How to Create and Use a Spotify Pre-Save Link
How Spotify Pre-Save Links Can Boost Your Music Release
Spotify pre-save links are a powerful tool for artists looking to build excitement and momentum around their upcoming music releases. They allow fans to pre save on Spotify, automatically adding your track or album to their library on release day, ensuring immediate streams and engagement.
This guide explains what a Spotify pre-save link is, how it works, and why it’s a vital component of your release strategy. You’ll also learn how to create and effectively use pre-save links to maximize visibility and drive early engagement.
What is a Spotify Pre-Save Link?
A Spotify pre-save link is a tool that allows fans to save your upcoming release to their Spotify library before it officially drops. When the release date arrives, the saved track or album will automatically appear in their library, ready to stream. This feature enables fans to pre save songs on Spotify, ensuring they are notified and gain early access to new music, creating anticipation and immediate engagement once the songs are released.
How Pre-Saves Work
When fans click on a pre-save link, they authorize Spotify to add your song or album to their library as soon as it’s available. This pre saving process not only ensures early streams but also helps generate buzz ahead of the release.
Benefits of Pre-Saves
Pre-saves are an effective way to increase your chances of landing on algorithmic playlists like Release Radar and Discover Weekly, providing a potential boost in streams. They also help build early engagement with your fanbase and provide valuable data and insights about how many people are anticipating your release.
Why You Should Use a Spotify Pre-Save Link for Your Next Release
Increased Visibility
Pre-saves can significantly boost your visibility on Spotify by triggering algorithms that help place your music on playlists like Discover Weekly and Release Radar. The more pre-saves you gather, the higher your chances of getting recommended to new listeners, driving more streams when your track goes live.
Building Fan Engagement
Pre-save links keep your fans engaged and excited before your music is even released. By offering a way for them to anticipate the drop, you create a direct connection that helps sustain their interest and involvement in your work. It also gives them an easy way to support you as soon as the release is available.
Early Metrics
Pre-save campaigns provide valuable data on your fanbase’s level of interest. You’ll get early insights into how many people are engaging with your music ahead of time, allowing you to tailor your post-launch marketing strategies more effectively.
How to Create a Spotify Pre-Save Link
Distribute Your Music
Distributing your music is the crucial first step in creating a Spotify pre-save link. To get started, you’ll need to upload your music to Spotify through a music distributor. There are several distributors to choose from, including CD Baby, DistroKid, and EmuBands. Each of these platforms has its own process for uploading music to Spotify, but they all enable you to create a pre-save link for your upcoming release.
When selecting a music distributor, consider the following factors:
- Fees: Some distributors charge a fee for uploading music to Spotify, while others offer free or discounted rates. Evaluate your budget and choose a distributor that fits your financial plan.
- Features: Look for distributors that offer additional features such as pre-save link creation, smartURLs, and detailed analytics. These tools can enhance your promotional efforts and provide valuable insights.
- Integration: Consider distributors that integrate with other music platforms like Apple Music and YouTube. This can help you manage your releases across multiple platforms more efficiently.
Once you’ve chosen a distributor, follow these steps to distribute your music:
- Create an Account: Sign up with your chosen distributor and upload your music files.
- Enter Metadata: Input your release date and other essential metadata, such as song titles, artist names, and album artwork.
- Processing: Wait for the distributor to process your music and make it available on Spotify.
After your music is live on Spotify, you can create a pre-save link using the distributor’s tools. This link will allow fans to pre-save your music and receive a notification when it’s released.
Tips:
- Plan your release date well in advance, ideally 2-4 weeks ahead, to give your pre-save campaign ample time to gain traction.
- Maintain a consistent release schedule to keep your fans engaged and anticipating your new music.
- Consider offering exclusive content or promotions to fans who pre-save your music, such as behind-the-scenes footage or early access to new tracks.
By carefully selecting a distributor and planning your release strategy, you can effectively use pre-save links to boost your music promotion and engage your fanbase.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose a Distribution Platform Start by selecting a distribution service that offers pre-save functionality, such as Unchained Music, DistroKid, CD Baby, or TuneCore. These platforms will handle the submission of your music to Spotify and often come with built-in pre-save options. Additionally, many of these services provide free Spotify pre-save options, making it cost-effective for artists.
- Access Pre-Save FeaturesOnce your music is uploaded and scheduled for release, navigate to the pre-save section within your chosen distribution platform. This feature will allow you to set up your pre-save campaign and gather fan interest before the release date.
- Use Third-Party ToolsIf you need more customization, tools like Hypeddit, Show.co, or Feature.fm can help. These services offer additional flexibility for creating detailed pre-save campaigns and tracking more specific engagement metrics.
