Pre-Save Campaigns and Smart Links: How to Launch a Release

A smart link is a single page that sends fans to your release on whatever store they use: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music and so on. A pre-save (or "notify me") turns that page into a sign-up before release, so fans are reminded, or the song is saved to their library, on release day. Set both up as soon as your release is scheduled, share the link for the weeks before launch, and keep sharing it afterwards.

Here's how each part works and a launch plan to follow.

What a smart link page is

A smart link page is a simple landing page for one release. It usually shows the cover art, the title and a button for each store. Fans click the one they use and go straight to your song.

Why use one instead of posting a Spotify link:

• Your audience doesn't all use the same service. A single link works for everyone.
• One link for everything. Put it in your bio, your posts, your newsletter, your video descriptions, your press kit.
• It works before release. Before launch it collects pre-saves or sign-ups. After launch it becomes the listening page.

Pre-save and "notify me": what's the difference?

Both let fans act before the song is out. They work differently:

• Pre-save connects to a fan's streaming account (for example, a Spotify or Apple Music account, where Apple calls it a pre-add). On release day, the song is added to their library automatically. It needs the fan to log in and give permission.
• Notify me collects a fan's email address and sends them a message when the release is out, with the links to listen. It works for fans on any service and doesn't need them to connect an account.

Both are useful. A pre-save is the most direct action for Spotify or Apple Music users. A notify-me email reaches everyone and gives you a direct way to reach fans on release day.

Whichever you use, be clear about what fans are signing up for, and respect privacy rules when you collect emails.

Why pre-saves help

• Fans don't forget. Most people won't remember a release date. A pre-save or email does it for them.
• Streams arrive early. Library saves and early listens in the first days send a positive signal and can help your song reach more listeners through algorithmic playlists.
• You measure interest. The number of sign-ups tells you how the campaign is going and when to push harder.

Don't expect a pre-save campaign to create an audience on its own. It turns existing interest into day-one listening, so you still need to give people a reason to care.

When to launch it

Set up your smart link as soon as your release is delivered and scheduled, ideally three to four weeks before release. That means submitting your release to your distributor early. The release timeline checklist lays out when to do what.

Where to share your smart link

Share it everywhere your fans already are:

1. Link in bio on every social platform, updated for each release.
2. Posts, stories and short videos, with a clear call to action: "Pre-save now, out Friday".
3. Your mailing list. Your most engaged fans are here.
4. Your website, on the homepage.
5. Video descriptions on YouTube and other video platforms.
6. Press and curator pitches. Give writers and curators one link to everything.
7. At shows. Put a QR code on a screen or merch table that points to the link.
8. Collaborators and featured artists. Ask them to share the same link, so all attention goes to one place.

Repeat the link. Most followers won't see any single post, so share it several times in the weeks before release.

A launch plan: three weeks before to one week after

Three to four weeks before

• Create the smart link page with pre-save or notify me.
• Announce the release date and cover art with the link.
• Pitch the song to Spotify's editors if you haven't yet: see how to pitch your song to Spotify editorial playlists.

Two weeks before

• Post a teaser: a clip of the hook, a behind-the-scenes video, a lyric.
• Email your list with the link.

Release week

• The day before, post a final reminder.

Release day

• Check that every store button works and the page shows the live release. Fix or remove any link that doesn't.
• Post that the song is out, using the same smart link.
• Email your list. Fans who signed up through notify me get their release-day email.
• Thank the people who pre-saved.
• Ask fans for one specific action: add the song to a playlist, share it, or send it to a friend.

The week after

• Keep sharing the link with new content: a live version, a reaction video, the story behind the song.
• Reshare fans' posts and anyone who playlisted the track.
• Send the live link to curators, blogs and radio who wanted it once it's out.
• Check your streaming stats to see which stores and cities are responding, and focus there.

Common mistakes

• Launching the pre-save too late. A link shared the day before release collects very little.
• Posting a different link on every platform. Keep one link so fans don't get confused.
• Forgetting to update the page after release. Make sure it shows the live release and working buttons.
• Stopping promotion after release day. Most listeners discover a song in the weeks after.

Key takeaways

• A smart link gives every fan one place to find your release on their store.
• Pre-save connects to a fan's streaming account; notify me emails them on release day.
• Launch three to four weeks out, and share the link everywhere, repeatedly.
• On release day, check the links, email your list and keep promoting for weeks.

Smart links at Stillmore Group

Every release distributed through Stillmore Group can have a smart link page with the store links and a "notify me" option that emails fans on release day. It's one link you can share from announcement to release week and beyond. To get a release ready in the first place, read how to get your music on Spotify, Apple Music and every other store, or apply to join.