The biggest advantage: Spotify has created its own pre-save tool that, in addition to a simple call to action to save the song, also provides additional value for users.
Thanks to Countdown Pages, artists with over 5,000 active listeners in the past 28 days can create a Countdown Page, provided they have an upcoming album or EP on the way.
Once an album has been delivered to Spotify, the eligible artist can begin creating the Countdown Page. Countdown Pages will be made available to eligible artists within a few weeks — simply and digitally via email. Just log in to Spotify for Artists, go to "Audience," then "Segments," and click on "Active Audience" to see how many people are actively listening to the music.
Pre-Saves Are Worth It!
Almost 70% of users who pre-save an album stream it in the first week after release. In addition, Countdown Pages are dynamic, meaning you can add singles, clips, and merch to boost pre-saves and engagement.
Spotify Countdown Pages
On a Countdown Page, fans find key information about the upcoming release, such as the release date, the tracklist, and a preview of the music where available. By receiving this information, fans can get in the mood for the release and look forward to the release date. Users who save a release will receive a push notification once it has been published. Top fans are also notified when a new Countdown Page has been created. Statistically, this feature makes sense: on average, 80% of pre-save users listen to a new release in its first week. Whether Countdown Pages will lead more artists to deviate from the traditional Release Friday remains to be seen. After all, the majority of music is released on Fridays, which could result in a large number of countdowns on the same day.
Countdown Pages can also help boost sales and streams for a new album or single. Fans who visit the page and get excited about the release are more likely to purchase or stream the project once it is finally out.
Creating a Spotify Countdown Page
The Countdown Page is created using the album URI. To create the Countdown Page, the licensor must deliver the completed album product via DDEX following standard procedures. After that, it may take up to 72 hours for the album to appear in Spotify for Artists.
Log in to Spotify for Artists
Go to "Music" and then "Upcoming"
Select the version and click Get Started
Upload clips and tag your merchandise
Review everything and click Publish
Until the release goes live, the Countdown Page can be edited via the "Upcoming" tab in Spotify for Artists. Once the Countdown Page is live, it can be shared on social media to encourage followers to pre-save the release.
Conclusion
Overall, Countdown Pages are an excellent way to get fans excited and draw their attention to an upcoming album or single on Spotify. By providing key information and a push notification on release day, Countdown Pages can help boost the success of a new project.