Want to boost your music career on Spotify? Here's how to land on those coveted playlists:
- Use Spotify for Artists to pitch tracks
- Submit 4-6 weeks before release
- Create high-quality, professional-sounding music
- Build your Spotify following
- Release new music regularly (every 4-6 weeks)
- Engage with playlist curators
- Promote across multiple platforms
Key things to remember:
- Sound quality matters
- Timing is crucial
- Consistency is key
- Building relationships helps
Focus on making great music and connecting with fans. Playlists are just one piece of the puzzle in building a successful music career on Spotify.
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Types of Spotify Playlists
Spotify playlists come in three main flavors. Let's break them down and see how they can help you reach more listeners.
Official Spotify Playlists
These are the big dogs, curated by Spotify's own team. Landing on one of these can send your streams through the roof.
Take "RapCaviar" - it's got over 14 million followers. That's a lot of potential ears for hip-hop artists. Or look at "New Music Friday" - it helped launch Lauv's career. His track "I Like Me Better" racked up 800 million streams, largely thanks to playlist love.
Getting on these playlists can:
- Expose you to millions of new fans
- Boost your industry cred
- Potentially make your track go viral
Auto-Generated Playlists
Spotify's algorithm cooks these up based on what users like to hear. Think "Discover Weekly" or "Release Radar".
You can't submit directly to these, but if you're killing it on other playlists, you've got a better shot at showing up here.
These playlists are great for:
- Reaching listeners who dig your style of music
- Keeping your music in rotation for active Spotify users
- Building a loyal fan base
Just ask Billie Eilish. Her hit "ocean eyes" got its first big break on these algorithm-driven playlists.
User Playlists
These are made by Spotify users - could be your average Joe or a big-time curator. They might not have the massive following of official playlists, but they're gold for niche genres and building a dedicated fan base.
User playlists can help you:
- Get your foot in the door (they're easier to land on than official playlists)
- Grow organically through word-of-mouth
- Connect with die-hard music fans
Phoebe Bridgers is a prime example. User-created playlists like "indie sad girl szn" helped her build a following before she hit the big time.
Want to boost your chances across all these playlist types? Here's what to do:
- Keep pumping out quality tunes
- Connect with your fans on and off Spotify
- Use Spotify for Artists to pitch to official playlists
- Build relationships with playlist curators in your genre
Getting Your Music Ready
Let's prep your tracks for Spotify stardom. Here's how to get your music in shape:
Sound Quality Standards
Your music needs to sound top-notch. Spotify uses Ogg Vorbis at 320kbps for premium users, so your tracks need to match up.
Don't cut corners on production and mastering. You're up against the big names here. If your track sounds amateur, playlist curators won't give it a second listen.
"Get your tracks mastered by a pro if you can. If money's tight, try LANDR or eMastered. They're not perfect, but they'll get you close."
Setting Up Track Info
Now, let's talk metadata. This info helps Spotify and listeners find your music.
Here's what you need to get right:
- Track title: Clear and catchy. No weird symbols or ALL CAPS.
- Artist name: Use the same spelling everywhere.
- Genre: Be specific. "Indie folk with a dash of electronica" beats "Alternative."
- Release date: Key for Spotify's algorithm.
- ISRC code: Your track's digital fingerprint. Make it unique for each song.
Building Your Artist Profile
Your Spotify profile is your digital showcase. Make it stand out!
First, claim your artist profile once your first release is live on Spotify. Then, head to Spotify for Artists to get verified.
Now, let's jazz up that profile:
- Photos: High-quality, on-brand images.
- Bio: Short, sweet, and engaging. Tell your story quickly.
- Social links: Connect your other platforms. Make it easy for fans to find you.
"Whatever you're doing, make sure it's consistent. Continuing to release new music and stay active on the platform is key!" - Cyber PR Music
Planning Your Release
Timing matters in music. Here's how to plan your release for maximum playlist potential:
1. Set your release date
Aim for a Friday. That's when Spotify updates most of its big playlists.
2. Submit early
Use Spotify for Artists to pitch your track 4-6 weeks before release. This gives playlist editors time to consider your music.
3. Build hype
Create buzz with teasers, behind-the-scenes content, and pre-save campaigns.
4. Keep the momentum
Plan content for after the release too. Music videos, acoustic versions, remixes – keep feeding the algorithm.
Submitting to Spotify Playlists
Want to get your music in front of millions? Let's talk about submitting your tracks to Spotify playlists. It's not just luck - it's strategy.
