BigBadBird

Release Countdown Planner

Enter your release date. Get a complete reverse-engineered timeline with every task, deadline, and action item from today to post-release.

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Release details
Release type
Your setup

Helps us tailor the timeline to your situation.

Distribution status

How to use the Release Planner

  1. Enter your release date

    Pick the date your track drops on streaming platforms. The planner works backwards from this date to calculate every deadline you need to hit.

  2. Choose your release type

    Singles, EPs, and albums have different promotional timelines. The planner adjusts task lists and timing based on your release format.

  3. Get your timeline

    Instantly see a week-by-week breakdown of every task, from Spotify editorial submission deadlines to content planning milestones. Screenshot it, share it, or follow it task by task.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I submit to Spotify editorial playlists?

Spotify recommends submitting at least 7 days before release, but 3–4 weeks gives you the best chance of editorial consideration. The Release Countdown Planner automatically calculates this deadline for you. Once you have a timeline, run the Release Checklist a week out to confirm distribution, pre-save links, and editorial pitches are actually filed.

Do I need to sign up to use this tool?

No. The Release Countdown Planner is completely free and requires no sign-up, no email, and no account. Just enter your release date and get your timeline instantly.

Does this work for EPs and albums, or just singles?

It works for singles, EPs, and albums. The planner adjusts the task list based on your release type. EPs and albums get additional tasks like tracklist reveals, lead single strategy, track-by-track content planning, and extended post-release promotion. Once you have your timeline, use the Release Checklist to verify you have not missed anything. For multi-collaborator EPs, lock ownership splits early with the Split Sheet so royalty disputes don't surface after release.

What if my release date is less than 4 weeks away?

The planner still works. It will show you which tasks are already overdue so you know exactly what to prioritize. Even a compressed timeline is better than no timeline. If budget is also tight, the Budget Allocator tells you which categories to defund first so the schedule and the money plan stay in sync.

Should the release date drive my live shows too?

If you are playing a launch show or tour around the release, yes. Build the night with the Setlist Architect so the set peaks line up with the songs you are promoting.

More tools like this

Release Checklist

Interactive diagnostic checklist that scores your release readiness and tells you exactly what you still need to do.

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Split Sheet

Create, send, and get split sheets signed in one place. Professional PDFs with built-in digital signing. Free, no account required.

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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.

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