When should I set my release date / How long does it take to go live on partner sites?

Are you releasing music during the winter holidays? Please note these special instructions for choosing your release date.
If you want your music to go live at iTunes and Apple Music exactly on the following release dates, we strongly encourage you to submit your music for distribution by the following dates. Music submitted after these dates will still be released, but it may be live on iTunes and Apple Music AFTER your requested release date.

Please note: if you make changes to your submission while it is in the inspection queue and resubmit for distribution, it will be moved to the BACK OF THE INSPECTION QUEUE. Please double-check your release BEFORE submitting for distribution to avoid delays.

Generally, if you want your release to go live on all major sites at the same time, you should choose a release date a minimum of 3 weeks out from the day you submit for distribution. Below is a handy video. This accommodates the processing time on CD Baby's end, and on the partner sites, and you can use those weeks to create a buzz about your upcoming release, submit for playlist consideration, etc.!

Each store also needs time for their own review, and to process the data we send them after you finalize your submission:

• Spotify: 2 days to 2 weeks.
• Apple iTunes:  from 5-7 days to 2 weeks 

Every partner site should process your music within 1-4 weeks.

All of our partners do honor release dates and will not make a project available to the public until the date you select, given that they have enough time to process your release.  So, if you "submit for distribution" on the first of the month and your release date is any time after the 25th of that month, you'll usually be up and running on the date you picked!

Need help troubleshooting why your project may not be on a site, click here. 

VIDEO: How long until my release is approved by the inspection team?