Setting Up Spotify for Artists
First, you need a Spotify for Artists account. Here's how:
- Go to artists.spotify.com and claim your profile
- Verify your identity
- Complete your profile with a great bio and photos
Your Spotify for Artists profile is your digital storefront. Make it pop!
Writing Your Pitch
You've got 500 characters to impress. Include:
- Your track's story
- Your artist journey
- Genre and mood
- Marketing plans
Here's a solid pitch example:
"Houndtrack is an LA-based producer who opened for Medasin & Fakear last year. He is very much inspired by nature & nostalgic memories when making music - you can often hear the sounds of waves & crunching leaves, fused with synths & beats."
Short, sweet, and packed with info.
When to Submit
Submit 4 to 5 weeks before your release date. This gives Spotify's team time to consider your track.
Pro tip: Submit at least 7 days before release. This boosts your chances of landing in your followers' Release Radar playlists.
After You Submit
Don't just wait. Keep the momentum going:
- Promote pre-saves
- Plan your social media strategy
- Prepare for release day
As Unchained Music says:
"Landing a spot on a Spotify editorial playlist can be a game-changer for any artist, providing the opportunity to reach millions of listeners worldwide."
But it's not everything. Keep creating, promoting, and connecting with your fans.
Your Spotify journey is just starting. With these tips, you're on your way to playlist success. Now go make some noise!
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Getting on Auto-Generated Playlists
Spotify's auto-generated playlists can skyrocket your music career. These algorithmic gems, like Release Radar and Discover Weekly, are tailored to each listener's taste. Here's how to boost your chances of landing on these playlists:
Release Radar: Your Friday Spotlight
Release Radar drops new tunes every Friday from artists you follow or frequently jam to. Want in? Here's the game plan:
Grow Your Spotify Squad
More followers = higher chances of Release Radar fame. Get your fans to hit that follow button:
- Shout about your Spotify profile on social media
- Slip a "Follow me on Spotify" nudge into your emails
- Slap a Spotify follow button on your website
Keep the Music Flowing
Don't let your profile gather dust. Regular releases keep you on Spotify's radar:
- Drop new tracks every 4-6 weeks
- Mix it up between singles and bigger projects
Polish Your Profile
A sleek, complete profile helps Spotify's algorithm get you:
- Use eye-catching, high-res images
- Craft a snappy, keyword-rich bio
- Keep your music catalog up-to-date
Discover Weekly: Your Ticket to New Fans
Discover Weekly introduces fresh tunes to listeners based on their vibe. You can't submit directly, but you can stack the odds in your favor:
Get Your Listeners Hooked
The more people groove to your tracks, the more Spotify will spread the love:
- Nudge fans to add your songs to their playlists
- Ask listeners to save your tracks
Hustle for User Playlists
Landing on user-created playlists helps Spotify figure out your sound:
- Use SubmitHub or Playlist Push to find playlist curators
- Tailor your pitch to each curator's taste
Make Noise Beyond Spotify
Building buzz off-platform can drive more Spotify streams:
- Share your Spotify links everywhere
- Team up with other artists to tap their fan base
- Consider running targeted ads to your Spotify page
Remember, cracking these playlists takes a mix of killer tunes, smart promotion, and a bit of patience. As Spotify gets to know your music and your fans, you'll see those playlist appearances start to climb.
"Hitting Release Radar or Discover Weekly can be a total game-changer for up-and-coming artists. It's all about keeping your fans engaged and feeding Spotify's algorithm with plenty of good data to work with." - Cyber PR Music
Working with Playlist Curators
Getting your music on user-created playlists can boost your Spotify success. These playlists, made by music fans, help you reach new listeners and grow your following. Here's how to connect with these playlist makers:
Finding the Right Curators
Target curators who match your music style:
- Use tools like Playlist Push and SubmitHub to find relevant playlists
- Search Spotify for playlists in your genre
- Check out playlists featuring similar artists
- Use social media hashtags like #SpotifyPlaylist or #[YourGenre]Playlist
Writing to Curators
Craft an effective pitch:
- Personalize your message
- Keep it short
- Highlight what makes your music special
- Include Spotify links and press coverage
Here's a template:
Hi [Name],
I love your playlist [Name]. [Song] by [Artist] is fantastic.
My new track [Your Song] would fit your playlist's vibe. It's [brief description].
