How to Pitch Spotify for Artists: The Complete Guide to Getting Your Music Featured
For independent musicians, getting your music featured on Spotify playlists can be a game-changer. With over 489 million monthly active users across 180+ markets worldwide, Spotify offers unprecedented exposure opportunities. But how exactly do you pitch Spotify for artists? How can you increase your chances of getting noticed by playlist curators and the Spotify editorial team?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about pitching your music to Spotify, from setting up your Spotify for Artists account to crafting the perfect playlist pitch. We'll also share insider tips from successful artists and industry professionals to help you maximize your chances of success.
Understanding Spotify for Artists: The Basics
Before diving into the pitching process, it's essential to understand what Spotify for Artists is and how it works. Launched in 2017, Spotify for Artists is a platform that gives musicians and their teams tools to manage their presence on Spotify, track their performance, and submit music for playlist consideration.
What is Spotify for Artists?
Spotify for Artists is a free platform that provides musicians with valuable insights and tools to grow their audience on Spotify. Some key features include:
Real-time streaming stats and audience demographics
The ability to customize your artist profile
Direct playlist submission tool for new releases
Canvas feature to add looping visuals to tracks
Marquee promotional tool for new releases
Access to resources and best practices for growing your audience
Having a well-optimized Spotify for Artists profile is the first step in your journey to getting your music featured on playlists. It shows playlist curators and the Spotify team that you're serious about your music career and have taken the time to establish a professional presence on the platform.
Setting Up Your Spotify for Artists Account
Before you can pitch your music to Spotify, you need to claim your artist profile and set up your Spotify for Artists account. Here's how to do it:
Claiming Your Artist Profile
Go to artists.spotify.com and click "Get Access"
Log in with your Spotify account or create a new one
Search for your artist name
Select your role (artist, manager, label representative, etc.)
Verify your identity through your distributor, social media, or by providing additional information
Once your profile is claimed, you'll have access to the Spotify for Artists dashboard, where you can customize your profile and access all the platform's features.
Optimizing Your Artist Profile
A well-optimized artist profile increases your chances of getting noticed by playlist curators. Here's what you should focus on:
Profile photo: Use a high-quality, professional image that represents your brand
Biography: Write an engaging, keyword-rich bio that tells your story and describes your music
Artist pick: Highlight your latest release or a playlist you've created
Social links: Connect all your social media accounts to your profile
Gallery: Add high-quality photos that showcase your personality and brand
Upcoming shows: Keep your tour dates updated to promote your live performances
Remember, your Spotify profile is often the first impression potential fans and playlist curators will have of you, so make it count!
Understanding Spotify Playlists: Types and Importance
Before we dive into the pitching process, it's important to understand the different types of Spotify playlists and why they matter for your music career.
Types of Spotify Playlists
There are three main types of playlists on Spotify:
Editorial playlists: Created and maintained by Spotify's in-house editorial team. These include popular playlists like New Music Friday, RapCaviar, and Today's Top Hits.
Algorithmic playlists: Generated by Spotify's algorithm based on user listening habits. These include Discover Weekly, Release Radar, and Daily Mix playlists.
User-generated playlists: Created by Spotify users, including influential curators, blogs, brands, and everyday listeners.
Each type of playlist offers different benefits and requires different approaches for getting your music featured.
Why Spotify Playlists Matter
Getting featured on Spotify playlists can significantly impact your music career in several ways:
Increased streams: Playlists can expose your music to thousands or even millions of new listeners
Growing your fanbase: Playlist features can help you gain new followers who discover your music
Improved algorithmic performance: More streams and saves from playlists can trigger Spotify's algorithm to recommend your music to more listeners
Industry credibility: Playlist placements, especially on editorial playlists, can attract attention from labels, booking agents, and other industry professionals
Revenue: More streams mean more royalties, which can help fund your music career
Now that you understand the importance of playlists, let's look at how to pitch your music to Spotify's editorial team.
How to Pitch to Spotify Editorial Playlists
Spotify's editorial playlists are curated by Spotify's in-house team and can provide massive exposure for your music. Here's how to pitch your tracks for consideration:
Using the Spotify for Artists Pitch Tool
The most direct way to pitch your music to Spotify's editorial team is through the playlist submission tool in Spotify for Artists. Here's how to use it:
Log in to your Spotify for Artists account
Navigate to the "Music" tab and select "Upcoming"
Find your upcoming release (note: you must pitch at least 7 days before the release date)
Click "Pitch a song" and fill out the submission form
When filling out the submission form, you'll need to provide detailed information about your track, including:
The main genre and subgenre
Mood and style descriptors
Instrumentation
Culture or language information
Whether it's a cover or original
The story behind the song
Crafting the Perfect Pitch
The information you provide in your pitch can make or break your chances of getting featured. Here are some tips for crafting an effective pitch:
Be specific about your genre: Choose the most accurate genre and subgenre for your track
Tell your story: Share authentic, compelling information about the inspiration behind the song
Highlight unique elements: Mention any unusual instruments, production techniques, or collaborations
Be concise: Keep your pitch clear and to the point
Include relevant information: Mention any recent achievements, press coverage, or notable streaming milestones
Be honest: Don't misrepresent your music to try to fit into popular playlists
Remember, Spotify's editors receive thousands of submissions each day, so your pitch needs to stand out while accurately representing your music.
