Getting your music out there isn't just about hitting upload and hoping for the best. Trust me, I've seen too many artists make that mistake. At Kinjari, we know that timing can make or break your release, and we want you to get it right the first time.
Why Timing Matters More Than You Think
Here's the thing about music releases: you're not just competing with your local scene anymore. With tens of thousands of tracks hitting streaming platforms every single day, strategic timing isn't optional – it's essential. The difference between a well-timed release and a rushed one can mean thousands of additional streams, playlist placements, and new fans discovering your music.
Think about it this way: would you rather your song drop into a sea of major label releases during the busiest week of the year, or would you prefer it to land when listeners are actively seeking fresh content and industry gatekeepers have time to actually listen?
The Kinjari Advantage: Plan Ahead, Release Smart
At Kinjari, we recommend allowing at least two or ideally three weeks for your releases to be ready to go live, and you should submit them to us accordingly. This isn't us trying to be annoying. We're trying to set you up for success! Our multi-step review process involves industry experts who help spot potential issues before they become problems.
Here's how it works: if you plan to have your music live on July 22nd, you should submit it to us on July 1st at the absolute latest. This allows three weeks (or 21 days) for everything to happen behind the scenes and for all platforms to be ready for your release to go live simultaneously. Remember, some platforms are curated and require human review, which adds necessary delays to ensure quality.
The Real Cost of Last-Minute Submissions
We can't stress this enough: last-minute submissions are release killers. When you submit music without proper lead time, several things can go wrong:
If we spot any issues and need to reach out to you, your release goes back into the review queue
Different streaming platforms have varying processing times
Some platforms require human curation
The industry standard has evolved to require 4-6 weeks advance submission for the best chance at editorial playlist consideration. While Spotify officially says "at least a week," experienced artists know that 6-8 weeks gives you the best shot at getting heard by their editorial teams.
Choose Your Release Day Wisely
Friday has become the global standard release day for good reason. Since 2015, the music industry adopted Friday releases as part of a unified global release strategy. This timing aligns with listeners having more free time on weekends and also maximises your chart potential since Billboard (and other charting organisations) track sales from Friday to Thursday.
But wait! Don't automatically assume Friday is always best for you. If you're in a niche genre or targeting a specific audience, mid-week releases can sometimes work better by avoiding the Friday flood of major releases. At Kinjari, you can set your own release date and plan ahead so please make sure you take advantage of the flexibility that gives you.
Seasonal Timing Strategy
The first two months of the year are particularly attractive for new releases from smaller artists. January and February usually see fewer releases compared to later in the year (think more "did I just make the song of the winter" rather than "did I just make the song of the summer"), and so typically listeners' are lacking fresh music and their minds are probably more open to discovering new music. These months work especially well for:
Workout songs
Positive messages
Upbeat tracks that align with New Year energy
Building Your Release Timeline
Here's some tips on what you can do in the build up to release day to ensure your music hits hard and gets off to the best start possible.
8-12 Weeks Before Release
Start your planning process well in advance
Create your content strategy
Finalise your artwork
Begin building anticipation (get posting on social media, tease the track(s)!)
Think about your overall marketing calendar
Align your release with touring or promotional opportunities
6-8 Weeks Before Release
Submit your music to Kinjari (or your distributor of choice) so that we can ensure it is reviewed and with the platforms ready for release
This is a great time for pitching to Spotify editorial and other playlists
Reach out to other streaming platform curators
Set up your pre-save campaigns and start promoting them
4-6 Weeks Before Release
Ramp up your promotional activities
Start sharing behind-the-scenes content
Announce your release date
Begin reaching out to music blogs and playlist curators
Pre-release marketing should be in full swing
2-3 Weeks Before Release
Final push time
Release any singles or teasers
Conduct interviews
Make sure all promotional materials are ready
Double-check that everything is set up correctly on all platforms
Common Timing Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don't submit your music the week you want it to go live – This creates unnecessary stress and often leads to delays
❌ Don't ignore seasonal trends – Releasing a summer anthem in December rarely works
❌ Don't forget to coordinate with your touring schedule – Make sure your release timing supports your live performance strategy
❌ Don't rush the process – It's better to delay your release by a few weeks and do it right than to push forward with inadequate preparation
Making the Most of The Kinjari Platform
At Kinjari, we've built our system to support strategic release planning:
✅ Set your own release dates
✅ Manage multiple artist aliases from one account
✅ Track your performance in real-time
✅ Get support throughout the process
✅ Unlimited releases without per-release costs
We don't limit the number of releases you can make because we don't want to hold back your artistic career. Your music career is your career – you're in control.
Final Thoughts
The music industry has changed dramatically, and successful artists now need to release more frequently to stay relevant. With proper timing and strategic planning, you can build momentum that carries across multiple releases, growing your fanbase consistently over time.
Remember: great music deserves great timing. Plan ahead, submit early, and give your releases the best possible chance to succeed. Your future self will thank you for the extra effort you put in today.
Ready to plan your next release strategically? Join Kinjari today and take control of your music distribution timeline.
