Changing Release Dates
Modify release dates before and after distribution — with DSP-specific lead times, backdating limits, and playlist impacts explained
Before Distribution
Change your release date at different points in the release lifecycle, but the rules depend on whether the release is still being prepared or already live at DSPs. Before distribution, you have full control over the date in DIMBER. After distribution, DSP rules decide whether the change is accepted, ignored, or requires a takedown and re-delivery.
If your release is still in Draft, edit the release date field in your DIMBER dashboard at any time. There are no restrictions at this stage.
If your release is already In Review, withdraw it from QC first, update the release date, and then resubmit it. Until QC approval is complete, you can still change the date without DSP-level restrictions.
After Distribution
Live releases are much more limited. Once DIMBER has delivered a release to DSPs, a date change becomes a metadata update request, and each DSP decides whether to honor it.
Some DSPs accept release date changes on live releases. Others ignore them entirely, even when the update request is sent successfully. Backdating a live release to a date earlier than the original release date is generally not accepted once the release is already live.
Backdating a live release to a date earlier than its original release is not supported by most DSPs. If you need a different date on a live release, the most reliable path is takedown and re-delivery with the new date.
DSP-Specific Date Rules
Different DSPs apply different scheduling and metadata rules, so a date change that works at one store may fail at another.
- Spotify: Requires a minimum lead time of 2 business days for new releases. Date changes on live releases are not guaranteed. Spotify does not support backdating.
- Apple Music: Requires releases to be delivered at least 1 business day before the release date. Date changes on live releases may be accepted but are not guaranteed.
- Amazon Music: Typically requires 2–3 business days lead time. Date changes on live releases are processed as metadata updates.
- YouTube Music: Requires delivery at least 1 business day before release. Limited date change support post-launch.
- TIDAL, Deezer: Typically require 2–5 business days lead time.
Lead times are minimums, not guarantees. Deliver earlier whenever possible — DIMBER typically delivers in under 48 hours, but DSP processing varies, and there are no weekend deliveries.
Future Scheduling
Set a future release date while the release is still in Draft if you want a coordinated launch across stores. DIMBER delivers the release to 150+ DSPs in advance, and each DSP holds it until the scheduled date.
This is the standard setup for planned campaigns, pre-saves, and release-day promotion. To give DSPs enough time to ingest and schedule the release correctly, deliver at least 5–7 business days before your target date whenever possible.
Impact on Playlists and Pre-saves
Changing a release date after promotional campaigns are already running can create problems outside DIMBER. The release may still update at some DSPs, but linked campaign assets often do not update automatically.
- Spotify pre-save links are tied to a specific date and URI, so changing the date may invalidate active pre-save campaigns.
- Editorial playlist pitches in Spotify for Artists are tied to the release date, so changing the date may cancel active pitches.
- Third-party pre-save and smart-link services may continue showing the old date until you update them manually.
If you've already launched pre-save or smart-link campaigns, update the date in those platforms too. DIMBER cannot update third-party campaign links on your behalf.
How to Change a Release Date
Open the Release
Open the release in your DIMBER dashboard and confirm its current status. The next step depends on whether the release is in Draft, In Review, or already Live.
Edit the Date
If the release is in Draft, edit the release date field directly and save your changes. If the release is In Review, withdraw it from QC first, change the date, and resubmit it.
Request Update for Live Releases
If the release is already Live, click Request Update and submit a release date change request. DIMBER can send the update, but success depends on whether each DSP supports date changes for live releases.
Takedown + Re-deliver if Needed
If the date change is critical and the release is already live, request a takedown and then re-deliver the release with the new date. This is the most reliable option when DSPs do not accept the update or when you need a date earlier than the current live date.