of countdown content ideas for the same release at the same time.

Try it free, no account needed. You will see phase one with real dates. The full plan unlocks with a free account. Sign up to generate your release checklist, save it, and share it with your team. or .

Release Date *

Release Type *

Project Title (optional, unless also generating content ideas)

Artist Name (optional, unless also generating content ideas)

Genre (optional)

Distributor (optional)

Focus Areas (optional, select all that apply)

I have / plan a music video

Target Market (optional)

Additional Context (optional)

0/500

Also generate content ideas for this release

7 phased content ideas, from 30 days out to post-release, using the artist name and project title above.

Make this checklist public (shareable URL)

Already have an account? to access your saved checklists.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this tool do?

This tool generates a complete, week-by-week release action plan built around your exact release date. It covers every phase of a music release, from 8 weeks out all the way through post-release month 1, across six key areas: DSP and Distribution, Pitching and Playlists, Social Media, Press and PR, Live and Bookings, and Admin and Legal.

Why your distributor matters

Every distributor has different lead times for DSP delivery. DistroKid can deliver in as little as 7 days, while Africori typically needs 4 to 6 weeks. If you submit too late, your music won't be live on release day and you'll miss the Spotify editorial pitching window entirely. The checklist calculates your submission deadline based on the distributor you select.

Can I also get content ideas for the same release?

Yes. Tick "Also generate content ideas for this release" before submitting, and you'll get a second, separate set of 7 phased content ideas (concept, format, caption hook, and strategy tip) alongside your checklist — using the artist name and project title you already entered above.

How to use it effectively

Enter your release date, select your type and distributor, and choose your focus areas so the AI gives extra weight to the categories most relevant to your campaign. If you have a music video planned, tick that box. It adds video-specific tasks like YouTube premiere setup, reel teasers, and thumbnail planning. Use the public URL to share your plan with your team or manager.

Usage limits

Free users can generate 3 release checklists. Monthly subscribers get 20 per month, and annual subscribers get 240 per year. PDF export is available for paid subscribers. Content ideas run on their own separate limit — free users get 1 idea sets.