Release Dates and Formats in Velveteen
Updated September 10, 2026
Velveteen tracks consumer release date, original release date, optional pre-order date, and release format. While submission requires the consumer release date to be at least 7 days in the future, we recommend at least 14 days out (ideally on a Friday) to ensure DSP ingestion and allow Spotify Editorial playlist pitching.
Dates affect review, delivery timing, and how stores interpret the product. Format affects how the release is described and how direct-sale default pricing is chosen.
Date fields
Consumer release date
The public store release date. Must be at least 7 days in the future to submit, with 14+ days recommended for Spotify Editorial pitching.
Original release date
The first release date for the music. Defaults to consumer release date for new music. It cannot be after the consumer release date.
Pre-order date
Optional. If present, it must be before the consumer release date.
Recommended Friday presets
Global music release day is Friday. Velveteen provides 1-click presets on the release form for upcoming Fridays: +14 days (recommended minimum for DSP ingestion + Spotify pitching), +21 days, and +28 days.
According to the official Spotify for Artists guidance (see [Pitching music to playlist editors](https://artists.spotify.com/help/article/pitching-music-to-playlist-editors)), Spotify requires pitches to be submitted at least 7 days before release day. However, releases need several days to be delivered and ingested by Spotify before they appear in Spotify for Artists for pitching. A 14-day lead time gives your music the necessary runway for ingestion and editorial consideration.
Format field
The release format field identifies the release as SINGLE, EP, or ALBUM.
Direct sales use this field when Velveteen needs a default minimum price: Single $1.50, EP $4.99, Album $7.99.
Frequently asked questions
Can original release date be after consumer release date?+
No. Velveteen rejects that during submission.
Is pre-order required?+
No. It is optional, but if you use it, it must be before the consumer release date.
How far out must the consumer date be?+
Submission requires at least 7 days in the future. We strongly recommend 14+ days (using the Friday presets) so your release arrives in time for Spotify Editorial playlist pitching.
Does format affect delivery?+
It identifies the product type and also feeds direct-sale default pricing.
Related articles
Release metadata
Fix release-level metadata blockers, check dates and genre matching, separate track fields, and understand why submission locks the package.
Submitting a release
The readiness gate before review: subscription, artist approval, dates, tracks, credits, artwork, label approval, and fraud declarations.