How to Pitch Your Song to Spotify: A Complete Guide for Independent Artists
In today's digital music landscape, Spotify stands as one of the most influential platforms for artists looking to share their music with the world. With over 489 million monthly active users across 180+ markets, successfully pitching your song to Spotify can significantly boost your music career. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pitching songs to Spotify, from preparation to submission and follow-up strategies.
Whether you're an emerging independent artist or an established musician looking to maximize your Spotify presence, understanding the platform's submission process is crucial for gaining visibility, growing your audience, and potentially landing on coveted editorial playlists.
Understanding Spotify's Editorial Playlist Ecosystem
Before diving into the pitching process, it's essential to understand what you're aiming for. Spotify's editorial playlists are curated by a team of experts and can range from genre-specific collections to mood-based compilations. Landing on these playlists can expose your music to thousands—sometimes millions—of new listeners.
Types of Spotify Playlists
Spotify features several types of playlists that can help boost your music:
Editorial Playlists: Curated by Spotify's team of playlist editors, these official playlists can range from massive hits collections to niche genre showcases.
Algorithmic Playlists: Personalized playlists like Discover Weekly and Release Radar that are automatically generated based on user listening habits.
User-Generated Playlists: Created by Spotify users, including influential curators, blogs, and everyday listeners.
Editorial playlists are particularly valuable because they're actively maintained by Spotify's team and can provide significant exposure. These are the playlists you'll be targeting through Spotify for Artists' pitch process.
Setting Up for Success: Prerequisites for Pitching
Before you can pitch your music to Spotify, you need to have certain elements in place:
Create and Optimize Your Spotify for Artists Account
A Spotify for Artists account is essential for pitching songs. This dashboard gives you control over your artist profile and provides valuable analytics about your listeners.
To optimize your profile:
Upload a high-quality profile picture
Write a compelling bio that tells your story
Add your social media links
Include upcoming tour dates if applicable
Feature your best songs in the "Artist's Pick" section
Prepare Your Music for Distribution
To pitch songs to Spotify, you need to work with a music distributor. Independent music distribution services like DistroKid, CD Baby, TuneCore, or AWAL can get your music onto Spotify and other streaming platforms.
When selecting a distributor, consider factors like:
Pricing structure (annual fee vs. per-release)
Royalty splits (do they take a percentage?)
Additional services offered
Speed of distribution
Reporting capabilities
Having a strong online presence is also crucial for successful music promotion. Consider creating a musician website to showcase your work and connect with fans.
The Spotify Pitch Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have the prerequisites in place, let's walk through the actual process of pitching your song to Spotify:
Timing Your Release
Timing is crucial when pitching to Spotify. You should:
Submit your song at least 7 days before the release date (though 2-4 weeks is recommended)
Plan your release strategy, including promotion on social media and other platforms
Consider industry patterns (avoid major release dates when big artists drop albums)
Spotify requires that songs be submitted before they're released, so plan accordingly. This gives their editorial team time to review your submission.
Accessing the Pitch Form
To submit your track for playlist consideration:
Log in to your Spotify for Artists account
Navigate to the "Music" tab
Find your upcoming release
Click on "Pitch a song"
If you don't see your release, ensure that your distributor has properly delivered it to Spotify and that it's still in the pre-release stage.
Filling Out the Pitch Form Effectively
The pitch form is your opportunity to tell Spotify's editorial team about your music. Here's how to complete it effectively:
Song Information
Main Genre and Subgenre: Be specific but accurate. Don't try to game the system by selecting popular genres that don't match your music.
Mood/Style: Select up to 2 moods that best represent your track.
Culture/Language: Indicate the language of your lyrics and any cultural influences.
Instruments: Highlight distinctive instruments featured in your track.
Song Story
This section allows you to provide context about your song in 500 characters or less. Make it count by including:
The inspiration behind the song
Unique production elements or collaborations
How it fits into your artistic journey
Any notable achievements or press coverage
Be authentic, concise, and avoid generic descriptions. Remember that Spotify's editors are looking for compelling stories that help them understand your music better.
Additional Information
You can also include:
Similar Artists: Artists whose fans might enjoy your music
Promotional Plans: Upcoming tours, press features, or marketing campaigns
Location: Where you're based (which can be relevant for local editorial playlists)
Crafting a Compelling Pitch
The quality of your pitch can significantly impact your chances of playlist inclusion. Here are strategies for creating an effective pitch:
Writing Tips for Your Song Story
Your song story should be:
Authentic: Share genuine insights about your creative process
Specific: Include details that make your story unique
Relevant: Focus on aspects that will interest playlist curators
Concise: Make every word count within the 500-character limit
Example of an effective pitch:
"'Midnight Drive' blends 80s synth-pop with modern production techniques, inspired by late-night drives through neon-lit city streets. Created during a week-long studio session with producer Jane Smith (known for work with Artist X), the track features analog synthesizers and live drums. It's the lead single from our upcoming EP and has already received support from BBC Radio 1."
Highlighting Unique Selling Points
Stand out by emphasizing what makes your music special:
Unusual instrumentation or production techniques
Notable collaborators or producers
Innovative songwriting approaches
Crossover appeal between genres
Compelling personal story connected to the song
Remember that Spotify's editors listen to thousands of submissions. Your goal is to give them a reason to pay special attention to yours.
Beyond the Pitch: Maximizing Your Chances of Success
While the pitch itself is important, there are several other factors that can influence your success on Spotify:
Building Momentum Before Pitching
Spotify's algorithm takes into account how listeners interact with your music. Before pitching, try to:
Build a pre-save campaign to generate day-one streams
Engage your existing audience through social media and email
Secure features on user-generated playlists
Obtain press coverage or blog features
The more momentum your track has, the more likely it is to catch the attention of Spotify's editorial team.
