How to Make an Instagram Promo Visual for Your Music Release
You've got your single and its cover. Now you need to tell people it's out — and a plain screenshot of a streaming link won't cut it. A clean promo card, with your artwork, title and the platforms you're on, makes a release look like an event. Here's why it matters and how to make one in a couple of minutes.
Why a release visual is worth the effort
On Instagram, your announcement competes with everything else in the feed. A promo card built around your cover does three things at once: it shows the artwork, names the track, and tells people exactly where to listen — all in one tap-stopping image. It also signals that the release is a real, intentional drop, not an afterthought, which makes fans more likely to save it and share it.
5 clever ways to use a promo card
1. Announce your release day
The "Out Now" post that tells your followers the track is live — with the artwork and every platform they can stream it on, in one image.
2. Build anticipation with a pre-save teaser
Switch the tagline to "Pre-Save" and post in the days before release to drive early saves — the signal that helps with playlist consideration.
3. Make one visual per placement
Export a 1:1 square for the feed, a 4:5 portrait for more screen space, and a 9:16 for Stories and Reels — each laid out so your text and logos always fit.
4. Show fans exactly where to listen
Toggle on the platforms you're distributed to — Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and more — so people can find you on the service they already use.
5. Keep a consistent brand across releases
Reuse the same layout for every single and your feed starts to look like a catalogue, not a collection of one-offs. Consistency is what makes an independent artist look established.
How to make a promo card with AudioKit
Title
Artist
Tagline
Format
Platforms
- Upload your cover art. Drop in your single or album artwork — square works best. It's read in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
- Set the scene. Type your title and artist, choose a tagline (Out Now, Pre-Save, New), a format and a background — a blurred version of your own cover, or a ready-made gradient.
- Pick platforms and download. Toggle the streaming services you're on, then export a 1080px PNG ready for Instagram, Stories or Reels.
FAQ
What size should an Instagram music promo post be?
Use 1:1 square or 4:5 portrait for feed posts and 9:16 for Stories and Reels. AudioKit's promo card exports all three at 1080px, each laid out so your title and streaming logos always fit the format you post to.
Should my promo visual match my cover art?
Yes — using the same artwork on your cover and your promo card builds a recognisable identity, so the post, the story and the release all read as one campaign. AudioKit can even use a blurred version of your own cover as the background for a cohesive look.
When should I post a release promo?
A common rhythm is a Pre-Save teaser in the days before, an Out Now post on release day, and a reminder a few days later. The same tool covers all three — just switch the tagline between Pre-Save, New and Out Now.