Timing Your Spotify Pitch for Maximum Impact
Timing is crucial when pitching to Spotify. Here's what you need to know:
When to Submit Your Pitch
Submission window: You can pitch your track anytime between 7 days and 3 weeks before your release date
Optimal timing: Many industry professionals recommend submitting your pitch 2-3 weeks before release for the best chances
Release day considerations: Friday is the traditional release day in the music industry, which aligns with Spotify's New Music Friday playlist
Planning your release schedule with these factors in mind can increase your chances of getting editorial playlist placement.
Pre-Release Strategy
Before pitching to Spotify, it's important to have a solid pre-release strategy in place:
Build anticipation: Tease your release on social media and to your email list
Secure pre-saves: Use pre-save campaigns to generate early interest
Plan your promotion: Schedule social media posts, press outreach, and other promotional activities
Prepare your assets: Have high-quality artwork, press photos, and promotional materials ready
Alert your fans: Let your existing audience know when your music will be available
A strong pre-release strategy shows Spotify editors that you're serious about your release and have a plan to promote it beyond their platform.
Beyond Editorial Playlists: Alternative Pitching Strategies
While editorial playlists offer the biggest potential audience, they're also the most competitive. Here are other effective strategies for getting your music on Spotify playlists:
Pitching to Independent Curators
Independent playlist curators can be more accessible than Spotify's editorial team and still offer significant exposure. Here's how to approach them:
Research relevant playlists: Find playlists that feature music similar to yours
Find contact information: Look for the curator's email, website, or submission form (often listed in the playlist description)
Personalize your outreach: Reference specific aspects of their playlist and explain why your music would be a good fit
Follow submission guidelines: Respect any specific instructions the curator has provided
Build relationships: Engage with curators on social media and support their playlists before pitching
You can find independent curators through platforms like SubmitHub, Playlist Push, and Soundplate, or by searching directly on Spotify.
Leveraging Playlist Pitching Services
Several services specialize in connecting artists with playlist curators. Some reputable options include:
SubmitHub: Connects artists with bloggers, playlist curators, and influencers
Playlist Push: Focuses specifically on Spotify playlist placement
Daily Playlists: Offers free submission to independent curators
Musosoup: Connects artists with bloggers, playlisters, and radio
These services typically charge a fee, but they can save you time and provide access to curators you might not find on your own.
When building your online presence as an independent artist, having a professional website is crucial. Check out this guide on the best platforms to build your musician website to establish a strong digital home base for your music career.
Creating Your Own Spotify Playlists
Another effective strategy is to create your own playlists. This can help you build relationships with other artists and showcase your musical taste.
Benefits of Curator Playlists
Creating your own playlists offers several advantages:
Building community: Including other artists' music can help you connect with them
Demonstrating taste: Shows playlist curators that you understand the platform
Creating context: Places your music alongside established artists in your genre
Additional content: Gives you more to share with your audience
Algorithmic benefits: Active playlist creation can boost your profile's visibility
Tips for Creating Effective Playlists
To maximize the impact of your playlists:
Choose a specific theme: Create playlists with a clear concept or mood
Include a mix of artists: Feature both established and emerging artists
Update regularly: Keep your playlists fresh with new additions
Create compelling artwork: Use eye-catching images for your playlist covers
Write detailed descriptions: Include keywords and explain the playlist's concept
Promote your playlists: Share them on social media and with your fans
You can include your own music in these playlists, but it should make up no more than 10-20% of the tracks to maintain credibility.
Maximizing Your Chances of Spotify Playlist Success
Beyond the pitching process itself, several factors can influence your chances of getting featured on Spotify playlists.
