How to Release Music in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

To release a song, finish and master it, get your ISRC and UPC codes, upload it to a distributor with your artwork and metadata, pick a release date at least 30 days out, and pitch it before it goes live. Octiive delivers your music to Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok and 260+ stores, with unlimited releases on a subscription plan, from $5 a month.

Start your release

How to release music in 7 steps

Finish and master your track. Export a WAV file. Mastering makes your song loud and balanced enough to sit next to other releases on streaming.
Get your artwork ready. Stores want a square image, 3000 x 3000 pixels, with no blurry text or store logos.
Get your codes. Every track needs an ISRC and every release needs a UPC. Octiive creates both for free.
Choose a distributor. A distributor delivers your music to the stores. Compare real yearly costs before you pick, including add-ons and renewals.
Upload and fill in the metadata. Add artist names, song titles, writers, language and genre. Mistakes here are hard to fix after release.
Pick your release date. Choose a date at least 30 days ahead. That gives stores time to process it and gives you time to pitch playlists and line up creators.
Promote it and claim your profiles. Claim Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists, pitch your song, post teasers and share the pre-save link.

What it costs to release music

Plan	Price	You keep
Essential (one artist)	$5/month or $29/year, unlimited uploads	100% of net royalties
Pro (2 to 4 artists)	$8/month or $69/year, unlimited uploads	100%
Executive (labels, up to 20 artists)	$190/year, unlimited uploads	100%
Pay as you go	$9 per single, $19 per album, no yearly fee	92%

Every plan includes 260+ stores, TikTok and Beatport. See the full pricing page.

Release day checklist

Your music is live on the main stores. Search your artist name and song title to confirm.
Your Spotify and Apple Music profiles are claimed.
Your sound is available on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook for creators.
You have shared the link and posted your own video.

What to do after you release

Keep releasing. Regular releases give streaming services more to recommend. Collect more of what you earn with YouTube Content ID and neighboring rights, and look at marketing and funding once your streams grow. Promotion and marketing and music funding are built into Octiive.

How to release music FAQ

How long before release day should I upload?

At least 30 days ahead is best. Stores need time to process your release, and you need time to pitch playlists and prepare content.

Do I need my own ISRC and UPC codes?

No. Octiive creates them for free when you upload. If you already have codes from an earlier release, you can use them again.

Can I release music for free?

Most distributors charge a fee. Octiive starts at $5 a month with unlimited uploads, or $9 for a single release with no yearly fee.

Do I keep the rights to my music?

Using a distributor does not change who owns your music. It delivers your music to the stores and collects royalties for you.

Can I move a song I already released?

Yes. Upload again with the same audio, artwork, ISRC and UPC codes and the original release date. When the new version is live, ask your old distributor to take theirs down.

Last checked: October 2026. Author: Octiive team.