If you’re an independent artist, getting your music featured on Spotify playlists can be a game-changer.
Playlists have the power to introduce your tracks to thousands (or even millions) of new listeners, boosting your streams, growing your fanbase, and increasing your chances of success in the music industry. But with so many artists competing for placement, how do you stand out?
Understanding Spotify Playlists
Before diving into submission strategies, it’s important to understand the different types of Spotify playlists:
Editorial Playlists
These are curated by Spotify’s in-house editorial team. Playlists like RapCaviar, Fresh Finds, and New Music Friday are highly sought after and can significantly boost an artist’s reach.
Algorithmic Playlists
These are personalised playlists generated by Spotify’s algorithm based on listener behaviour. Examples include Discover Weekly, Release Radar, and Radio. While you can’t directly submit to them, getting consistent engagement on your music increases the chances of being featured.
User-Curated Playlists
These playlists are created by individuals, brands, influencers, or music blogs. They range from small niche playlists to massive community-driven collections. Compared to editorial playlists, they are often more accessible for independent artists.
Methods to Submit Your Music
Spotify for Artists Submission (Editorial Playlists)
If you have upcoming music, you can submit music to Spotify playlists by pitching it directly to Spotify’s editorial team through Spotify for Artists. Here’s how:
- Log into Spotify for Artists.
- Go to the “Upcoming” section and select the unreleased track you want to pitch.
- Fill out the submission form with details like genre, mood, instruments, and backstory.
- Submit at least 7 days before release for the best chances of getting featured.
Reaching Out to Independent Playlist Curators
For user-curated playlists, you’ll need to do some research and outreach:
- Search for playlists that match your music style.
- Find the curator’s contact info (Instagram, Twitter, website, or email).
- Send a personalised message—mention why your song fits their playlist.
- Keep it short and professional, including a Spotify link and a brief description.
Networking & Community Engagement
Building relationships with playlist curators, music bloggers, and other artists can go a long way. Engage with their content, support their playlists, and collaborate when possible. Sometimes, genuine connections lead to playlist placements organically.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Success
- Make Sure Your Track Is High-Quality – Poor production quality will hurt your chances. Make sure your song is well-mixed and mastered.
- Write a Strong Pitch – Keep it concise, highlight what makes your song unique, and explain why it fits the playlist.
- Leverage Social Proof – If your song has good engagement (high streams, blog features, social media buzz), mention it in your pitch.
- Submit to Relevant Playlists – Don’t waste time pitching a metal song to an acoustic playlist. Research and target the right curators.
- Be Patient & Consistent – Success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep submitting your music and growing your fanbase.
Best Practices for Music Promotion Beyond Playlists
Playlist placements are great, but they shouldn’t be your only strategy. Here’s how to keep the momentum going:
- Use Social Media to Promote Your Song – Create engaging content around your release (behind-the-scenes, lyric breakdowns, etc.).
- Engage with Your Fans – Respond to comments, go live on Instagram, and build a loyal community.
- Collaborate with Other Artists & Influencers – This can expose you to new audiences.
- Consider Paid Advertising & PR – Running targeted ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube can boost your reach.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Spamming Curators – Sending mass, generic emails won’t work. Take the time to personalise your outreach.
- Ignoring Your Overall Marketing Plan – Playlists are part of music promotion, not the whole strategy.
- Submitting to Irrelevant Playlists – Wasting your time on playlists that don’t match your music style won’t help you grow.
Conclusion
Getting on Spotify playlists can significantly impact your music career, but it takes effort, strategy, and patience. Focus on quality submissions, building connections, and maintaining a consistent music promotion plan.
Start by pitching to Spotify for Artists, then reach out to independent curators and explore submission platforms. Keep pushing your music, engaging with your audience, and refining your approach.
