Spotify treatment of singles vs individual tracks of an EP release?

Release Strategies
#1

Hello everyone -

I can’t seem to find much information on this topic, so hoping someone has insight - Damo?

Here is the situation:

  • In April I released my first ever single - on the first day it got around 700 streams
  • Yesterday (June2) I released my second single, but this was done as a waterfall strategy where I re-released the first song along with the new track under the “EP name”
  • Yesterday’s release was - a failure. I got 13 streams.
  • I feel I did a better overall promotion job for the second release - plus I now have 19 followers in spotify and ~1350 streams from the first song
  • From what I can tell Spotify did nothing to put the new track out in circulation. Even my direct friends didn’t see it pop up.

My question is: does the Spotify algorithm treat “singles” which are released as part of an EP differently than singles released simply as singles?

Did I mess something up with bundling both songs in the new release?

Should I only release each new track as a single and only later come back and bundle them into an EP?

Thanks and appreciate your insight.

PS - first post here. Not sure of protocol. I’m an indie pop singer-songwriter.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/27WYpVtnebus2BSIcvcVuo

About the Release Strategies category
#2

Hi!

I was wondering the same thing. I’ve been planning with the artist to release the album using the Waterfall technique. We can pitching the songs to Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, and Tidal, but I’m also concerned that the Waterfall technique might not work on Spotify as well as it should.

I didn’t find answer to my question and I find yours here, so I asking this things about AI so I share what AI write to me.

Refined Waterfall Strategy for Spotify Success

To avoid issues like reduced visibility or poor algorithm support, here’s how to execute the waterfall strategy effectively:

  1. Release Singles First:
    Drop each track as a standalone single with 4-6 weeks between releases. Submit each one for Spotify playlist consideration.

  2. Use Waterfall with Care:
    If re-releasing previous songs, wait at least 6 weeks and ensure the focus is on the new track. Use unique release names (e.g., “Single Name - EP”).

  3. Build the Album Later:
    After all singles have traction, compile them into an album with new tracks for a final release.

  4. Avoid Algorithm Confusion:
    Don’t re-release older songs too soon. Promote the newest track in the release to maximize visibility on playlists.

Why Releasing Every 4 Weeks Works

  1. Keeps Your Music Active:
    Spotify’s algorithm favors consistency. A new release every 4 weeks keeps you in playlists like Release Radar and maintains your audience’s attention.

  2. Builds Anticipation for the Album:
    Releasing singles over time generates interest and engagement. By the time the album drops, your audience is primed.

  3. Gives Each Song Time to Shine:
    Spacing out releases ensures each track has its moment in the spotlight, increasing the chances of being added to playlists.

When to Adjust the 4-Week Schedule

If Your Album Has Many Tracks:
For longer albums (10+ tracks), consider a 3-week gap to keep the timeline manageable.

If You Need More Promo Time:
If you’re promoting heavily or need more prep for each release, extend to 5-6 weeks.

If You Want a Faster Album Release:
Drop 2-3 singles, then release the full album.