What should be on a music release checklist?

A complete release checklist covers six areas: audio (final master, loudness, versions), metadata (titles, ISRCs, credits), rights and splits (signed split sheets, PRO registration, sample clearance), artwork (3000x3000 cover, cleared rights), distribution (distributor setup, release date, playlist pitching), and promo (assets, smart links, a release-week plan).

How far ahead should I plan a release?

Aim for at least three to four weeks of lead time before your release date. That gives editorial playlists a chance to consider your pitch, lets you build pre-saves, and leaves room to fix any metadata or artwork issues your distributor flags.

When should splits be agreed?

Before release, ideally at the session while everyone remembers who did what. Chasing signatures months later, after a sync deal or a royalty statement arrives, is where money and friendships get lost.

Is my progress saved?

Yes. Your checked items are stored in your own browser, so the list is still there when you come back on the same device. Nothing is sent to a server and there is no sign-up.

Music release checklist

Everything to settle before release day, in one list. Tick items off as you go. Your progress is saved in this browser, with no sign-up.

Progress

0 / 22

Audio

0/4

Final master approved and exportedLossless WAV or AIFF, not an MP3 bounce.
Loudness checked for streamingAim around -14 LUFS integrated for most platforms.
Clean and explicit versions sortedPlus radio edit or instrumental if you need them.
Top and tail silence trimmed

Metadata

0/4

Track and release titles finalizedConsistent capitalization across every track.
ISRC assigned to each recordingOne unique code per track.
All contributors and roles listedPerformers, writers, producers, engineers.
Genre and language set

Rights and splits

0/4

Splits agreed and signed by everyoneLock the percentages before release, not after.
Writers registered with a PRO (IPI on file)
Publishing and works registered
Samples and interpolations cleared

Artwork

0/3

Cover art at 3000x3000 pxSquare, RGB, no stray logos or URLs.
Artwork rights clearedPhotographer or designer credited and paid.
No platform-prohibited text on the cover

Distribution

0/4

Distributor or label delivery set up
Release date set with lead timeThree to four weeks gives editorial a chance.
Pitched to playlists and editorialSpotify for Artists pitch before the date.
Pre-save or pre-add link live

Promo

0/3

Social and video assets ready
Smart link and EPK up to date
Release-week plan written down

Common questions

What should be on a music release checklist?: A complete release checklist covers six areas: audio (final master, loudness, versions), metadata (titles, ISRCs, credits), rights and splits (signed split sheets, PRO registration, sample clearance), artwork (3000x3000 cover, cleared rights), distribution (distributor setup, release date, playlist pitching), and promo (assets, smart links, a release-week plan).
How far ahead should I plan a release?: Aim for at least three to four weeks of lead time before your release date. That gives editorial playlists a chance to consider your pitch, lets you build pre-saves, and leaves room to fix any metadata or artwork issues your distributor flags.
When should splits be agreed?: Before release, ideally at the session while everyone remembers who did what. Chasing signatures months later, after a sync deal or a royalty statement arrives, is where money and friendships get lost.
Is my progress saved?: Yes. Your checked items are stored in your own browser, so the list is still there when you come back on the same device. Nothing is sent to a server and there is no sign-up.

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