How to get your music on Spotify playlists

Spotify is one of the most powerful tools for musicians looking to grow their audience. With over 500 million active users, it’s the go-to platform for listeners worldwide. But standing out among millions of tracks can feel like an impossible task.

That’s where Spotify playlists come in. Getting your music featured on the right playlists can skyrocket your streams, increase your fanbase, and open doors to new opportunities.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting your music onto Spotify playlists. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your strategy, these actionable tips will help.

Why Spotify Playlists Matter

Spotify playlists aren’t just about getting a few extra streams—they’re about getting your music in front of the right audience. Playlists help listeners discover artists they might not otherwise find, making them an essential part of your music promotion strategy.

Types of Spotify Playlists

Understanding the types of Spotify playlists is crucial to targeting the right ones:

1. Editorial Playlists
   These are curated by Spotify’s in-house team and include popular lists like RapCaviar and Today’s Top Hits. Getting featured here can significantly boost your visibility.
2. Algorithmic Playlists
   These playlists are automatically generated based on user behavior. Examples include:
   • Discover Weekly: Tailored recommendations every Monday.
   • Release Radar: New music from artists users follow.
3. User-Curated Playlists
   These are created by individual Spotify users or brands. While they might not have millions of followers, niche playlists can have a dedicated audience.

Preparing Your Music for Spotify

Before pitching your music, make sure it’s polished and ready for the big stage. First impressions matter!

High-Quality Production

Spotify listeners expect professional-grade audio. Invest in high-quality production and mastering to ensure your track sounds great on all devices.

Accurate Metadata

Metadata includes your song title, artist name, and release information. Any errors here can prevent your music from reaching playlists. Double-check everything before submitting your tracks.

Eye-Catching Cover Art

Your cover art is the first thing listeners see. Make it visually appealing and relevant to your music. Avoid using generic images—your art should stand out and reflect your brand.

Distributing Your Music to Spotify

To get your music on Spotify, you’ll need a distributor. These platforms act as the bridge between you and Spotify.

Choosing a Distributor

Popular distributors include:

• DistroKid: Affordable and easy to use.
• TuneCore: Great for detailed control over your releases.
• CD Baby: Offers additional marketing tools.

Timing Your Release

Release timing is critical. Aim to submit your music at least 4-6 weeks before your release date. This gives Spotify’s team and algorithms time to process your music.

How to Pitch to Spotify Editorial Playlists

Editorial playlists are the holy grail for many artists. To improve your chances, you’ll need a strategic approach.

Use Spotify for Artists

This free tool lets you pitch your songs directly to Spotify’s editorial team. Sign up and claim your profile if you haven’t already.

Craft a Compelling Pitch

When filling out the submission form, include details that make your song stand out:

• What inspired the song?
• What’s the mood or vibe?
• Who do you think will enjoy it?
• Share your promotion plans (e.g., upcoming tours, press coverage).

The Role of Algorithmic Playlists

Algorithmic playlists are your secret weapon for sustained growth. Unlike editorial playlists, you don’t need to pitch to them—they’re driven by listener behavior.

How the Algorithm Works

Spotify’s algorithm tracks metrics like:

• Saves (listeners saving your song to their library).
• Repeat streams (indicating listeners enjoy your song).
• Playlist additions (users adding your track to their personal playlists).

Boosting Your Algorithmic Performance

Encourage fans to:

• Save your songs.
• Share your tracks with friends.
• Stream your music multiple times.

Reaching Out to User-Curated Playlists

User-curated playlists can be just as impactful as Spotify’s official lists, especially if they cater to your niche.

Research Relevant Playlists

Search for playlists in your genre or with themes that match your music. Use tools like SpotOnTrack or Chartmetric to find popular playlists and their curators.

Contacting Curators

When reaching out to curators:

• Personalize your message. Mention why your song fits their playlist.
• Include a professional pitch pack with:
  • A Spotify link to your song.
  • A short artist bio.
  • Eye-catching cover art.

Avoid sending mass emails—curators can spot them a mile away.

Promoting Your Music to Gain Traction

Promotion is key to building momentum and catching the attention of playlist curators and algorithms.

Social Media Strategies

Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to promote your release. Share behind-the-scenes content, teasers, and fan reactions.

Encourage Fan Engagement

Ask your fans to add your songs to their playlists and share them with friends. The more engagement your song gets, the better its chances of landing on playlists.

Collaborations

Team up with other artists to expand your reach. Collaborative tracks can introduce your music to their audience and vice versa.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many artists make avoidable mistakes when trying to get on playlists. Here’s what not to do:

• Spamming Curators: Sending generic messages to dozens of curators is a surefire way to get ignored. Be thoughtful in your approach.
• Skipping Metadata: Incomplete or incorrect metadata can lead to your music being overlooked.
• Ignoring Release Timing: Last-minute submissions reduce your chances of getting featured.

Conclusion

Getting your music on Spotify playlists isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy. By understanding the playlist ecosystem, preparing your music properly, and actively promoting your work, you can increase your chances of success. Remember, consistency and patience are key. Every stream counts, and every playlist adds up.

So, what are you waiting for? Start implementing these tips today and take your music career to the next level!

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