Release Strategy & Pre-Add Campaigns on Apple Music

Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/us/artist/stephen-allen-music/1092692557

1. Plan Ahead

  • Set your release date 4–6 weeks in advance
  • Allows time for:
    • Editorial pitching via your distributor
    • Creating promotional content
    • Building anticipation through pre-adds


2. Use a Pre-Add Campaign

A Pre-Add is like Apple Music’s version of Spotify's “Pre-Save.”

 How it works:

  • Fans can add your upcoming release to their library before it drops
  • Once released, it appears automatically in their collection and stats count from Day 1

 How to set it up:

  • Use a distributor that supports Apple Pre-Adds (e.g., DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby)
  • Upload your release with a future date and enable pre-add
  • Create a smart link (via Linkfire, ToneDen, etc.) for fans to pre-add directly


3. Single Strategy

  • Build momentum with 2–4 singles before an album or EP
  • Each single is a chance to pitch to editorial and get added to new playlists
  • Use each release as an event to build audience engagement


4. Maximize Release Week

  • On launch day, push all traffic to Apple Music
  • Run a countdown and promote pre-adds via:
    • Instagram Stories
    • TikTok snippets
    • Email list
    • Website banners
  • Feature behind-the-scenes or teaser content to drive curiosity


5. Drop Multiple Formats

  • Release both clean and explicit versions (where applicable)
  • Consider alternate versions: acoustic, remix, instrumental
  • This boosts discoverability and extends the lifecycle of your tracks


6. Analyze Results Post-Launch

  • Use Apple Music for Artists to:
    • Track spike in plays and pre-adds
    • Identify top-performing regions and songs
    • Inform future release timing and marketing
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