In the world of music streaming, Spotify stands as one of the top platforms, with over 400 million active users globally. Artists who want to grow their audience often aim to get featured on popular Spotify playlists. If you want to see your music on these playlists, there are specific strategies and submission tips that can increase your chances. This blog post will guide you through some proven tips and tricks to help you successfully submit your music to Spotify playlists.
Understand the Types of Spotify Playlists
Before submitting your tracks, it’s important to know that there are different types of Spotify playlists. Broadly, they can be categorized into editorial playlists, algorithmic playlists, and user-generated playlists. Editorial playlists are curated by Spotify’s editorial team and usually have a large following. Algorithmic playlists, like "Release Radar" and "Discover Weekly," are generated based on user preferences and listening habits. Lastly, user- generated playlists are curated by Spotify users, and getting into them can be a great way to reach specific communities.
Each type of playlist has different submission guidelines, so understanding these nuances will help you approach your submission more strategically.
Create High-Quality Music
The most important tip for getting noticed on Spotify is to ensure that your music stands out in quality. Playlist curators often receive hundreds of submissions weekly, and they will only consider tracks that stand out musically. High-quality production is key, as playlists generally seek to feature tracks that have a professional sound. Even if you don't have access to a professional studio, there are plenty of home studio setups and tools available today that can help produce top-notch music.
Aside from sound quality, ensure your music has a clear identity. Whether it’s your genre, mood, or message, having a distinctive style can increase your chances of being noticed by playlist curators.
Submit Your Music Early
Timing is everything when it comes to playlist submissions. If you want to appear on editorial playlists, the ideal time to submit your track is at least four weeks before its release date. This gives curators ample time to review the track and consider it for inclusion. Spotify also allows artists to submit their tracks for playlist consideration via Spotify for Artists, so be sure to use this feature as soon as your track is ready.
For algorithmic playlists, the more people who listen to your track when it’s first released, the better the chances of getting added to playlists like "Release Radar" or "Discover Weekly." Encourage your fans to stream your track as soon as it drops to help boost its initial performance.
Optimize Your Spotify Profile
Your Spotify profile is your digital identity on the platform, and it should reflect who you are as an artist. Make sure that your profile picture is professional and clear, and ensure that your bio is informative and engaging. A well-crafted profile helps curators and listeners connect with you, building a stronger relationship.
Additionally, be sure to include links to your social media accounts. Playlists and curators often want to see how active you are as an artist across multiple platforms. The more visible you are on social media, the better your chances of gaining attention from playlist curators.
Build Your Fanbase
A large, dedicated fanbase can significantly increase your chances of being added to Spotify playlists. If you have an engaged audience, curators will notice. Building this fanbase involves regular interaction with your followers, producing content consistently, and promoting your tracks through various channels. The more listeners you have streaming your music, the higher the likelihood of your tracks getting algorithmically recommended to playlists.
You can build your fanbase by collaborating with other artists, performing live, or actively participating in online communities. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter can also be powerful tools to grow your reach.
Craft a Personalized Submission Message
When submitting your music to Spotify playlists, it’s important to craft a personalized and concise pitch. Avoid sending generic messages. Playlist curators appreciate thoughtful submissions that demonstrate your genuine interest in being a part of their playlist. Mention why you think your track fits well with their playlist, and provide any relevant information about the track, such as its story, genre, or special collaborations.
Including personal details like your journey as an artist, or how your track aligns with the mood of the playlist, can make your submission stand out. Keep your message clear, brief, and professional.
Use Spotify for Artists to Your Advantage
Spotify for Artists is a free tool that allows musicians to manage their profiles, analyze their streaming data, and submit their tracks for playlist consideration. It is an essential tool for any artist trying to get their music noticed on Spotify. Once you’ve verified your account, you can submit your latest release for editorial playlist consideration, which is the best way to get your music in front of Spotify's curators.
Through Spotify for Artists, you can also monitor your track’s performance, analyze trends, and make informed decisions about your next steps as an artist. The insights provided by the platform can help you refine your promotional strategies and track your progress.
Leverage Playlists for Playlist Opportunities
Sometimes, getting your music on smaller, niche playlists can open doors for larger opportunities. Start by submitting your tracks to independent curators and playlists that match your genre or mood. Platforms like SubmitHub and PlaylistPush allow artists to submit their music directly to curators. Building relationships with these curators and gaining traction on smaller playlists can eventually lead to getting featured on larger Spotify playlists.
As your music gains momentum, curators from more well-known playlists may take notice, and you’ll increase your chances of landing on bigger, editorial playlists.
Keep Promoting After Submission
Even after submitting your music, it’s important to keep promoting it. Playlist placements can drive a lot of traffic to your track, but you should continue engaging with your audience. Share your playlist placements on your social media, thank your fans, and encourage others to listen and share. The more engagement your track receives, the more likely it is that other playlist curators will notice it.
Building momentum is key, so don't stop promoting once your song is on a playlist. Keep the buzz alive and continue pushing your music through all available channels.
Conclusion: Patience and Persistence Pays Off
While getting your music on Spotify playlists is a highly competitive process, it’s far from impossible. By focusing on high-quality production, optimizing your profile, building your fanbase, and submitting your tracks with personalized messages, you can improve your chances of getting featured on these influential playlists. Keep submitting, stay persistent, and watch as your Spotify presence grows over time. Remember, with patience and dedication, playlist placements can be a powerful tool in your music career.