Glossary
Release Radar
Release Radar is a personalized Spotify playlist updated every Friday that automatically includes new music from artists a listener follows, as well as algorithmic recommendations based on their listening history.
Definition
Release Radar is one of Spotify's most powerful algorithmic playlists for artists. Updated weekly on Fridays, it surfaces new releases to the listener's existing followers first — meaning fans who follow you on Spotify will see your new music in Release Radar on release day.
To appear in Release Radar, your music must be released on a Friday (Spotify's standard global release day), be properly distributed and delivered to Spotify at least 24-48 hours before release, and be genuinely new within the past 28 days. Older catalog tracks do not qualify.
Why it matters
For independent artists, Release Radar is free promotion to your existing Spotify fanbase. Every follower you have earned increases the reach of Release Radar placement. This is one of the most concrete arguments for building Spotify followers alongside your owned fan list.
How Lynkify uses this
Lynkify smart links can be set up in advance of a Friday release. Artists who drive pre-save traffic to Lynkify links before release day build listener relationships that compound into better Release Radar performance over time.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I pitch my music to Release Radar?
- Release Radar is fully algorithmic — you cannot pitch to it directly. It automatically includes music from artists a listener follows. The best way to improve Release Radar reach is to grow your Spotify follower count through promotion and pre-save campaigns.