What Is a Pre-Add and How Do I Set One Up on Apple Music?

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

 Why Pre-Adds Matter

  • Signals demand to Apple’s algorithm and editors
  • Increases your chances of playlist placement
  • Gives you pre-release momentum with fans
  • Helps you track fan interest ahead of time


 How to Set Up a Pre-Add on Apple Music

  1. Distribute Your Music Early
    • Upload your album or EP at least 2–4 weeks before release
    • Use a distributor that supports pre-adds (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, etc.)
  2. Enable Pre-Add Settings in Your Distributor
    • Select a future release date
    • Make sure to deliver all assets: artwork, metadata, audio, ISRCs
    • Some distributors require you to explicitly opt in to pre-add features
  3. Choose the Tracks for Early Listening (Optional)
    • You can enable 1–2 instant grat tracks (early-access songs fans hear when they pre-add)
  4. Generate a Smart Link
    • Use a pre-add campaign tool like:
      • Feature.fm
      • Hypeddit
      • Linkfire
      • Toneden
    • These tools allow you to create a single shareable link that supports Apple pre-adds
  5. Promote Your Pre-Add Link Everywhere
    • Post on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and email
    • Use countdowns, pinned comments, and story swipe-ups
    • Encourage fans: “Pre-add now so you don’t miss it!”


 Best Practices for Pre-Adds

  • Start promotion 2–3 weeks before release
  • Include a video teaser or story clip with your pre-add link
  • Track pre-add numbers using your distributor or smart link dashboard


 Avoid These Mistakes

  • Uploading music too close to the release date
  • Forgetting to enable pre-add in your distributor’s settings
  • Not checking for metadata errors, which can delay approval


 Pro Tip:

When someone pre-adds your music, Apple Music notifies them the moment it drops—giving you built-in first-day engagement.

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