If you have a podcast and want to get it featured on Spotify, you’ve come to the right place. Getting noticed by Spotify’s editorial team can boost your show’s visibility and grow your audience. But how do you pitch your podcast effectively? In this guide, we’ll cover all the steps, tips, and tricks to help you make a strong pitch that catches Spotify’s attention.
Understand What Spotify Editors Are Looking For
Before you start crafting your pitch, it's essential to understand what Spotify editors look for in a podcast. They seek podcasts that offer fresh, engaging, and original content. It’s not just about having great audio quality or good production; they also want podcasts that resonate with listeners. If your podcast explores unique topics, tells captivating stories, or provides insightful discussions, you’re more likely to stand out.
Spotify has millions of podcasts, so it’s important that your show has a clear, defined niche. Whether you’re focusing on true crime, entrepreneurship, or health and wellness, Spotify editors want to know what makes your podcast special. A clear and defined niche will help editors understand how your podcast fits into Spotify’s content offering and appeals to specific listener groups.
Make Sure Your Podcast Is Ready for Spotify
Before reaching out to Spotify’s editorial team, ensure your podcast is polished and ready for prime time. High-quality audio is a must. Listeners won’t want to stick around if the sound is unclear or inconsistent. Invest in a good microphone and editing software to make sure your episodes sound professional. Moreover, Spotify editors appreciate podcasts that are consistent with episode releases. Try to have at least a few episodes published before pitching, as this shows that your podcast has regular content and commitment.
Having show notes and a detailed description for each episode is another way to improve your chances. These notes give editors a deeper understanding of your content, making it easier for them to see its potential for Spotify’s audience. Clear descriptions also help in SEO, making your podcast more discoverable.
Know the Right Way to Submit Your Podcast
To get your podcast on Spotify, you need to use Spotify for Podcasters. It’s a platform that allows creators to submit their shows directly. But when you’re submitting your show for editorial consideration, you’ll need to fill out a form that includes all the relevant details, like your podcast's genre, language, and target audience. In addition to the basic information, Spotify asks for a direct link to your podcast’s RSS feed. This allows editors to review your content and determine whether your podcast is a good fit for their playlists.
Make sure that all your contact information is correct. If Spotify editors want to reach out to you for more information or collaboration, you want them to find you easily. Be sure to keep your social media handles updated and active as well since editors often check your online presence.
Craft an Attention-Grabbing Pitch
Once your podcast is ready and you’ve completed the necessary steps, it’s time to create your pitch. The pitch is your opportunity to sell your podcast to Spotify’s editorial team, so it needs to be concise and captivating. Start by explaining the concept of your podcast clearly and why it’s unique. Highlight what sets your show apart from others in the same genre. Be specific about your target audience and how your podcast engages them.
For instance, if your podcast focuses on personal finance tips for young adults, you can emphasize the growing interest in financial literacy among millennials and Gen Z. Mention any collaborations with experts or notable guests to further show the credibility of your show. Also, try to include listener statistics, like download numbers or audience demographics, to demonstrate your podcast’s success and potential for growth on Spotify.
Include Relevant Media and Examples
To make your pitch even more convincing, consider including relevant media and examples that showcase your podcast’s quality. Editors want to see, hear, and experience what your podcast is all about. Include a link to your podcast’s best-performing episode or one that’s especially relevant to your pitch. If you’ve been featured in articles or received positive reviews from listeners or influencers, include these too. Positive press coverage can lend credibility to your podcast and show that it has an established audience.
Spotify editors will be more likely to take you seriously if you can provide them with tangible proof of your podcast’s popularity or growth. If your podcast has won any awards or been recognized in your industry, make sure to highlight these accomplishments in your pitch.
Tailor Your Pitch for Different Spotify Playlists
Spotify editors manage different playlists, each catering to different listener interests. That’s why it’s essential to tailor your pitch to match the specific playlist you’re aiming for. Whether it’s a curated playlist for true crime podcasts or one for motivational talks, understanding the playlist’s theme will help you pitch your podcast more effectively. If you’re unsure where your podcast fits, check out the playlists on Spotify and take note of the types of shows featured.
For example, if you have a podcast about mindfulness and wellness, you could target playlists that focus on meditation, stress relief, or self-care. The more relevant your show is to a particular playlist, the higher the chances that Spotify editors will include it in their lineup.
Build Relationships with Spotify Curators
While it may seem like getting your podcast featured on Spotify is all about sending a one-time pitch, building relationships with Spotify curators can also help in the long run. Follow curators on social media, engage with their posts, and share your podcast with them in a non-salesy way. Building a rapport with curators can open the door for future opportunities, even if your first pitch doesn’t get accepted.
Additionally, being active on social platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram and engaging with the podcast community can help boost your podcast’s credibility. Editors pay attention to which podcasts are trending on social media, so if you’re able to create buzz around your show, you’ll increase its chances of being noticed by Spotify editors.
Follow Up with Spotify Editors
After submitting your pitch, it’s perfectly okay to follow up if you haven’t heard back in a few weeks. Editors are often busy, and they may overlook your submission, but a friendly and polite follow-up can bring your pitch back to their attention. Keep your follow-up email short and to the point, thanking them for their time and reiterating why your podcast would be a great addition to their playlists. Be sure not to spam them with multiple messages, as this can hurt your chances.
Conclusion
Pitching your podcast to Spotify editors is an exciting but challenging process. By understanding what editors look for, ensuring your podcast is ready, crafting a compelling pitch, and following up in the right way, you increase your chances of getting noticed. With millions of podcasts available, standing out requires both creativity and strategy. Keep refining your podcast, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to pitch repeatedly. With dedication and effort, you could find your podcast featured on one of Spotify’s curated playlists, helping your show reach new heights.