Instant Gratification tracks (IG tracks) are those that are available to download from a release prior to its full release on iTunes and Amazon. They are automatically downloaded when the entire release is pre-ordered, otherwise, they can be individually purchased during the pre-order period – they are not stand alone singles. They will appear in black with the unavailable tracks greyed out (see below example with two tracks available as IG):
There are a few important things to remember when deciding whether to make IG tracks available as part of your release:
- You can request IG tracks using the "Additional Comments" section of the Uploader
- You should set go-live dates for the IG tracks ahead of time.
- Up to half of the tracks on a full release can be IG tracks. If the number of tracks on a release is an odd number, please round down when selecting instant grat tracks. For example, if there are 7 tracks, 3 could be instant grat.
- IG tracks are only available on iTunes or Amazon
If you would like an IG track to go live across all other platforms when it is available to download on iTunes and Amazon during the pre-order period, you must submit a separate release via the Portal. This will need it's own distinct artwork if the cover refers to the album
Please note if you're planning on using already released singles as IG tracks, be sure to notify us. It's best practise to not have a track live as both a single and an IG. Only having the Instant Gratification track on iTunes is a great way of driving listeners to your new Pre-order. It's also worth noting that IG tracks are available to stream on Apple Music.