Should you release a single, an ep, or an album?

When it comes to releasing music, there are a lot of opinions on how to do it successfully. A quick search will pull up hundreds of strategies—most based on what worked for someone else. But not all artists are the same, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

The best way to decide what to release is to understand the benefits of each option. Singles, EPs, and albums all serve different purposes. Knowing the advantages of each—and how they fit into your current goals—can help you make the best choice based on where you’re at in your music career.

What’s the Difference Between a Single, an EP, and an Album?

Here’s how Spotify defines each release type:

• Single: A one-track release (or up to three tracks) with a total run time of less than 30 minutes.

• EP (Extended Play): A release with 4–6 tracks and a total run time under 30 minutes.

• Album: A release with seven or more tracks and a total run time over 30 minutes.

Now, let’s dive into the reasons why you might choose one over the others.

Why Release a Single?

Singles are great for building momentum and staying consistent. They make the most sense if:

• You’re Trying to Build Awareness: A single is your best chance to get on playlists and grab the attention of new listeners without asking for too much commitment.

• You Want to Stay Consistent: Releasing singles regularly keeps your name in people’s minds and helps grow your audience over time.

• You’re Testing the Waters: A single is low-risk. It’s a quick way to try new ideas and see how people react before committing to a bigger project.

Singles are also practical from a marketing perspective:

• They’re Easier to Promote: Streaming platforms and playlists prioritize singles. Tracks on playlists like Fresh Finds or Release Radar are often pulled from single releases.

• They’re Cost-Effective: A single is faster and cheaper to produce than an EP or album, meaning you can focus more energy on promoting it.

• They Give Quick Feedback: You’ll know pretty quickly whether a single resonates with your audience, which can help guide your next steps.

A popular strategy is to release a single every 4–6 weeks. This schedule keeps you top of mind without overwhelming your audience, while giving each song a chance to gain traction.

Why Release an EP?

An EP is a middle ground between a single and an album. It allows you to explore a theme or idea more deeply, without requiring the time and resources of a full album. EPs make sense if:

• You Have a Cohesive Idea: EPs are great for showcasing a specific vibe or concept that connects a few songs.

• You’ve Built Some Momentum: If you’ve grown your audience with singles, an EP offers a deeper listening experience without asking for a full album’s level of commitment.

• You’re Setting Up for an Album: EPs can act as a preview of your direction, helping build anticipation for a future album.

A common strategy with EPs is to release one or two singles ahead of the full release. This approach, sometimes called the waterfall method, keeps your audience engaged over a longer period and maximizes opportunities for playlist placements.

If you have several songs that work together thematically, an EP can be a smart way to release them without waiting until you have enough material for a full album.

Why Release an Album?

Albums are where you can dive into a bigger vision. They allow you to showcase your versatility or tell a larger story. An album might be the right choice if:

• You’re Ready to Share a Larger Vision: Albums give you the space to explore a concept or tell a story that a single or EP couldn’t fully capture.

• You Have an Established Fanbase: Albums are more likely to resonate with listeners who are already invested in your music and willing to dive into a longer body of work.

• You’re Looking for More Industry Recognition: Albums tend to get more attention from press and streaming platforms than singles or EPs.

That said, albums require significantly more time, energy, and resources. They might not make sense early in your career, when you’re still trying to build a fanbase. It can be smarter to release singles or an EP first, focusing on growing your audience until you’re ready to invest in a full-length project.

Like EPs, albums benefit from releasing singles ahead of time to build anticipation. This approach helps your album reach more listeners and gives each track its own moment in the spotlight.

How Supertape Can Help

No matter what type of release you choose, Supertape makes managing your music easier. It automatically syncs your releases to your website, tracks stats across your platforms, and gives you the tools to promote your music effectively. Whether you’re dropping singles, an EP, or an album, Supertape helps you stay organized and focus on what matters most—making music.