- Customize Your Pre-Save PagePersonalize your pre-save landing page by adding your album artwork, release date, and other promotional elements. This customization ensures a professional look and helps your campaign align with your overall marketing efforts.
- Get the Pre-Save LinkOnce your pre-save campaign is set up, copy the pre-save URL. Share this link across your social media platforms, email newsletters, and website to maximize exposure and encourage fans to save your upcoming release.
How to Create a Spotify Pre-Save Link on Unchained Music
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Sign Up or Log In to Unchained Music: A brief walkthrough on how to set up an account if you’re a new user. Please note that this is only available to Grow or Pro subscriptions. Unchained Music also offers free pre-save campaigns, making it an excellent choice for indie artists.
- Upload Your Track: Navigate to the “Upload” section and upload your upcoming track or album.
- Set Your Release Date: During the upload process, select the release date for your music.
- Generate Pre-Save Link: After uploading and having the release approved, use Unchained Music’s built-in tool to generate a custom Spotify pre-save link.
- Customize Your Pre-Save Page: Add promotional images, descriptions, and any calls to action that you want to highlight on your pre-save page.
- Distribute the Pre-Save Link: Copy the generated pre-save URL and share it across social media, email newsletters, and other promotional channels.
How to Promote Your Spotify Pre-Save Link
Social Media Strategy
Leverage your social media platforms to build excitement around your pre-save campaign. Create a countdown on Instagram Stories to remind fans of the upcoming release, and share the pre-save link on TikTok with teaser clips of your music. Additionally, you can run Facebook Ads targeting specific audiences to drive traffic to your pre-save page, ensuring your track gets added to your fan's Spotify library upon release.
Email Marketing
Engage your existing fanbase by sending the pre-save link through your mailing list. Offering exclusive updates or behind-the-scenes content alongside the link can encourage fans to support your upcoming release.
Website Integration
Add the pre-save link directly to your official website to ensure fans can easily access it. Embedding it on your homepage or a dedicated "New Music" page helps centralize traffic and increases conversion.
Collaborate with Influencers
Partner with influencers or music bloggers who align with your genre to further boost your visibility. Their endorsements can help you reach new audiences and drive more pre-saves from fans who trust their recommendations.
Best Practices for Maximizing Your Pre-Save Campaign
Timing is Key
Begin promoting your pre-save link 2–4 weeks before your release to build momentum. This gives fans plenty of time to engage with your campaign while also allowing you to build a sustained promotional effort leading up to the release date.
Create a Sense of Urgency
Encourage more pre-saves by creating a sense of urgency. Offer limited-time deals, countdowns, or exclusive content like behind-the-scenes footage or sneak peeks of your music for those who pre-save early.
Leverage Cross-Promotion
Collaborate with blogs, podcasts, and other artists to widen your reach. Partnering with these platforms can boost visibility and introduce your music to new audiences who might be eager to pre-save your upcoming release.
Offer Incentives
Reward fans who pre-save with exclusive perks, such as unreleased tracks, discounts on merch, or invitations to exclusive live streams. Offering something unique adds extra value and can significantly boost participation in your pre-save campaign.
What Happens After the Pre-Save Campaign Ends?
Analyze Data
Once your pre-save campaign ends, review the metrics to understand how many fans saved your track. Analyze this data to identify which promotional strategies worked best and gain insights into fan engagement.
Post-Release Engagement
After the release, maintain momentum by keeping fans engaged. Utilize Spotify's "Release Radar" and other tools to ensure your new track reaches listeners and continues to generate streams. Engaging with fans through social media or exclusive content can help maintain interest.
Plan Your Next Campaign
Use the insights gathered from your pre-save campaign to fine-tune future strategies. Whether it’s improving your promotional efforts or building on what worked, this data will help you craft a stronger release strategy for your next project.
Conclusion
Using Spotify pre-save links is an essential strategy for any artist looking to maximize their release's visibility and engagement. Pre-saves not only help build excitement among your fans before your release but also increase your chances of landing on Spotify's algorithmic playlists. With tools like Unchained Music offering seamless integration for pre-save campaigns, it's easier than ever to promote your music effectively.
Ready to create your Spotify pre-save link on Unchained Music? Sign up today and take your music promotion to the next level!
FAQs
How long should a pre-save campaign last?
A pre-save campaign typically lasts 2–4 weeks before the release to maximize engagement and visibility.
Can independent artists use Spotify pre-save links?
Yes, independent artists can easily use pre-save links by working with distribution platforms like Unchained Music.
Which platform is best for creating Spotify pre-save links?
Popular platforms for creating pre-save links include Unchained Music.
Do Spotify pre-saves guarantee playlist placements?
While pre-saves don't guarantee playlist placements, a successful campaign can significantly boost your chances of being featured on playlists like Release Radar and Discover Weekly.