Spotify’s new ‘upcoming releases hub’ makes music discovery easier for fans

If a musician has at least 5,000 active listeners in the past 28 days, they can create a Countdown Page for their upcoming album or EP, making them eligible for the Upcoming Releases Hub and the global Countdown Charts.
Streaming giant Spotify has just launched a powerful feature that gives fans front-row access to new and upcoming music- the Upcoming Releases Hub.
This latest update, now available through the Search tab on mobile, makes it easier than ever to pre-save albums and stay ahead of the curve on what is about to drop.
More To Read
- Spotify introduces snooze button feature to combat overplayed songs
- Spotify debuts AI DJ in Kenya with personalised music, smart commentary for premium users
- Kenyan music takes the world by storm as Spotify reveals impressive streaming growth
- The dark side of innovation: How modified APKs are fuelling new wave of data leaks
- Spotify to introduce 'Music Pro' in 2025 – but at an extra cost
- Kenya is the only African country to offer video streaming via Spotify
For a country with a fast-growing digital music audience and a vibrant youth culture, this could not come at a better time.
What’s new for Kenyan listeners?
Found under the Search section, the Upcoming Releases Hub offers a one-stop platform where users can:
Browse soon-to-drop albums personalised to their music taste
Pre-save upcoming albums with a single tap
Preview unreleased tracks, check out track lists, watch exclusive content, and even shop for artist merch
Follow the countdown to release day, and automatically get the new music in your library once it is live
“This hub will make it easier for fans to connect with their favourite artists, even before the first note drops,” says Njeri Mwangi, a Nairobi-based digital music strategist.
“We’re seeing more Kenyan fans following global artists like Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny, but there’s also a growing appetite for local acts to get this kind of pre-release hype.”
Spotify is also urging artists, especially those with a decent fan base, to jump on board.
If a musician has at least 5,000 active listeners in the past 28 days, they can create a Countdown Page for their upcoming album or EP, making them eligible for the Upcoming Releases Hub and the global Countdown Charts.
This is a big opportunity for rising stars across Kenya’s music scene, from Urbantone and Trap to Amapiano and Gospel.
Whether you are in Kayole or Kisumu, if you have built an audience on Spotify, this feature gives you global visibility.
“The Upcoming Releases hub is about celebrating what’s next in music, and Countdown Charts bring a whole new level of visibility to releases that fans are most excited about,” said Madeleine Bennett, Senior Director, Head of Global Music Go-to-Market.
“By ranking the top pre-saved releases globally, we’re giving artists a powerful new way to build anticipation and connect with their biggest fans in the lead-up to release day.”
Countdown charts
Every Wednesday, Spotify will now post Countdown Charts on its official social channels, including Spotify for Artists, showcasing the top 10 most pre-saved releases globally.
It is a fresh way for Kenyan fans to discover trending global acts and for artists to get recognition ahead of their drops.
Top Stories Today