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How long is an EP?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 25, 2026

An EP is one to three songs, with one song at least 10 minutes long, and a total running time of 30 minutes or less. Or, four to six songs with a total duration of 30 minutes or less. Therefore, a release with one to three songs with none over 10 minutes is a single.

How long is an EP normally?

An EP is considered 1-3 songs with one song of at least 10 minutes in length and a total running time of 30 minutes or less.

Is an 8 song an EP?

Generally, 8 songs or more is considered a good number for an album. Projects that have less than 8 songs are usually considered EP's. So, having 8 songs as the total number of songs on your album is perfectly fine. EPs usually are made of very few songs that are meant to be extended play for the album released.

What qualifies as an EP?

“EP” stands for “extended play.” An EP is effectively a mini-album. It's a collection of songs that runs shorter than a traditional album but is longer than a double-sided (2-song) single. They traditionally have a tracklist between 3-6 songs, with a runtime under 30 minutes.

How many songs is a EP?

In order for a release to be considered an EP, it must meet one of the following two requirements: The release has a total of one to three (1-3) tracks, one or more of the tracks is/are 10 minutes or longer and entire release is less than 30 minutes.

45 related questions found

How do you drop an EP?

Then it'll be an EP instead of a single.

  1. Step 1: Creating the Music. I'm guessing you've already got a few songs ready to go. ...
  2. Step 2: Find a Distributor. ...
  3. Step 3: Branding, Branding, Branding. ...
  4. Step 4: Decide on a Release Date. ...
  5. Step 5: Pick a Single. ...
  6. Step 6: Make a Press Kit. ...
  7. Step 7: Releasing Your EP. ...
  8. Step 8: Promotion.

Should I release a single or EP?

Once you've got a short EP up and released your first single, it's usually best to release another single. After a few singles are released and you have a few songs under your belt, you'll want to go on to release bigger works. Something that can help establish your name in your genre.

What is an EP vs LP vs album?

To provide a quick recap: LP in music means Long Play and is a full length album. EP in music means Extended Play and is a half length album. EP is extended in the sense that it's longer than a single.

How do you release a single from an album?

Just upload the single first, and then upload the entire album (including the single) as a separate release. Once the full release is in streaming services, you can choose to leave the single, or remove it and only have the album version available.

What is a waterfall release in music?

A waterfall release is where a string of singles are released, each one building into an EP or album as they come out. Streaming has done away with any set in stone ways to release music, and the waterfall strategy is an outcome of that.

Can an album be under 30 minutes?

If a product contains four to six songs, and has a total duration of 30 minutes or less, it is generally classified as an EP. Therefore, an album is typically seven songs and runs over 30 minutes. However, a three-track release can also be specified as an EP, if the artist or label nominate this as the product type.

Can an EP have a deluxe?

You can also extend the life of a previously-released record by attaching an EP's-worth of new music onto it and re-releasing it as a deluxe edition. Some artists choose to only sell that as an entire package, while others allow loyal listeners to purchase just the previously-unheard tunes as a standalone project.

What makes a perfect album?

There's a lot more to making a good album than just writing excellent songs. You must also consider thematic cohesiveness, the actual recording of the songs, and creating cover art that effectively represents what the record is about.

How long is a single?

Although 7 inches remained the standard size for vinyl singles, 12-inch singles were introduced for use by DJs in discos in the 1970s. The longer playing time of these singles allowed the inclusion of extended dance mixes of tracks.

Can an EP have 7 songs?

EP stands for “extended play.” It's a record that is 4-6 songs long and no longer than 30 minutes total. The total length is what determines if a record is an EP, not the number of tracks. An EP is longer than a Single but shorter than an LP (album).

What is a digital EP?

We've already looked at what an EP is, but in short it refers to an extended play vinyl record, CD or even digital download. It usually contains more music than a single, but less than a full-length album, about three to six tracks as I mentioned earlier.

What is an ISRC number?

The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) system is the international system for the identification of recorded music and music videos. Each ISRC is a unique identifier that can be permanently encoded into a recording or music video.

How can I promote my music with no money?

How to Promote Your Music with Zero Budget

  1. Friends and Family. Those closest to you can often be the first stepping stone into gaining a faithful following. ...
  2. Social Media. ...
  3. Blogs. ...
  4. Playlists. ...
  5. Content Creators. ...
  6. Making Free Music. ...
  7. Meetups and Groups.

How do I copyright a song?

To register a claim to copyright in a musical composition, you must submit the following to the Copyright Office: (1) a completed application form; (2) a nonrefundable filing fee; and (3) the required “deposit copies” of your work. This circular highlights issues common to registrations of musical compositions.

Why are records called LPS?

LP stands for 'Long Play. ' These are longer than EP's, originally needing two vinyl per release until the 33 1/3rpm 12-inch record was released. LP's can have 20+ songs on each release and the definitions can vary depending on who you ask.

Is an EP a mixtape?

A Mixtape on the other hand can be an Album or EP (in terms of length), but it is not sold (unless on hard copy — to cover the costs of putting the music on disc). It can never be sold. It is given away to promote the artist(s) and generate a fan base.

What is full length album?

adjective [ADJECTIVE noun] A full-length book, record, or film is the normal length, rather than being shorter than normal.

How much should you sell an EP for?

For EP-length albums (six tracks or fewer), $4 USD is the sweet spot. But again, there are exceptions, and if you're an established artist who has seen recent success charging $18 for your digital albums, go for it.

What to do before you release a song?

Pre-Release Activities

  1. Set a Release Date. ...
  2. Budget. ...
  3. Artwork – Album/Cover Art. ...
  4. Merchandise. ...
  5. Distribution. ...
  6. Music Distribution Here At Мusic Gateway! ...
  7. Claim And Update Your Artist Profile On Stores. ...
  8. Prepare Your Press Kit.