How to Get Artist Presale Codes on Ticketmaster in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Summary

Artist presales are typically the FIRST presale window - before Spotify, credit cards, or general sale
Codes come from official fan clubs, email newsletters, and artist websites
Sign up BEFORE tours are announced to ensure you receive codes
Check our homepage for backup presale codes if you miss the artist presale

In This Guide

What Is an Artist Presale?
Why Artist Presales Matter in 2026
How to Get Artist Presale Codes (5 Steps)
Artist Presale vs Other Presales
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions

Artist presales are often the earliest and most reliable way to buy concert tickets before the general public. In 2026, artist presale codes for Ticketmaster events are mainly distributed through fan clubs, email newsletters, and official artist platforms.

If you have ever missed out on tickets because they sold out too fast, artist presales are your solution. This guide explains exactly how artist presales work and how you can access them for your favorite artists.

What Is an Artist Presale?

An artist presale is a private ticket sale reserved exclusively for fans of a specific artist. These presales typically take place on Ticketmaster or AXS but require a special code provided by the artist or their official channels.

The goal is simple: reward loyal fans with early access to tickets before anyone else. Artist presales typically open 24-72 hours before other presales like Spotify, credit card, or venue presales.

Key Point:

Artist presales are NOT the same as Verified Fan presales. Artist presales use codes from fan clubs and newsletters, while Verified Fan requires registration through Ticketmaster.

Why Artist Presales Matter in 2026

With rising demand for concerts and limited venue capacity, many popular tours sell out within minutes. Artist presales give fans a critical head start before platform presales, credit card presales, and public sales begin.

Why artist presales are valuable:

First access: Artist presales typically open before ALL other presale types
Best seat selection: Premium seats are often available during artist presales
Lower competition: Only fans with codes can access, reducing bot activity
Direct from the source: Codes come from the artist, not third parties
Free access: Most artist presale codes are completely free

Important:

For major artists like Taylor Swift, Beyonce, or Drake, artist presales can sell out in minutes. Being prepared and having your code ready is essential.

How to Get Artist Presale Codes (Step-by-Step)

Pro Tip:

The key to getting artist presale codes is signing up BEFORE tours are announced. Artists send codes to existing subscribers, not people who sign up after the announcement.

Step 1: Join the Artist's Official Mailing List

The most common way to receive an artist presale code is through the artist's official email newsletter. This is free and takes less than a minute.

How to sign up:

Visit the artist's official website (not fan sites)
Look for "Newsletter," "Mailing List," or "Sign Up" in the footer
Use an email address you check frequently
Confirm your subscription if required
Add the artist's email domain to your contacts to avoid spam filtering

Step 2: Join the Artist Fan Club

Many artists offer fan club memberships that include guaranteed or priority presale access. Some fan clubs are free, while others require a paid membership.

Free Fan Clubs

Email-based newsletters
Social media groups
Basic presale access

Paid Fan Clubs

Earlier presale windows
Exclusive meet & greets
VIP package access

Step 3: Follow the Artist on Social Media

Artists sometimes share presale codes or signup links through their official social media accounts. This is especially common for surprise announcements or last-minute presales.

Where to follow:

Instagram: Stories and posts often contain presale links
X (Twitter): Quick announcements and code drops
Facebook: Official fan groups and event pages
TikTok: Some artists announce tours here first
YouTube: Community posts and video descriptions

Pro Tip:

Turn on post notifications for your favorite artists on Instagram and Twitter. This ensures you see presale announcements immediately.

Step 4: Watch for Artist Presale Announcements

Presale details are usually announced shortly after a tour is revealed - typically within 24-48 hours. Pay attention to these key details:

Presale date and time: Note the exact time and time zone
Presale code: Copy it exactly as provided (codes are case-sensitive)
Ticket platform: Confirm whether it is Ticketmaster, AXS, or another platform
Ticket limits: Know how many tickets you can purchase per code
Presale duration: Some artist presales only last a few hours

Step 5: Use the Artist Presale Code on Ticketmaster

When the artist presale opens, enter the code on the Ticketmaster event page to unlock ticket access.

