Artists shouldn’t rush releasing music to streaming platforms

Releasing music is a strategic choice, not an obligation.

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Artists shouldn’t rush releasing music to streaming platforms

Artists seeking breakthrough moments often rush to release music on streaming platforms. However, building demand through alternative channels before an official release might be more effective for emerging artists.

Why it matters

Artists work hard to create their music, and it can be extremely frustrating when a new release doesn't gain the traction they hoped for.

The pressure to maintain an active streaming presence can lead artists to release music prematurely.

While having music available is crucial for fan discovery, low streaming numbers can harm an artist's perceived popularity.

This creates a catch-22: release too soon without an audience or wait until there's demand, but then no music is available for discovery.

Generated with SDXL using the prompt ‘archaeological excavation of a synth’.

How it works

Releasing music is a strategic choice, not an obligation just because someone is an artist.

While traditional DSP releases through platforms like Spotify are common, artists have multiple alternatives to drive music discovery.

One crucial consideration is often overlooked: streaming numbers are public. Tracks with fewer than 1,000 streams immediately signal limited audience interest. It damages the artist's brand.

Instead of rushing to release, artists can take a more measured approach.

The reality is that most music discovery now happens through social media.

The priority for artists is ensuring their music is accessible within two clicks - whether for potential fans, industry gatekeepers, fellow artists, or DJs.

This immediate accessibility is crucial regardless of whether it's live recordings, studio content, or social media clips.

Having music readily available across various platforms means anyone interested in the artist can instantly hear their sound without navigating through streaming services.

This approach maintains the artist's control over their music while ensuring it's easily discoverable.

Yes, but..

Traditional streaming releases do offer significant benefits:

• Potential editorial playlist placements

• Algorithm-driven recommendations

• Platform-specific following growth

• Professional credibility

However, these benefits are most impactful when there's existing demand. Building an engaged audience first through alternative channels can lead to stronger streaming performance upon official release.

Take action now

Artists could share their music (live, recorded, or social content) and full-track demos through basic placements such as:

• Instagram Stories highlights

• Instagram Pinned timeline & reels

• TikTok pinned timeline

• TikTok playlists

• SoundCloud

• Bandcamp

Consider releasing music to DSPs like Spotify only when confident of generating more than 1.000 streams on the first day. This ensures a strong start that signals genuine audience interest.

Your thoughts

Further reading

• Attention economy basics: pin this to your Instagram profile (MUSICX)

• EX.721 Charli xcx (Resident Advisor)

• People discover music through social media (The Fanbase Builder)

• Converting TikTok users to Spotify listeners (The Fanbase Builder)

• Why music content should engage with the sound off (The Fanbase Builder)

• Why artists shouldn’t skip steps (The Fanbase Builder)