The Best & Worst Times of Year to Release Music
Releasing music at the right time is crucial to its success. Whether you're an independent artist or signed to one of the Big 4 record labels, timing your release strategically can make the difference between your song getting lost in the noise or gaining traction. If you're wondering what the best time is to release music on Spotify or the worst months to release music, this guide will help you determine the most effective release strategy.
Remember to always schedule your release at least 4 weeks in advance to maximize your chances of being featured on editorial and algorithmic playlists and appearing in Release Radar for your fans.
Best Time of Year to Release Music on Spotify
January & February – Fresh Start & New Year Vibes
The beginning of the year is a great time for new music, as people are looking for songs for the new year to fuel their resolutions. The demand for the best songs to work out to spikes, making this a prime time for energetic and motivational tracks. However, avoid the first few days of January, as listeners may still be recovering from the holiday season. This is when major label releases are slower, leaving more room for independent artists to be discovered.
March to May – Spring Awakening
Spring is when the music industry starts gaining momentum. People seek pump-up songs and vibey music as they prepare for outdoor festivals and springtime activities. New artists often benefit from releasing during this period, as there's less competition compared to summer or the holiday season.
June to August – Summer Hits & Party Anthems
The summer months are a great time to release new music. If you're looking for the best time to drop a summer anthem, July is ideal. However, late August starts to see a slowdown as students return to school, so time your release accordingly. Early August is excellent for end-of-summer songs.
September & October – Fall Transitions & Back-to-School Vibes
September is a great time for a release, with listeners transitioning into more introspective or moody tracks. Indie artists may find success here, as some major labels hold back releases until November and listeners & music industry execs have returned from summer travels.
Worst Time of Year to Release Music
Late November to December – Holiday Madness
By mid-November, holiday music takes over. If you're not making Christmas music or different Christmas songs, your release might get buried under Spotify Christmas music playlists. Additionally, people are busy with holiday shopping and events, leaving little room for new non-holiday releases. The worst part about releasing music during this time is that after it's been out for just over a month it's already a year old!
Mid-Summer (July & August) – Listener Drop-Off
While summer is great for hits, mid-summer can be tricky. Many people are vacationing and less engaged with streaming. Unless your track is a major summer anthem, you might see lower engagement.
Post-Holiday Slump (January 1st-10th)
After New Year’s, people take a break from heavy streaming. If you drop a song on January 2nd, you might not get the attention you’re hoping for. It's better to wait until mid-January when people are back in their routines.
Best Days of the Week to Release Music
Why Friday is the Best Day
- Global Release Day – Most new music albums drop on Fridays.
- "New Music Friday" Playlists – High chance of playlist placements.
- Spotify & YouTube Prime Time – More listeners are searching for fresh tracks on Spotify & YouTube. Check out this article to get on YouTube music playlists.
Other Good Days to Release Music
- Thursday – Builds momentum before the weekend.
- Tuesday & Wednesday – Less competition from major releases.
Worst Days to Release Music
Monday & Saturday – Low Engagement
- Monday: People are busy with work and school.
- Saturday: Less music discovery happens on weekends.
Conclusion
Timing is everything in music. Whether you're dropping a single or an album, the best time to release music on Spotify matters. Avoid December unless you're making Christmas music, and aim for Fridays if you want to maximize your reach. Strategic timing, combined with a strong music marketing strategy, can make all the difference in a successful release.
No matter what time of year it is Playlist Push is here to promote your music to curators.
FAQs
How do you release a song on Spotify?
You need to upload your music to a music distributor like Symphonic or TuneCore. Check out our list of top music distributors to consider here.
How far in advance should I schedule a song release?
A minimum of 4 weeks is suggested for maximum discoverability.
How often should I release music?
Every 4-6 weeks is ideal for keeping engagement high.
What is the worst month to release music?
December is the worst, as Christmas music dominates.
Looking to Promote your Music on Spotify?
Use our Spotify Playlist Pitching Service and TikTok Sound Promotion service.
