How to Set Up a Waterfall Release as an Independent Artist (Step-by-step guide)
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If you're an independent artist planning to release multiple songs, you might have heard about something called a waterfall release.
Waterfalling is one of the smartest strategies you can use to maximize streams, grow your catalog, and build momentum - without overwhelming your audience with too much music at once.
The good news? You don't need a label to pull it off. If you’re using a DIY distributor (like DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, or FreshNoise Distro) you can absolutely set up a waterfall release on your own - if you know the steps.
What Is a Waterfall Release?
A waterfall release is a strategy where you release singles one at a time - but with each new single, the previous songs stay bundled together.
So instead of releasing five totally separate tracks, you’re building one project piece by piece:
Single 1 = just one song
Single 2 = new song + previous song
Single 3 = new song + previous two songs
And so on...
By the end, you have an EP or mini-album and all your streams from previous singles stay linked together under the same release.
It’s called a "waterfall" because your catalog keeps "flowing" and growing with each drop.
Why Do a Waterfall Release?
Here’s why waterfall releases are so effective, especially for independent artists:
Keeps your audience engaged with regular new music
Boosts your catalog streams - fans discovering your new song will also play your previous ones
Triggers Spotify’s algorithms more often (Release Radar LOVES frequent updates)
Builds momentum for a final EP or album
More efficient marketing - one growing release instead of promoting a bunch of scattered singles
How to Set Up a Waterfall Release (Step-by-Step for DIY Distributors)
Step 1: Plan Ahead
Before you upload anything, map out your entire rollout:
How many songs you’re releasing
How many weeks between each release (every 4–6 weeks is ideal)
The final order of the songs
Your final project title (if you’re going to turn it into an EP or album)
Step 2: Release Your First Single
Upload your first song through your distributor as a standalone single.
Title it exactly how you want - this will be your foundation.
Important:
- Use your final artwork (or at least similar branding to your future releases)
- Keep your metadata clean - consistent artist name, consistent spelling, no typos
Step 3: Prepare the Second Single (With the First Track Included)
When you’re ready to release your second song:
Upload it as a new release through your distributor
Add your new track PLUS your first single together
IMPORTANT: Use the same ISRC code for the original song that you used on your first release. (Most DIY distributors let you manually input ISRC codes. Reusing the ISRC for the first song tells streaming platforms: "Hey, this is the same track you already have — don't split the streams!")
Cover Art Tip: You can either use new artwork for each single or keep a consistent theme. Just be sure your branding makes it obvious these tracks are part of the same project.
Step 4: Repeat for Each New Release
Each time you release a new song:
Bundle it with all the previous tracks.
Always reuse the ISRC codes for old songs.
Upload it as a new release through your distributor (not by editing old releases).
By the time your last song drops, you’ll have built a full EP or mini-album!
Tactical Tips for a Smooth Waterfall Campaign
Timing is everything: Give each single 4-6 weeks to breathe before the next drop.
Keep promoting the full project: Every new single is a reason to promote the entire collection so far.
Pitch to Spotify every time: You can submit one track per release to Spotify for playlist consideration - use it wisely!
Name your releases smartly: Some artists title each new release with the newest song first to highlight it, like:
"New Song Title" + "Previous Song 1" + "Previous Song 2".Update your profiles: Pin the growing project to your Spotify, Apple Music, and Linktree pages.
Pro tip: Always double-check your distributor’s waterfall or "ISRC reuse" rules - they vary slightly depending on the platform.
Final Thoughts: Is Waterfalling Right for You?
If you’re an independent artist building momentum, yes - waterfall releases are one of the BEST strategies you can use.
They keep fans engaged, maximize your promotional efforts, and build an impressive catalog without needing a huge budget or a full album ready upfront.
Just remember:
Plan ahead.
Stay consistent.
Reuse your ISRC codes carefully.
Play it right, and by the time you finish your waterfall campaign, you’ll have more music out, more streams collected, and a stronger fanbase built…. all without starting from scratch every time.