Introduction
Submitting your track to LANDR doesn’t mean instant visibility. Many artists ask: “When will my release go live after I submit it to LANDR?” Whether you're scheduling your first single or launching an EP, knowing the timeline—what’s promised, what’s typical, and what can derail it—matters. This guide dives into official LANDR policy, real-world examples, timing breakdowns, and smart strategies to maximize release predictability.
Official Timing: Peeking Behind LANDR’s Process
LANDR outlines in its documentation that, if you don’t set a custom release date, your release typically goes live within 1–3 business days after approval by the LANDR team, though each music store may vary in upload speed.
When releases don’t appear on any platform within 5 business days of your scheduled release, LANDR advises contacting them to investigate possible delays.
Real User Experiences: What’s Actually Happening?
On the Steinberg forums, one artist shared that while their plan promised release in two days, actual live deployment took four days. This discrepancy was attributed to high distribution traffic and metadata complexities.
On Reddit, discussions highlight frustrations with delays beyond promised timelines, especially during peak periods, further underscoring that real-life delivery sometimes lags behind expectations.
A post on Sound On Sound forums summed it up succinctly:
“Just upload your tracks, artwork, and metadata, set a release date, and go live within 2–7 days.”
Even though not quoted directly from LANDR, that aligns with observed timing windows.
Total Timing: From Submission to Live
Combining documentation and testimonials, here’s a refined view:
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| LANDR team review & approval | Within 1–3 business days (if no set release date) |
| Distribution to stores | Varies by platform; could take 1–3 business days more |
| Delay threshold | If nothing is live within 5 business days, contact LANDR |
| User-reported delays | 4 days reported even when 2-day plan expected |
So, most releases should go live within 2 to 6 business days. Peak times, metadata issues, or platform-specific hold-ups can stretch that closer to 7 business days in rare cases.
Why Delays Happen: Common Bottlenecks
High Distribution Volume
With tens of thousands of uploads daily, some delay is inevitable—even for paid plans.Metadata or Artwork Issues
Incomplete or misformatted metadata, incorrect UPC/ISRC, or improper artwork can trigger manual reviews and push back the timeline.Platform-Specific Review Timelines
Each DSP processes uploads differently. While LANDR may send your release promptly, stores like Apple Music or Spotify may take extra time.Lack of Custom Release Date Setup
Without specifying a release date, you depend on the distribution flow rather than planning ahead. Custom release date capabilities are available with Pro-level plans.
Tips to Achieve Smoother, Predictable Releases
Use LANDR Pro or Studio subscriptions
These plans often include custom release date options and generally faster routing.Schedule your release at least 2–3 weeks ahead
This accounts for approval, distribution variances, and promotional runway.Double-check metadata & artwork
Ensure all formatting matches DSP requirements to minimize manual review delays.Avoid submitting right before weekends or holidays
These can extend review and distribution by several days.Follow up if your release isn’t live within 5 business days
LANDR recommends contact in such situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Exactly when will my release go live after submitting to LANDR?
If you don’t set a custom release date, your track typically goes live within 1–3 business days after approval. Some stores may take additional time.
Q: Why isn’t my release live yet?
It may still be under review, or being held up by platform-specific checks like metadata validation. If nothing appears within 5 business days, LANDR advises reaching out.
Q: Can I set a specific release date?
Yes. Custom release dates are available with Distribution Pro or Studio yearly subscriptions. They’re especially useful for strategic planning.
Q: What if issues occur during processing?
LANDR will contact you if problems arise. But if you don’t hear anything, you can proactively reach out after five business days.
Conclusion
So, when will your release go live after submitting to LANDR? Typically, within 2 to 6 business days. Here’s the breakdown: once approved, expect a 1–3 day turnaround to live status, but delays—due to metadata, platform review cycles, or submission timing—can extend that to up to 7 business days.
For best results: submit early, double-check every detail, set a release date with Pro-level access, and be ready to reach out if things lag. With that plan, your release has the best chance of hitting just when you intend—without surprises.
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