Release Budget Allocator
Enter your release budget. Get a data-informed breakdown that tells you exactly where your money should go across production, marketing, visuals, and more.
Your form is saved in your browser only.
Use “Start over” to clear it.
Your Budget
Release Type
Your Situation
Your Team
How to use the Budget Allocator
1. Enter your budget
Type your total release budget or tap a preset amount. Select your currency, release type (single, EP, or album), your situation, and whether you're DIY or have a team.
2. Review your allocation
See a visual breakdown of where your money should go, with specific amounts per category in your currency. Expand any category to see line items with realistic price ranges and priority rankings.
3. Download and share
Download the breakdown as a PDF to share with bandmates or your manager. Save for a shareable link. Copy the text breakdown to paste anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
How does the allocation work?
The tool uses data from industry research, label budgets, and artist manager recommendations to suggest how to split your budget. It adjusts based on your release type (single vs album), your situation (debut vs established), and whether you're DIY. The allocations follow a key principle: spend at least as much on getting heard as you spent making the music.
Should I really spend that much on marketing?
Yes. The #1 mistake indie artists make is spending everything on production and nothing on promotion. A great song nobody hears is a wasted investment. For most releases, marketing should be 20-35% of your total budget. The tool will tell you if your marketing allocation is too low.
What's the contingency budget for?
Mixing revisions, rush fees, unexpected re-recordings, last-minute design changes, sample clearance. These costs catch artists off guard. The tool allocates 5-10% as a buffer. If you don't use it, put it toward your next release.
Is it even worth releasing with less than $500?
Absolutely. Many successful indie releases started with micro budgets. At $500, focus on one great-sounding single with AI mastering, DIY visuals, and organic promotion. The tool adjusts its recommendations for every budget level.
Does genre matter for budget allocation?
Somewhat, but less than you'd think. The biggest variables are release type (single vs album), your situation (debut vs established), and whether you're DIY. A hip-hop single and an indie rock single have similar high-level splits. The line-item detail within categories is where genre differences show up. The tool's price ranges cover this.
Can I share this with my bandmates?
Yes. Save your budget for a shareable link, or download the PDF. The PDF is designed to look professional enough to share with a manager or label.