Original Release Date vs Release Date: Reissues, Remasters and Back Catalog

Updated 2026-10-21 · 4 sources

Short answer

The original release date is when the recording or album was first released anywhere, in any format, and it stays the same through reissues and remasters. The live date (sales start date) is when it becomes available on the store. For a remaster, keep the original date and put the year in the version, e.g. "2012 Remaster". Previously unreleased material uses the date it first became available.

The rules

Spotify: the original release date can differ from the sales start date, and must be the earliest date the product was first released regardless of label or format [1].
Spotify: remasters keep the original recording's date, with the remastering year in the version field followed by "Remaster" [1].
Spotify: deluxe or anniversary editions with previously unreleased tracks can use the new edition's date [1].
Apple: deliver the original issue date regardless of version or country; day, month and year for albums released after 2000 [2].
Apple: previously unreleased material uses the date it first became available, not when it was recorded [2].

Live dates

Spotify recommends setting the live date at least 7 days ahead so you can pitch to editors [3]. SoundOn recommends uploading at least four weeks ahead for global platforms [4].

Examples

Instead of	Use	Why
Pet Sounds with original date in 2012 (reissue year)	Original 1966-05-16 · version "2012 Remaster"	Spotify style guide example.

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FAQ

I'm moving my catalog to a new distributor. Which date do I use?

The original release date, plus the same ISRCs and, where possible, the same UPCs, so the catalog isn't treated as new or duplicate content.

Is the original release date the same as the live date for a new single?

Usually, yes. They only differ for content that was released before, such as reissues, remasters and back catalog.

Related guides

Sources

Platform rules change. Each rule above is attributed to the company or standard that published it, as checked on 2026-10-21. This guide is not legal advice.