release-management
Single
1 min readUpdated April 2026
A Single is a music release consisting of one primary track, sometimes accompanied by B-sides or remixes, typically used to introduce an artist, promote an upcoming album, or test audience response.
A Single is a type of music release typically featuring one main song or track.
A single is a music release consisting of one primary track, sometimes with 1–2 additional tracks (e.g., B-sides, instrumentals, remixes). In the streaming era, singles are the most common release format because they are quick to produce, easy to pitch, and effective for generating algorithmic momentum ahead of larger projects.
DSP classification
- Typically 1–3 tracks
- Total runtime under 10 minutes
- Each track needs its own ISRC
- The release needs a UPC or EAN
- Singles appear as first-class catalog entries on artist profiles
- Eligible for editorial playlists and algorithmic recommendations immediately upon release
Strategic uses of singles
- Introduce new audiences to an artist
- Test market response before an EP/album