Ever wondered if there’s actually a best time to release music? Spoiler alert: there is! Timing plays a crucial role in how well your song performs. Whether you’re aiming for maximum streams on Spotify, a viral moment on TikTok, or a strategic push into the music industry, knowing when to drop your track can make all the difference.

Let’s break down the best months, days, and times to release your music, plus some pro tips to maximize your reach and impact.

When Is the Best Time to Release a Song?

Every season, month, and even day of the week has its own advantages and challenges when it comes to releasing music. Understanding music industry trends and your own audience’s listening habits can help you strategically plan your release instead of just dropping a track whenever it’s ready.

The Best Months to Release Music

January & February – New Year, New Music

Pros:

• Less competition – Major artists usually drop their biggest hits in Q4 (October-December), so early in the year is a golden opportunity for indie artists.

• Music discovery is high – Blogs, playlists, and radio stations are looking for fresh talent to highlight for the new year.

• Great for upbeat, motivational music – People are setting goals, hitting the gym, and looking for inspiration.

Cons:

• The industry is still waking up from the holiday break, so early January might be slow.

Best Genres for This Season: Pop, indie, EDM, hip-hop, workout playlists, love songs (for Valentine’s Day in February).

March – Be Cautious Unless You’re at SXSW

Pros:

• If you're performing at SXSW, releasing a track in March can boost visibility.

• The weather is getting warmer, and people are in the mood for feel-good tunes.

Cons:

• The music media is laser-focused on SXSW, making it harder for indie artists to get press attention.

Best Genres: Happy, upbeat, feel-good songs.

April & May – Festival Season Begins

Pros:

• Touring season is in full swing, making it a great time to promote new releases.

• Record Store Day (April) is a prime marketing opportunity for physical releases.

• May is a summer preview, meaning people are looking for new music for road trips and parties.

Best Genres: Uplifting, energetic, money-themed (April 15 = Tax Day in the U.S.), summer anthems.

June, July, & August – Summer Anthems Take Over

Pros:

• The ultimate season for bangers! People are streaming more music while on vacation, road trips, and beach outings.

• Festival season = high exposure if you can land gigs or playlist placements.

• Great time for feel-good, danceable music.

Cons:

• Major sporting events & holidays (like the 4th of July) can take attention away from new releases.

• Many music industry professionals take vacations , so media outreach may be slower.

Best Genres: EDM, dance, pop, feel-good indie, Latin, reggae, summer party tracks.

September & October – Indie Artists’ Prime Time

Pros:

• Back-to-school vibes mean listeners are back to their routines, including discovering new music.

• The industry is fully back at work, making it easier to get media coverage.

• Spooky season (October) is great for dark, moody, or Halloween-themed tracks.

Best Genres: Alternative, emo, lo-fi, cinematic, moody autumn vibes, spooky tracks.

November & December – High Competition (Unless It’s Holiday Music)

Pros:

• If you’re releasing a holiday song, now’s your time to shine!

• People are spending more on music and entertainment during the holiday season.

Cons:

• Major labels dominate this season with big-name releases, making it tough for indie artists.

• Media focus is on best-of-the-year lists, leaving little room for new discoveries.

Best Genres: Holiday music, emotional ballads, year-end reflective songs.

The Best Day & Time to Release Music

Best Day to Release a Song

• Friday = The Industry Standard

  • Spotify's New Music Friday playlist updates every Friday.

  • Most artists release music on Fridays, increasing competition but also potential for discovery.

• Alternative Days for Indie Artists:

  • Tuesday or Wednesday – Less competition and a better chance of getting featured on independent playlists and blogs.

Best Time to Release a Song

• Morning (10 AM - 12 PM EST) – Gives your track all day to accumulate streams.

• Evening (6 PM - 9 PM EST) – Good for engaging fans after work/school hours.

When Is the Best Time to Release a Music Video?

• Simultaneous Release: Drop the music video the same day as your song for maximum impact.

• Staggered Release: Drop the video a week or two after the song to keep momentum going.

• Best Day: Thursday or Friday – Right before the weekend when people are most active online.

How to Maximize Your Music Release

Timing your release is just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s how to make the most of your launch:

1. Pitch to Playlists & Blogs Early

• Submit your song to Spotify for Artists at least 7 days before release.

• Reach out to independent curators & music blogs in advance.

2. Promote on Social Media

• Tease your release weeks in advance with behind-the-scenes content.

• Use countdown timers and interactive posts to engage fans.

3. Email Your Fanbase

• Direct messages still convert better than social media posts.

• Build hype with an exclusive pre-save link.

4. Consider a PR or Playlist Pitching Service

• Services like Pitch-Us help get your music in front of the right audience.

Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Release Big

Your release date can make or break your song’s success. Don’t just drop a track whenever you feel like it— plan ahead, build hype, and give your music the best chance to thrive.

🚀 Need help getting your song in front of the right listeners? Pitch-Us helps artists get on playlists, grow their audience, and boost streams - so your next release doesn’t go unheard. Let’s make your music work for you!

Ready to launch your next hit? Let’s talk!