Leveraging Spotify's Algorithm
Even if you don't land on editorial playlists immediately, you can work with Spotify's algorithm:
Encourage followers to save your tracks and add them to personal playlists
Promote consistent listening (complete plays rather than skips)
Release music regularly to stay in the Release Radar playlist
Use Spotify Canvas (looping visuals) to increase engagement
Strong algorithmic performance can sometimes lead to editorial playlist consideration down the line.
Alternative Playlist Strategies
Don't put all your eggs in the editorial playlist basket:
Research and reach out to independent playlist curators
Use playlist submission platforms like SubmitHub or Playlist Push
Create and promote your own artist playlists featuring your music alongside similar artists
Engage with music blogs that maintain popular Spotify playlists
A diverse playlist strategy increases your chances of gaining traction on the platform.
After the Pitch: Next Steps
Once you've submitted your pitch, the waiting game begins. Here's what to do next:
Tracking Your Results
Use Spotify for Artists to monitor your performance:
Watch for spikes in streams that might indicate playlist additions
Check the "Playlists" section to see where your music has been added
Monitor listener demographics and locations
Track save rates and other engagement metrics
These insights can help you understand what's working and inform future pitching strategies.
Following Up and Building Relationships
While you can't directly contact Spotify's editorial team after pitching, you can:
Continue to engage with your growing audience on Spotify
Share your Spotify success on social media (which Spotify's team may notice)
Network with other artists who have had editorial playlist success
Attend Spotify-sponsored events and workshops when available
Building a long-term relationship with the platform is more valuable than a one-time playlist placement.
Common Pitching Mistakes to Avoid
Many artists reduce their chances of success by making these common errors:
Technical and Submission Errors
Submitting too close to the release date
Selecting inaccurate genres or moods
Uploading low-quality audio files to your distributor
Missing metadata or incorrect information
Failing to complete all sections of the pitch form
Strategic Mistakes
Pitching every track from an album or EP (focus on the strongest)
Using generic language in your song story
Overselling your music with hyperbole
Neglecting to build momentum before and after pitching
Giving up after one unsuccessful pitch
Learning from these mistakes can significantly improve your chances with future submissions.
Success Stories: Artists Who Broke Through on Spotify
For inspiration, consider these independent artists who found success through Spotify's playlist system:
Case Studies
Clairo: Her bedroom-produced track "Pretty Girl" was added to several influential playlists, helping her gain millions of streams as an independent artist before signing a record deal.
Jorja Smith: Before major label support, her independently released tracks gained traction on Spotify playlists, building her audience organically.
Tones and I: "Dance Monkey" became a global hit after initial support from Spotify's editorial playlists in Australia, demonstrating how regional playlist support can expand worldwide.
These artists share common elements in their success: quality music, authentic storytelling, strategic release planning, and consistent engagement with their growing audiences.
Advanced Spotify Strategies for Independent Artists
Once you've mastered the basics of pitching, consider these advanced strategies:
Utilizing Spotify's Additional Features
Take advantage of all the tools Spotify offers artists:
Spotify Canvas: Create engaging looping visuals for your tracks
Spotify Clips: Short video content similar to Instagram Stories
Artist Fundraising Pick: Direct fans to support you through various platforms
Marquee: Sponsored recommendations for your new releases (available to eligible artists)
Spotify Greenroom: Host live audio conversations with your audience
Analyzing Data to Improve Future Pitches
Use the analytics in Spotify for Artists to refine your approach:
Identify which songs resonate most with listeners
Determine optimal release timing based on when your audience is most active
Understand geographic strengths to target regional playlists
Track which playlist placements drive the most engagement
Monitor listener demographics to better target your marketing
Data-driven decisions can significantly improve your pitching success rate over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pitching to Spotify
How long does it take for Spotify to review pitches?
Spotify doesn't provide specific timeframes, but editorial teams typically review pitches up until the release date. This is why submitting at least 7 days in advance (preferably 2-4 weeks) is recommended.
Can I pitch songs that are already released?
No, Spotify's editorial pitch tool only works for unreleased music. However, already-released tracks can still gain playlist placement through algorithmic performance or by catching editors' attention organically.
How many songs should I pitch from an album?
You can pitch one song per release. For albums or EPs, choose your strongest track that best represents the project.
Does having more followers improve my chances?
While not explicitly stated by Spotify, having an established audience can demonstrate that there's already interest in your music. However, editors primarily focus on the quality and fit of the music itself.
What if my pitch is rejected?
Not being added to editorial playlists doesn't mean your music was rejected. Spotify receives thousands of submissions weekly, and only a small percentage can be featured. Focus on building momentum through other channels and try again with your next release.
Conclusion: Your Spotify Pitching Strategy
Successfully pitching songs to Spotify requires a combination of quality music, strategic planning, compelling storytelling, and persistent engagement. While there are no guarantees in the playlist ecosystem, understanding the process and implementing the strategies outlined in this guide will significantly improve your chances of success.
Remember that building a sustainable career on Spotify is a marathon, not a sprint. Each release is an opportunity to learn, refine your approach, and grow your audience incrementally. Many of today's biggest streaming success stories started with modest playlist placements that gradually expanded over multiple releases.
By approaching Spotify pitching as part of a comprehensive music marketing strategy—one that includes building your online presence, engaging with fans across platforms, and consistently releasing quality music—you'll maximize your potential for long-term success on the world's largest music streaming platform.
Start implementing these strategies with your next release, and you'll be well on your way to reaching new listeners through Spotify's powerful playlist ecosystem.