Still on the fence regarding your audio marketing strategy? We’ve got you covered. Today, we’ll discuss how EPs are becoming more popular than albums reflected in sales data and why this should be your next approach to launching your music.
What Is an EP, album, and single?
Short for extended play, an EP is a collection of songs, usually between two and six tracks, and usually released on digital platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. It’s also shorter than an album and has fewer songs. An EP typically features between 4–6 tracks and has a running time of roughly 15–22 minutes. However, some EPs can be up to 30 minutes in length. They are generally released on their own or with another artist.
On the other hand, an album (or LP; long play) is a collection of songs (usually between eight and 12 tracks), often released on physical formats such as CDs and vinyl, as well as on digital platforms. It’s a full-length body of work with a running time of approximately 35 to 60 minutes.
A single is the shortest type of musical release, typically featuring 1–3 tracks and running less than 10 minutes. They may also include b-sides, instrumental, or other versions of the main song.
The Best Audio Marketing Strategy
So, which one is best for new artists to release in 2022? Let’s look at it from an objective and subjective standpoint.
Based on reliable research from Ditto Music, the number of albums released each year has decreased steadily for the past five years. In 2016, albums accounted for 35 percent of all releases, but that figure dropped to 9.7 percent in 2021—a decrease of more than 25 percent.
The number of single and EP releases has increased dramatically over the past five years, making up 90.3 percent of all releases in 2021!
In general, people seem to prefer singles and EPs over albums. This is likely because singles and EPs are shorter and usually contain the artist’s most popular songs, so people feel they’re getting more bang for their buck. Additionally, singles and EPs are usually cheaper than albums, so people are likely to purchase them on a whim. And with over 60 percent of music listeners between the ages of 16–34 (a combination of gens Z and Y), their lower attention spans make sense with the research data.
Now, if you’re a new artist with a limited budget, then an EP might be the best option as it’s cheaper to produce and market. However, if you want to make a big splash and get your music heard by as many people as possible, then an album might be the way to go.
Of course, there are no hard and fast rules regarding releasing your music. The final decision is always entirely up to you since it’s your project! So, if you’re still undecided, why not try releasing both an EP and an album and see which one gets the better response from your fans?
Work with the Best to Release in the Best Way
Need the right audio marketing strategy for your new material? Reach out to Promoly today! We help brands innovate their promotions using social media and email marketing. Start now by visiting our website; no credit card is needed!