[Your unique selling point]
Here's the Spotify link: [Link]
Thanks, [Your Name]
Building Good Relationships
After getting on a playlist:
- Thank the curator and share their playlist
- Engage with their content regularly
- Offer to help promote their playlist
- Keep them updated on new releases (without spamming)
- Be patient - relationships take time
Staying on Playlists
Getting on a Spotify playlist is just the start. Here's how to keep your spot and grow your audience:
Regular Music Releases
Spotify's algorithm loves new content. So do listeners. Here's why frequent releases matter:
- They boost your chances of landing on algorithmic playlists like Release Radar
- They keep fans coming back for more
- They give playlist curators fresh tracks to add
Daniel Ek, Spotify's former CEO, put it bluntly:
"In today's world, you can't record music once every three to four years and think that's going to be enough."
Aim to drop new music every 4-6 weeks. This could be singles, EPs, or a mix.
Checking Your Stats
Spotify for Artists is your go-to for tracking performance. Keep an eye on:
- Which playlists are featuring your tracks
- Where your streams are coming from (playlists, radio, searches)
- Who your listeners are and where they're located
Use these insights to shape your strategy. Noticed a spike in listeners from Brazil? Maybe target that market in your next release.
Growing Your Fans
Building a loyal fan base is key for long-term success. Try these tactics:
- Share behind-the-scenes content on social media
- Use Spotify Canvas (those short looping visuals can boost shares by up to 200%)
- Team up with other artists for collabs
- Ask fans to create playlists with your music
It's not just about numbers. Build real connections with your listeners. As Charleton Lamb, Spotify's Global Head of Creator Marketing, says:
"The most important thing is to focus on your art and your fans. Everything else will follow."
Using Other Platforms
Don't put all your eggs in the Spotify basket. Use other platforms to drive traffic back to your Spotify profile:
- Create lyric videos on YouTube
- Start a TikTok challenge with your music
- Share song snippets on Instagram Stories and Reels
- Build a Discord community around your music
Billie Eilish's team nailed this multi-platform approach. Her manager, Danny Rukasin, explained:
"We focused on building her presence across all social platforms simultaneously, which helped create a snowball effect leading back to her Spotify streams."
Conclusion
Getting on Spotify playlists isn't just luck. It's strategy, hard work, and great music. Here's what you need to know:
Make your tracks sound pro. No shortcuts here - good production is a must.
Use Spotify for Artists. It's your ticket to Spotify's editorial team. Jeremy Erlich, Spotify's Co-Head of Music Strategy, puts it bluntly:
"The playlist submission tool is the only way we review music."
Time it right. Submit 4-6 weeks before release. This gives curators time and boosts your Release Radar chances.
Grow your Spotify following. More followers = more curator interest. Spotify UK's director of artists and management says:
"The more followers you have, the more likely it is that playlist curators will take you seriously."
Keep releasing music. Aim for new tracks every 4-6 weeks. It keeps you on Spotify's radar.
Use other platforms. Drive traffic to Spotify to pump up your numbers. Remember Billie Eilish's team? They used multiple platforms to create a "snowball effect" back to Spotify.
Build real connections. Reach out to playlist curators, but don't be pushy. Genuine relationships can lead to long-term support.
Stay active and watch your stats. Use Spotify for Artists to track how you're doing and tweak your approach.
Playlists are just one piece of the puzzle. Focus on making great music and connecting with fans. That's what builds a real career.
Keep pushing your art, refining your skills, and staying true to your vision. With persistence and smart moves, you'll find your spot in the playlist world - and beyond.
FAQs
How do you get your music on playlists on Spotify?
Want to get your tunes on Spotify playlists? Here's how:
1. Log into Spotify for Artists
2. Find "PITCH FROM NEXT RELEASE" on the Home page
3. Pick an unreleased track
4. Fill out the pitch form - don't hold back on details!
Spotify's team says it best: "The more info we get, the better chance it has." So go all out with those details!
What is Spotify playlist pitching?
Spotify playlist pitching is your direct line to the playlist editors. It's built right into Spotify for Artists, letting you submit unreleased tracks for their editorial playlists.
But here's the cool part: When you pitch a song, it automatically lands in your followers' Release Radar playlists. Free exposure? Yes, please!
What should I put in my Spotify playlist pitch?
Your Spotify playlist pitch is your time to shine. Here's what to include:
- An attention-grabbing opening line
- A snappy description of your genre and sound
- Any big wins or press mentions
- Your marketing game plan
Pro tip: Tailor each pitch to the specific playlist. Cookie-cutter pitches won't cut it in the playlist world.
How to pitch to Spotify playlists for free?
Here's some good news: Pitching to Spotify playlists won't cost you a dime! Just follow these steps:
1. Jump into Spotify for Artists
2. Look for "PITCH FROM NEXT RELEASE"
3. Select your unreleased track
4. Fill out that pitch form like your music career depends on it (because it might!)