A Preview Start Time lets you choose the exact point in a song where the short preview clip begins (usually 30–60 seconds). This is useful so listeners hear the strongest part of the track (chorus, drop, hook, etc.) instead of the intro.
Not all music stores support Preview Start Times and will either default or algorithmically generate the Preview Start Time.
The chart below shows the current state of the music stores and their support for Preview Start Time:
| Store / Platform | Supports Custom Start Time? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Music / iTunes | Yes | Fully supported. You can set the exact second the preview begins. |
| TikTok | Yes | Fully supported. Highly recommended for better viral potential. |
| Tidal | Limited | Sometimes, but results are inconsistent. |
| Spotify | No | Spotify generates its own previews and ignores the Preview Start Time you provide. |
| Amazon Music | No | Auto-generates previews. |
| YouTube Music | No | Auto-generates previews. |
| Deezer | No | Auto-generates previews. |
| Most Other Stores | No | Ignore the Preview Start Time you provide. |
* Catapult has no control over whether a music store will accept the preview start time you provide.