A pre-save allows a fan to connect with your upcoming release before it’s available.

DistroKid offers this through HyperFollow.

What happens when someone pre-saves?

The exact functionality varies by music service, but the broad idea is that fans can take an action before release that helps ensure the music appears in their library once it launches.

Why artists use pre-saves

They’re useful for:

building anticipation

creating one campaign URL

measuring interest

encouraging day-one engagement

giving fans something to do before launch

Are pre-saves essential?

No.

Thousands of successful songs launch without huge pre-save campaigns.

Don’t mistake a marketing tool for the goal.

The goal is creating genuine fan demand.

How should you promote one?

Give people a reason.

Instead of repeatedly posting:

Pre-save my song!

offer something around it.

For example:

hear a preview

enter a competition

unlock content

join an email list

get early access

The strongest campaigns exchange value rather than simply ask fans for favours.

Should HyperFollow determine your distributor?

No.

Many platforms provide pre-save functionality.

PUSH.fm, for example, provides pre-save and fan-link tools independently of DistroKid.

Your distributor should be evaluated on distribution economics and service.

Marketing tools can be mixed and matched.