Promotion advice is full of jargon. Here are the terms that come up most often, in plain language.
Distributor: the service that delivers your music to streaming services and stores and collects your recording income from them.
ISRC: a code that identifies one specific recording. Your distributor usually assigns it. A release (single, EP or album) gets a separate UPC.
Pre-save: a link that adds a song to a fan's library when it comes out.
Editorial playlist: a playlist chosen by staff at a streaming service. On Spotify you pitch unreleased music through Spotify for Artists, and pitches need to arrive at least seven days before release.
Algorithmic playlist: a playlist generated for each listener from their listening habits, such as Release Radar or Discover Weekly.
Smart link: one link that lets a fan pick their preferred streaming service.
EPK (electronic press kit): bio, photos, music, notable press and contacts in one place for media and promoters.
Save rate: the share of listeners who save a track. Many teams read it as a sign of genuine interest.
PR campaign: outreach to journalists, blogs, podcasts and radio to earn coverage.
UGC campaign: working with creators to make videos using your song.
Sync: licensing your music for film, TV, adverts or games.
Lead time: the time between finishing a release and putting it out. Longer lead times leave room for pitching and content.
Knowing the words is step one. To see how they fit together into a campaign, read this explainer on how music promotion works.