Posted on June 16, 2023 | By Shawn Spence

Spotify Pre-Saves: The Ultimate Game-Changer For The Streaming Generation

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In an era dominated by streaming, the dynamics of music marketing have undergone a dramatic shift. Pre-saves have emerged as a game-changer, surpassing pre-sales, and offering artists a remarkable opportunity to grant their fans exclusive access to their music while gaining a significant play count boost upon album release. As the music market increasingly relies on streaming, Spotify’s pre-save feature has become an essential tool that musicians must leverage to maximize their impact.

The concept of pre-save, formerly known as “pre-sale” in the pre-streaming era, has revolutionized the way artists connect with their fans. With more than 75% of music industry revenues now attributed to streaming, according to the RIAA, Spotify’s pre-save has become an indispensable element of any successful digital marketing campaign.

What exactly does the pre-save function entail? 

In essence, it empowers users to pre-save an artist’s new song or album to their queue and music library, ensuring they receive instant notification when the record is officially released. This automatic notification system eliminates the need for musicians to individually reach out to their fans, allowing them to focus on creating music while effectively capitalizing on listener interest.

Pre-saving offers substantial benefits to fans as well as to musicians. Not only does it enable users to instantly enjoy their favorite’s music on Spotify, but it also significantly increases the likelihood of achieving high-play volumes upon release. This surge in early plays enhances the algorithmic performance that drives organic listens and exposes new listeners to the artist’s work. It also amplifies the chances of securing coveted placements on popular Spotify playlists, such as Discover Weekly and Fresh Finds.

Utilizing Spotify’s pre-save feature for upcoming releases is easier than ever, particularly for artists who employ user-friendly digital distributors like DistroKid. The process involves following simple “fill in the blank” release instructions and copying the automatically generated Spotify pre-save link. 

Once armed with the link, artists can disseminate it through various channels, including mailing lists, websites, Instagram bios, and social media platforms. This versatility empowers musicians to reach a vast audience and capitalize on their newfound potential for success.

The pre-save link acts as a landing page, providing fans with essential information such as cover art and release dates. It allows artists to capture valuable listener data, such as email addresses for future marketing endeavors. Also, it automatically prompts users to follow the artist’s Spotify account, thereby augmenting crucial numbers for insight analytics.

When planning a pre-save strategy, several factors warrant careful consideration. Firstly, selecting a release date four to six weeks before distribution completion is important. This timeline not only allows ample time for digital stores to approve and incorporate the song into their databases but also enables artists to devise and execute a comprehensive marketing campaign that effectively utilizes the pre-save feature.

Incentivizing listeners to opt for the pre-save option can significantly enhance engagement and anticipation. Musicians can offer exclusive rewards such as pre-sale ticket access to upcoming shows in fans’ areas, limited-edition merchandise, access to unreleased tracks, or even a bonus song download. These special deals not only foster a sense of exclusivity but also establish a stronger bond between artists and their dedicated audience.

Crafting compelling promotional messages for the pre-save link is another vital aspect to consider. By framing the link as an opportunity to “Hear the song that changed my life forever” or as a chance to “Be the first to experience a single from the upcoming album,” artists can generate excitement and intrigue among fans, prompting them to take action.

To make pre-save marketing possible, Spotify’s API must be employed. The specific process may vary slightly depending on the chosen digital distributor. Platforms like DistroKid, SmartURL, Presave.io, Feature.fm, Metablocks, Show.co, and Spektrol offer seamless integration and streamline the process for artists.

Spotify’s pre-save feature has emerged as a groundbreaking tool for artists seeking to maximize their reach and impact. Musicians can tap into the streaming age’s immense potential and secure a prominent place in the digital music landscape. 

Discover the latest game-changers reshaping the music industry at the MPT Agency Blog. Get ahead with MusicPromoToday’s groundbreaking insights and stay on top of the recent tools and features.


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