This article explains how to manage Pre-Orders, Pre-Adds, and Instant Gratification (IG) tracks within the FUGA Interface. It covers the essential technical setup required to execute a successful release campaign, detailing how different Digital Service Providers (DSPs) handle pre-release content. Users will learn how to configure release dates, verify compatibility, and apply specific delivery settings to optimize product visibility.
Understanding Key Dates
Before configuring your product, it is essential to distinguish between the four primary date types available in the FUGA Interface:
- Original Release Date: The date the product was originally released. This is vital for re-releases or catalog items to ensure content is categorized correctly.
- Consumer Release Date: The official date the product becomes available for purchase or streaming on Digital Service Providers (DSPs).
- Pre-Order Date: The date consumers can purchase or view the product before it goes live. This must be set before the Consumer Release Date.
- Asset Release Date: The date a specific track (asset) becomes available. This is mandatory for Instant Gratification tracks on certain platforms.
DSP Compatibility Overview
Not all platforms support the same pre-release features, and availability varies between Digital Service Providers (DSPs). It is important to verify support for each platform within the FUGA Interface:
- Navigate to the Product Delivery Instructions section.
- Locate the edit icon (pencil) to view specific requirements for each platform.
- Ensure the correct pre-release settings are applied per platform to prevent delivery issues.
Technical Rules for Instant Gratification (IG)
Instant Gratification allows specific tracks to be available for download or streaming before the Consumer Release Date when a user pre-orders an album.
The 50% Guideline: Based on Digital Service Provider (DSP) guidelines, a maximum of 50% of the total tracks on a release should be set as Instant Gratification.
- Timing Constraints: The IG date for a specific track must fall between the Pre-Order Date and the Consumer Release Date.
- Platform Specifics: If the Asset Release Date is not specified for an IG track, it will go live on the Pre-Order Date on the iTunes Store. However, Amazon requires the Asset Release Date to be explicitly specified for the IG track to go live.
Step-by-Step Technical Setup
The setup process involves configurations at both the asset (track) and product levels.
Asset Level Settings
- Navigate to the Assets section for individual tracks.
- Enable Pre-Order: Set every track to Allow Preorder and select the Preorder Type as Standard.
- Configure IG Tracks: For the chosen tracks (within the 40% limit), set the Preorder Type to Instant Gratification.
- Set Asset Dates:
- For IG Tracks: Set the Asset Release Date to the specific launch date for that track.
- For Non-IG Tracks: Do not set an Asset Release Date. Set the Pre-Order Date to the final full album release date.
Product Level Settings
In the Dates section of the product metadata, update the following:
- Consumer Release Date: Set to the final full album release date.
- Pre-Order Date: Set to the date you want the campaign to go live.
- Original Release Date: Ensure this is accurate, particularly for re-issues.
Delivering to Spotify and Streaming Platforms
If you are using a single product for all DSPs, you must manually adjust delivery settings for platforms that do not support IG tracks to avoid delivery errors.
- Navigate to the Delivery Settings for your product.
- Click the edit icon (pencil) next to Spotify or other streaming-only DSPs.
- Uncheck the box for Asset level release date.
Note: Sending asset-level release dates to Spotify can cause unintended behavior, as they do not recognize the IG metadata.
If you require further assistance with your setup, contact your FUGA representative or reach out to Support via support@fuga.com.