Creating Playlist-Friendly Music
While you should always stay true to your artistic vision, certain characteristics make songs more "playlist-friendly":
Strong intros: Capture attention in the first 30 seconds
Appropriate length: Songs between 2-4 minutes often perform best on playlists
Clean recordings: Ensure professional production quality
Genre consistency: Clear genre identity makes it easier to place your music
Memorable hooks: Catchy elements increase save rates and repeat listens
Building Momentum Before Pitching
Spotify's algorithm and editorial team pay attention to how your music performs. Here's how to build momentum:
Grow your Spotify following: Encourage fans to follow you on Spotify
Promote pre-saves: Generate activity around your release before it drops
Engage your existing audience: Ask your fans to add your music to their playlists
Build a release history: Consistent releases show commitment and help build your profile
Generate off-platform buzz: Press coverage, radio play, and social media engagement all help
For independent artists, choosing the right distribution partner is crucial for getting your music on Spotify and other platforms. Learn about your options in this comprehensive guide to independent music distribution for indie artists.
After the Pitch: What to Do Next
After submitting your pitch to Spotify, your work isn't done. Here's what to do while waiting for results:
Tracking Your Results
Use Spotify for Artists to monitor your performance:
Check the playlists tab: See if your music has been added to any playlists
Monitor your stats: Watch for spikes in streams, listeners, and followers
Analyze listener demographics: Understand who's discovering your music
Track save rates: High save rates indicate strong listener engagement
Following Up and Building Relationships
If your track gets placed on a playlist:
Express gratitude: Thank curators who add your music (when appropriate)
Share the playlist: Promote playlists that feature your music
Engage with fans: Respond to new listeners who reach out
Document your success: Keep track of playlist placements for future pitches
If your track doesn't get placed, don't be discouraged. Use it as a learning experience and continue refining your approach for future releases.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Pitching to Spotify
Even with a great track, certain mistakes can hurt your chances of playlist placement. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
Submission Mistakes
Missing the submission window: Pitching too late (less than 7 days before release) or after release
Incomplete information: Failing to fill out all fields in the submission form
Inaccurate genre selection: Choosing genres that don't match your music
Generic descriptions: Not providing specific, compelling information about your track
Poor-quality assets: Using low-resolution images or unprofessional artwork
Strategic Errors
Pitching every track: Not being selective about which songs you submit
Unrealistic expectations: Aiming only for the biggest playlists
Neglecting your profile: Having an incomplete or outdated Spotify profile
Ignoring data: Not learning from previous submission results
Buying fake streams: Using stream manipulation services (which can get you banned)
Avoiding these mistakes will improve your chances of success and help you build a sustainable strategy for Spotify growth.
Success Stories: Artists Who Mastered the Spotify Pitch
Learning from artists who have successfully navigated the Spotify ecosystem can provide valuable insights for your own strategy.
Case Studies and Lessons Learned
Lauv - Before becoming a global star, Lauv built his career through strategic Spotify playlist placements. His track "I Like Me Better" gained traction through smaller playlists before eventually landing on major editorial playlists. Key takeaway: Start small and let momentum build organically.
Tones and I - "Dance Monkey" became a global hit after gaining traction on Spotify's algorithmic playlists, which led to editorial playlist placements. Key takeaway: Strong engagement metrics can trigger algorithmic success, which can lead to editorial opportunities.
Russ - Built his career through consistent releases and leveraging each playlist placement to secure the next one. Key takeaway: Consistency and patience are crucial for long-term Spotify success.
The Future of Spotify Playlists and Artist Pitching
The Spotify landscape is constantly evolving. Here are some trends and developments to watch:
Emerging Trends and Opportunities
Algorithmic evolution: Spotify's algorithm continues to become more sophisticated in matching listeners with new music
Marquee and promotional opportunities: Spotify is expanding its paid promotional tools for artists
Integration with social features: New ways for artists to connect with fans directly on the platform
Enhanced analytics: More detailed insights to help artists understand their audience
International expansion: Growing opportunities in emerging markets
Staying informed about these developments can help you adapt your strategy and take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.
Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Spotify Strategy
Pitching to Spotify is not a one-time effort but part of a broader, long-term strategy for growing your music career. Success on the platform requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to adapt.
Remember these key principles:
Focus on quality: Create the best music you can and present it professionally
Be strategic: Plan your releases and pitches with care
Build relationships: Connect with curators, fans, and other artists
Learn and adapt: Use data and feedback to refine your approach
Stay authentic: Let your unique voice shine through in your music and pitches
By approaching Spotify with a well-thought-out strategy and realistic expectations, you can increase your chances of playlist success and use the platform as a powerful tool for growing your audience and advancing your music career.
Remember that Spotify is just one part of a comprehensive music marketing strategy. Combine your Spotify efforts with a strong presence on other platforms, live performances, and direct fan engagement for the best results.
Now that you're equipped with the knowledge and strategies for pitching your music to Spotify, it's time to put these insights into action. Good luck with your submissions, and may your music find its audience on the world's largest streaming platform!