Releasing music can be a daunting task; as you spend weeks or months perfecting it, only to let it go into the world and its fate becomes out of your hands.
You may just be ready to hit 'upload,' but knowing when the right day is to drop your latest release can make all the difference.
It takes more than handing over some cash for a Sunday morning post on social media - there’s factors like time zones and streaming algorithms that play into what could make or break your single’s success.
But don't worry! We're here to give you an insider look at what makes certain days better than others when releasing music and even some tips on making it as successful as possible.
In this article, we will explore the importance of timing in music releases, the factors to consider when deciding on a release day, and the pros and cons of releasing music on different days of the week.
Without further ado, let's dive in and explore the best time to release new music!
Table of Contents:
The Importance of Timing Music Releases:
Timing is everything in the music industry. The day you choose to release your music can have a significant impact on its success. Competition for attention on streaming platforms is fierce, and with so much music being released every day, it's important to give yourself the best possible opportunity to stand out. Choosing the right release day can give you an edge and help you get more listens, more fans, and ultimately, more success.
3 Factors when Deciding on a Release Day:
Let's explore the three key factors to consider when deciding on the best day to release your music.
Target Audience
First, it's important to consider your target audience. If your music appeals to a younger demographic, for example, releasing on a Friday or over the weekend might be a good choice as these are typically the days when people are more likely to be streaming music.
On the other hand, if your music appeals to an older demographic, releasing during the week might be a better option as these listeners may have more free time to discover and engage with new music.
Genre and Style of Music
In addition to your target audience, you should also consider the genre and style of your music.
If you're releasing electronic dance music (EDM), for example, a Friday release might be a good choice as this is a popular genre for party-goers and weekend revelers.
If you're releasing a more laid-back, indie-folk album, however, a Tuesday or Wednesday release might be a better fit as these days are mid-week and could provide a nice break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Time of Year
The time of year holds a great influence on the type of music released by artists.
During the winter months, cozy, contemplative and holiday music often emerges, providing listeners with a warm feeling despite the chill outside.
Meanwhile, music of the summer months bring an airier sound, full of chords and melodies designed to get everyone grooving and enjoying their summer days. Plus, school is out and festival season begins, so there is more free time and energy surrounding the music business.
Music artists and producers continuously embrace changes in weather and lifestyle trends to create something new, interesting or fun for their fans.
The Pros and Cons of Releasing Music on Different Days of the Week:
Now that we've looked at some of the factors to consider when deciding on a release day, let's examine the pros and cons of releasing music on different days of the week.
Monday
Mondays can be a great opportunity to get press coverage for new music releases. Publications and blogs often release fresh content on Mondays, so getting your music in front of them may increase the chances of securing media attention. However, keep in mind that streaming platform traffic tends to decrease during this day with the start of the work week- so you'll need extra effort for your songs make an impact!
Tuesday
Tuesdays can be a great opportunity for artists to get their music out there and gain playlist inclusion. With many playlists updated regularly on Tuesdays, reaching out to playlist curators when releasing on Tuesday is key! Keep in mind though that traffic on streaming platforms tends to be low so you'll need to make sure your release gets extra attention if you want it picked up by the right ears!
Wednesday
Wednesdays can be a good day to release music if you're looking for a mid-week traffic boost. Many people are winding down from their work week and looking for something new and fresh to listen to, so releasing your music on a Wednesday could be a good way to capture their attention. Plus a Wednesday release can be included on algorithmic playlists such as New Music Friday and Release Radar can help potentially promote your music without even needing a Friday release.
Thursday
Thursday is an underrated day to release music, as it offers most the benefits that both Wednesday and Friday releases offer. On Thursdays, music fans are eager to discover new releases before the weekend begins. Importantly, with less competition than Fridays, a Thursday new release could definitely provide impressive results.
Friday
Every Friday, the musical landscape is completely transformed with new and exciting sounds coming from around the world. Friday are considered the most popular global release day, as most new songs and albums are traditionally dropped on this day.
This means that there is a lot of competition for attention, but it also means that there is a lot of traffic on streaming platforms. If you're able to break through the noise and get your music heard, releasing on a Friday can be a great way to kick off the weekend.
Saturday
Saturdays are an underutilized time to release music. Since streaming services receive so much music every Friday, music fans usually need a few days to keep up with all the new goodies. So consider competing with the Friday release date tracks in addition to Saturday releases, and you'll see why artists often don't plan their upcoming release day as Saturday.
Sunday
Sunday is a great day to share your new music! Curators often refresh their favorite playlists on this day, giving you the chance to get added onto something popular and reach an even bigger audience. Sunday seems perfect for people looking to settle down with some fresh tunes - so why not give them yours?
Which day of the week do we recommend to release music?
Ok, now that we've covered the key aspects of each day of the week, what is the best day for emerging artists to release music consistently?
Since established artists know their labels will likely plan their music career with a Friday chosen release date, you are battling with industry titans for attention on this day. Therefore, you may want to avoid the global release day.
Instead, we suggest that the best time to release music is on either Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Sundays.
These are days that each have a lot of activity on streaming services, and where as a relatively unknown artist, you will not need to face nearly as much competition as you would on Friday.
Pick a day, and stick to it!
You should release consistently on one day of the week in order to establish consistency that your fans will come to expect. In addition to less competition, with a Wednesday or Thursday release you could still qualify for New Music Friday editorial placement!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the day you choose to release music can have a significant impact on its success. Timing is everything in the music industry, and choosing the right release day can give you an edge and help you get more listens, more fans, and ultimately, more success.
Although releasing new music on a Friday may seem like a great way to cap off the work week, this typically causes the artistes' singles to get lost in the mix of other competing albums dropping at the same time. Moving away from Friday releases can create separation between new music and improve chances of being heard by far more listeners.
Experimenting and finding what works best for you is key. Even if music listeners may be accustomed to expecting new music on Friday, don't forget there are six other weekdays to explore!
Determine your own music release strategy by understanding your target audience, your genre and style, and the pros and cons of releasing music on each day of the week. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of the best day to release music, understanding these factors can help guide you in making the best decision for your own music.
Moving Forward
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And check out a few more articles we think you'd enjoy below.
'Til next time!
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