Log in early: Sign into your Ticketmaster account at least 15 minutes before the presale starts.
Navigate to the event: Find the specific show you want and look for the "Artist Presale" option.
Enter your code: Copy and paste the code exactly as it appears - do not add spaces.
Select your tickets: Choose your seats quickly. Do not spend too long comparing - good seats go fast.
Complete checkout: Have your payment method saved and ready. Do not refresh the page during checkout.

Missed the artist presale? Try these backup codes:

CO****

Live Nation

ROCK****

Concerts

TOUR****

Tours

View all presale codes on our homepage

Artist Presale vs Other Presales

Understanding how artist presales compare to other presale types helps you plan your ticket-buying strategy:

Presale Type	How to Access	Typical Timing	Best For
Artist Presale	Fan club / Newsletter	First (Day 1)	Loyal fans
Spotify Presale	Listening activity	Day 1-2	Active listeners
Verified Fan	Ticketmaster registration	Day 1-2	High-demand shows
Credit Card Presale	Eligible card (Amex, Citi)	Day 2-3	Cardholders
Venue Presale	Venue mailing list	Day 2-3	Local fans
General Sale	Open to everyone	Last (Day 4-5)	Everyone

Strategy Tip:

Do not rely on just one presale. Sign up for artist newsletters AND Spotify Fan First AND credit card presales. Each window is another chance to get tickets.

Common Artist Presale Mistakes to Avoid

✗
Signing up AFTER the tour is announced
Artists send presale codes to existing subscribers. If you sign up after the announcement, you may not receive the code in time - or at all.
✗
Missing emails due to spam filters
Presale emails often go to spam or promotions folders. Check these folders regularly and add the artist's email domain to your contacts.
✗
Entering the wrong presale time zone
Presales are usually listed in the venue's local time zone. A 10 AM presale in New York is 7 AM in Los Angeles. Double-check before the sale.
✗
Assuming codes work on every platform
Artist presale codes are platform-specific. A Ticketmaster code will not work on AXS, and vice versa. Verify the platform before the presale.
✗
Not having payment ready
Artist presales move fast. If you spend time entering payment details, you may lose your tickets. Save your payment method in advance.
✗
Using unofficial fan sites for codes
Only trust codes from official artist channels. Unofficial sites may have outdated or fake codes that waste your time.

Conclusion

Artist presales remain one of the best ways to get tickets early on Ticketmaster in 2026. By joining mailing lists, fan clubs, and staying alert to announcements, fans can dramatically improve their chances of beating the rush.

The key is preparation: sign up for newsletters before tours are announced, follow artists on social media, and have your Ticketmaster account ready to go. When the presale opens, you will be first in line.

For more presale codes and tips, browse our homepage or explore by category. Need help? Check our FAQ & Help page.

Get Artist Presale Codes

Missed the artist presale? Browse our daily-updated database of verified presale codes for concerts, tours, and more.

View All Presale Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Are artist presale codes free?

Yes, most artist presale codes are completely free and sent via email to newsletter subscribers. However, some artists offer paid fan club memberships that include earlier presale access or guaranteed tickets.

Can artist presale codes be shared?

It depends on the artist and event. Some codes work for multiple users and can be shared freely, while others are limited to one use or tied to a specific account. Check the presale email for specific terms.

Do artist presales always have the best seats?

Often yes, but not always. Artist presales typically release premium inventory first, but some seats may be held back for VIP packages, credit card presales, or general sale. The best strategy is to try multiple presales.

How early should I sign up for an artist's mailing list?

Sign up as soon as possible - ideally months before you expect a tour announcement. Artists send presale codes to existing subscribers, so signing up after a tour is announced may be too late to receive the code.

What if I did not receive an artist presale code?

First, check your spam and promotions folders. If you still cannot find it, try other presale options like Spotify Fan First, credit card presales, or check our homepage for alternative codes.

Are artist presale codes case-sensitive?

Yes, most presale codes on Ticketmaster are case-sensitive. Copy and paste the code exactly as it appears in your email to avoid errors. Do not add extra spaces before or after the code.