Are Pre-Saves Still Relevant in 2025? A Modern Guide for Musicians

If you're planning an album release campaign in 2025, you might be wondering: are pre-saves still worth it? The short answer is yes—but not in the way they once were. While pre-saves were once the go-to strategy for maximizing first-day streaming numbers, their real power today lies in helping artists collect valuable fan data.

In this guide, we’ll break down what pre-saves are, why they became popular, and how to use them effectively in your 2025 release strategy.

What Are Pre-Saves?

Pre-saves are the streaming equivalent of pre-orders for digital music. They allow fans to “save” an upcoming release on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer before it officially drops. On release day, the album or single automatically appears in their library or playlist, increasing the chances they’ll listen right away.

Why Did Pre-Saves Become Popular?

Pre-saves gained traction in the late 2010s as a way to game streaming algorithms. The idea was simple: the more users who pre-saved a song, the more first-day streams it would get, boosting its chances of landing on algorithmic playlists like Spotify’s Release Radar or Apple Music’s New Music Daily.

However, as streaming platforms evolved, the direct impact of pre-saves on algorithmic placements became less predictable. While first-day engagement still matters, it’s no longer the sole factor determining a track’s success.

Are Pre-Saves Still Important in 2025?

Yes, but their role has shifted. In 2025, the biggest advantage of pre-saves isn’t just boosting streaming numbers—it’s collecting fan data.

When fans pre-save your music through a smart link (instead of directly through a streaming service), you can collect their email addresses and phone numbers. This lets you:

• Build your email and SMS list – Stay in touch with fans beyond the streaming platforms.

• Send reminders on release day – Boost engagement and first-day streams.

• Nurture long-term fan relationships – Turn casual listeners into superfans with exclusive updates and offers.

How to Make Pre-Saves Work in 2025

Rather than relying on pre-saves alone, integrate them into a broader marketing strategy. Here’s how:

1. Use Pre-Saves to Collect Fan Data
   Set up a pre-save campaign that captures emails and phone numbers when fans sign up. A tool like Sonikit makes this seamless by providing a single pre-save link that works across all streaming platforms while automatically collecting fan contact info.

2. Follow Up with Fans
   A pre-save is just the first step. Use your email and SMS list to:

   • Send countdown reminders before release day

   • Notify fans the moment your song drops

   • Offer exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes footage or early merch access

3. Leverage Other Strategies Alongside Pre-Saves

   • Social Media Teasers: Build hype with short clips, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive posts.

   • Influencer & Fan Engagement: Encourage user-generated content and collaborations to spread the word.

   • Live Streams & Q&As: Use Instagram Live, TikTok, or YouTube to engage fans in real-time.

   • Advertising Campaigns: Run targeted ads to drive traffic to your pre-save page and collect even more fan data.

The Bottom Line

Pre-saves are still relevant in 2025, but not as a standalone strategy. Their real value lies in fan data collection and engagement. By integrating pre-saves into a full release strategy—including email/SMS marketing, social media, and paid ads—you can maximize your reach and build lasting fan relationships.

Ready to take your pre-save game to the next level? Try Sonikit to simplify your campaign and start growing your fanbase today.