Album Launch Promotional Calendar

Photo by Eric Rothermel on Unsplash

This promotional calendar outlines a structured 10-week rollout for an album release. It follows standard industry practices, blending social campaigns, press, DSP pitching, and fan activations. Each week builds momentum, ensuring the singles, pre-order, and album launch maximize impact.

8 Weeks Out

Goal: Lay foundation, tease era, build anticipation.

  • Launch social teaser campaign (cryptic visuals, lyric snippets, emojis).
  • Announce era branding (new logo, color scheme, profile images).
  • Open fan community channels (Discord/Telegram, mailing list sign-up).
  • Begin behind-the-scenes content drip (studio clips, cover art hints).
  • Send press save-the-date emails for October/November press cycles.
  • Coordinate playlist pitching strategy with distributor.
  • Brainstorm merch concepts tied to album theme.
  • Secure influencer/TikTok partners for rollout.

7 Weeks Out

Goal: Warm up fans & industry, build pre-buzz.

  • Drop teaser video #1 (5–10 sec clip with release date hints).
  • Confirm press exclusives/interviews with outlets.
  • Soft-launch fan pre-save incentives (raffle, merch discount, meet & greet).
  • Seed fan theories on socials (cryptic tracklist symbols).
  • Begin organic influencer buzz (sending mystery boxes).
  • Lock in radio promo dates for singles.
  • Announce early merch capsule (limited poster/tee).
  • Test TikTok/Reels snippet reactions with audience.

6 Weeks Out

Goal: Tease lead single, activate fanbase.

  • Drop cover art teaser (blurred/partial reveal).
  • Share song title reveal for first single.
  • Launch pre-save countdown content across socials.
  • Push press feature interviews (artist journey, album story).
  • Start Spotify Canvas/Apple Motion assets prep.
  • Release short-form behind-the-scenes vlog.
  • Confirm playlist pitching submissions with DSP reps.
  • Pitch to blogs/podcasts for single premiere.

5 Weeks Out

Goal: Build urgency & expand audience reach.

  • Release teaser video #2 with audio snippet of single.
  • Announce fan contest (cover art recreations, TikTok challenge).
  • Distribute press kit to journalists (bio, photos, teaser).
  • Drop countdown story filters/stickers on socials.
  • Secure YouTube premiere slot for single video.
  • Partner with brand for giveaway (headphones, streaming service).
  • Confirm sync pitching opportunities.
  • Reveal exclusive merch preorder item tied to single.

4 Weeks Out

Goal: Intensify single buzz, broaden PR push.

  • Share tracklist teaser graphic (blurred titles).
  • Launch fan referral challenge (share pre-save, win prize).
  • Drop snippet across TikTok/Reels/Shorts with hashtag challenge.
  • Roll out exclusive press interview/video feature.
  • Finalize radio/podcast drops for launch week.
  • Tease music video stills or behind-the-scenes shots.
  • Seed influencer posts with lyric captions.
  • Launch countdown clock on website.

3 Weeks Out

🔥 Key Milestone: First Single Pre-save Campaign Begins

  • Launch official pre-save link with incentives (raffle, fan shoutouts).
  • Drop visualizer/teaser art for single.
  • Announce official release date for first single.
  • Launch TikTok challenge preview.
  • Pitch single to editorial playlists (Pop Rising, New Music Friday).
  • Seed exclusive press story with high-profile outlet.
  • Continue merch capsule rollout (signed CDs, vinyl pre-order).
  • Host live Q&A teasing first single.

2 Weeks Out

🔥 Key Milestone: First Single Launch

  • Release first single on DSPs + YouTube premiere.
  • Drop official music video same day.
  • Push press coverage (interviews, reviews, playlist adds).
  • Run TikTok influencer campaign to boost challenge.
  • Schedule Instagram/TikTok Lives reacting to fan videos.
  • Share fan content daily (covers, reactions).
  • Push radio adds and DSP editorial pitching.
  • Release exclusive bundle merch drop tied to single.

3 Weeks Before Album

Goal: Keep single momentum + tease album.

  • Drop tracklist reveal with features/artists.
  • Share behind-the-scenes making-of video for single.
  • Pitch long-lead features to magazines/blogs.
  • Continue influencer push around single.
  • Announce album pre-order date.
  • Share exclusive content with mailing list (demo snippet).
  • Confirm late-night/TV booking for album week.
  • Run fan remix contest for single.

2 Weeks Before Album

🔥 Key Milestone: Second Single Release + Album Pre-order

  • Release second single on DSPs + video.
  • Launch album pre-order campaign (vinyl, CD, bundles).
  • Push press coverage (feature stories, exclusive premieres).
  • Drop exclusive merch line tied to album theme.
  • Launch fan street team campaign (poster downloads, digital banners).
  • Continue TikTok/Instagram reels for single & album.
  • Seed exclusive fan-first listening invites for album week.
  • Roll out official album trailer video.

Album Release Week

🔥 Key Milestone: Album Launch

  • Release daily countdown content on socials.
  • Host album listening party livestream.
  • Drop exclusive press features/reviews.
  • Appear on radio & TV interviews.
  • Push DSP homepage banners (secured via distributor).
  • Share behind-the-scenes full mini-doc.
  • Release fan-first early merch shipping.
  • Confirm late-night TV performance with second single.

Album Release Day

  • Album launches worldwide on DSPs and physical.
  • Release third music video (focus track) same day.
  • Push social media takeover (artist posts, label, fan accounts).
  • Celebrate with fan activation event (pop-up shop, live set).
  • Drop exclusive deluxe merch (vinyl variant, limited apparel).
  • Run thank-you livestream + acoustic performance.
  • Roll out user-generated fan takeover playlist.
  • Push press cycle round two (reviews, album of the week features).

This rollout ensures a steady build from mystery and anticipation to high-impact singles and a major release moment. By combining social media buzz, press cycles, DSP partnerships, and fan activations, the campaign maximizes reach, drives conversions, and creates a cultural moment around the album launch.