"Waterfalling" a release is when you successively release several singles, with each successive release containing a new track, as well as the track(s) from the previous single(s). This method of releasing singles can help to gain more streams on Spotify via track linking and pitching.
For example, if you had 3 singles to release, the best way to do this is:
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Create the first single (we will call this Release A) and deliver the release.
- Duplicate Release A using the 'Copy' tool to create Release B. Add the second single to Release B (the latest track is typically put first on this release) and deliver the release.
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When track linking happens on Release A and Release B, the plays accumulated for the single on Release A will be reflected on Release B. Once this has happened (this could take at least 72 hours), contact our support team to issue a takedown on Release A.
- Duplicate Release B using the 'Copy' tool to create Release C. Add the third single to Release B (the latest track is typically put first on this release) and deliver the release.
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When track linking happens on Release B and Release C, the plays accumulated for the single on Release B will be reflected on Release C. Once this has happened (this could take at least 72 hours), contact our support team to issue a takedown on Release B.
If the singles you created during this "waterfalling" are going to later be released as part of an album, you must ensure that the audio, metadata, and ISRC for those tracks on the album are exactly the same as they were on Release A and Release B. The easiest way to pull any previously released tracks into a new release is by using the Bundle Builder tool.
Please note that "waterfalling" should be used on Streaming DSPs only (learn how to schedule DSP deliveries for a release here), as many Download DSPs only wish to receive the final product (e.g. an album), and the takedowns on singles could effect your charting data on some Download DSPs.