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Spotify Delivery Time & Release Planning

Motiva Groove Team
January 30, 2025
5 min read

Overview

To ensure that your music is released on Spotify on the intended release date, it is important to follow Spotify's delivery lead-time requirements. These timelines allow our team and Spotify to properly process, validate, and ingest your release before it goes live.

Spotify requires distributors and music providers to deliver releases well in advance of the scheduled release date to guarantee timely availability on the platform.

Required Delivery Lead Time — New Releases

To ensure your release goes live on the selected release date, you must submit your release at least 5 business days before the scheduled release date.

This timeline allows for:

  • Metadata validation
  • Audio and artwork verification
  • Processing and ingestion by Spotify
  • Resolution of potential technical issues

Warning: Submitting releases later than this timeframe may result in delayed availability on Spotify.

Example

  • Release Date: Friday
  • Latest Recommended Submission: Previous Friday (5 business days earlier)

Updates to Existing Releases

If you need to update an existing release (metadata changes, artwork updates, etc.), those updates should be delivered at least 2 business days before the expected change date.

Examples of updates include:

  • Artwork corrections
  • Metadata adjustments
  • Territory updates
  • Takedowns

What Happens If You Submit Late?

If a release is delivered less than 5 business days before the release date, Spotify may not process it in time, which can result in:

  • The release appearing after the intended release date
  • Delays in availability across territories
  • Reduced opportunity for editorial consideration

Best Practices for Artists and Labels

To maximize your release success, we recommend:

  • Uploading releases at least 7–14 days before release date
  • Ensuring all metadata is correct before submission
  • Providing final audio and artwork files
  • Allowing additional time for playlist pitching and marketing preparation

Summary

  • New Spotify release delivery: Minimum 5 business days before release
  • Updates to releases: Minimum 2 business days before change
  • Recommended planning: 7–14 days before release date