Holiday music release deadlines and submission guidelines

The end-of-year holiday season is one of the busiest periods for music distribution. Streaming platforms receive a high volume of new releases during November and December, which can affect processing times.

If you're planning to release music between November 27, 2026, and January 1, 2027, we recommend submitting your release to CD Baby at least six weeks before your planned release date.

When should I submit my holiday release?

Submit your release for distribution at least six weeks before your planned release date.

Submitting early allows time for:

• CD Baby to review your release and request any necessary corrections.
• You to make changes if your release does not pass review.
• Obtaining any required cover song licenses.
• Streaming platforms to receive and process your music.
• Planning promotional activities ahead of your release.

Submitting your release less than six weeks in advance increases the risk that it will not be available on your intended release date.

What is the difference between a submission deadline and a delivery deadline?

There are two important stages in the distribution process:

• Submission to CD Baby: This is when you complete and submit your release for review. We recommend doing this at least six weeks before your intended release date.
• Delivery to streaming platforms: This happens after your release has passed review and CD Baby sends it to platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. These platforms need additional time to process your music before making it available.

The delivery deadlines listed below are not submission deadlines. Your release must already have passed CD Baby's review process and been delivered to streaming platforms by these dates.

What are the holiday delivery deadlines for 2026?

The following delivery deadlines apply to releases scheduled during the 2026–2027 holiday period.

These deadlines indicate when your release should reach streaming platforms, not when you should submit it to CD Baby.

Meeting a delivery deadline does not guarantee that your music will be available on your intended release date. Processing times vary by platform, particularly during the holiday season.

Do I need a license to release holiday cover songs?

If you're recording a holiday song written by someone else, you may need to obtain a mechanical license before distributing your recording. For more information, see Can I release a cover song through CD Baby?.

Some older holiday songs may be in the public domain, meaning their underlying compositions are no longer protected by copyright. However, copyright status can vary depending on the song, arrangement, and country. Before recording or distributing a song you believe is in the public domain, research its copyright status and confirm that the specific composition or arrangement you intend to use is eligible.

What happens if I submit my release late?

If you submit your release fewer than six weeks before your planned release date, it may not reach streaming platforms in time.

CD Baby cannot guarantee that releases submitted close to the holiday deadlines will be available on their scheduled release dates.

To reduce the risk of delays, submit your release as early as possible, ensure all release information is accurate, and respond promptly to any corrections requested during review.