When you're about to publish music, the first question is almost always: what do I release? A single? An EP? An album? The answer isn't just "how many tracks you have ready" — there's a promotional logic, a catalog logic, and a set of technical differences that are worth understanding.
The "Official" Definitions (How DSPs See Them)
Not all distributors use the same thresholds, but the most widespread standards are:
| Type | Number of Tracks | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 1–3 tracks | max ~10 min (variable) |
| EP (Extended Play) | 4–6 tracks | typically 10–30 min |
| Album | 7+ tracks | 30+ min |
Spotify in particular classifies releases like this:
- 1–2 tracks → Single
- 3–6 tracks AND less than 30 min → Single (for Spotify) or EP according to the distributor
- 7+ tracks OR 30+ min → Album
This classification influences how your music is shown in the artist profile and in Spotify's "Discography" sections.
Practical Differences Between the Three Options
Single
Pros:
- Fast to produce and release
- You can pitch a single track (easier to stay focused)
- Allows a high publication frequency
- The audience has a clear and immediate listening point
Cons:
- Each release requires a separate promotional campaign
- Doesn't build an extended catalog quickly
- Less "weight" in the discography compared to an album
When it makes sense: when you want to maintain frequency, test a new sound, or release often without waiting to finish a complete project.
EP
Pros:
- Tells a more complete "chapter" than a single
- Allows sonic variety without the commitment of a full album
- Lends itself well to richer campaigns (more videos, more content)
- A good compromise between production speed and artistic depth
Cons:
- Requires more coherent material than a single
- Promotion is more complex (which track do you focus on?)
- Spotify classifies some EPs as "singles" if they fall below certain thresholds
When it makes sense: when you have 4–6 cohesive songs that form a unified artistic idea, or to mark a phase of growth/change.
Album
Pros:
- Maximum artistic and narrative expression
- Builds credibility and authority in the discography
- Can generate promotion spread over several months
- Sync licenses, editorial coverage, and music press tend to prefer complete albums
Cons:
- Long to produce and coordinate
- Requires a higher marketing budget to be promoted effectively
- The risk of dispersion (too many tracks, no clear standout) is real
When it makes sense: after a phase of singles that has built a fanbase, when you have a complete artistic idea, or when you're aiming for a more "major-league" positioning in your genre.
Modern Strategy: Singles + Collection
A very common approach used by independent artists today:
- Release singles every 4–8 weeks to maintain presence on algorithmic platforms
- Build up a catalog of songs throughout the year
- At the end of the period, collect the singles (+ possible new tracks) into an EP or album, creating a second promotional moment
This approach leverages both the algorithmic logic (frequency = constant signals) and the catalog logic (a complete project has a longer life).
How Spotify Treats Releases in the Artist Section
On Spotify for Artists, an artist's discography is divided into:
- Albums (includes extended plays)
- Singles and EPs
- Compilations
- Appears On
If you release many singles, the "Singles and EPs" section gets crowded. This isn't a problem in itself, but if you want certain songs to have more visibility, consider grouping them into an EP.
The Right Choice for You
There's no universal answer. The right questions to ask yourself:
- How many cohesive tracks do I have ready? If I have 1–2 songs, single. If I have 4–5 with a common idea, EP.
- Do I have an active promotional campaign? If yes, a focused single is easier to amplify.
- Do I want to build my catalog quickly? Regular singles.
- Do I want to make an artistic statement? EP or album.
With LightSound you can distribute singles, EPs, and albums on equal footing, with no additional costs based on release type.