The Ultimate Guide to Spotify Playlist Submission: How to Get Your Music Featured
For independent musicians, getting your music on popular Spotify playlists can be a game-changer for your career. With over 489 million active users worldwide, Spotify offers unprecedented exposure opportunities through its playlist ecosystem. However, navigating the world of playlist submission can be challenging without the right approach.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about Spotify playlist submission - from preparing your music for submission to contacting playlist curators and leveraging playlist submission tools. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, these strategies will help increase your chances of playlist placement and grow your audience.
Table of Contents
Why Spotify Playlists Matter for Musicians
Before You Submit: Preparing Your Music
Using Spotify for Artists for Playlist Submission
Top Playlist Submission Platforms and Services
Finding and Approaching Playlist Curators
Crafting the Perfect Playlist Pitch
Paid vs. Free Playlist Submission: What's Worth It?
How to Avoid Playlist Submission Scams
What to Do After Getting Playlist Placement
Playlist Submission Success Stories
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Spotify Playlists Matter for Musicians
Spotify playlists have become one of the most powerful tools for music discovery in the digital age. Here's why they're crucial for your music career:
The Numbers Don't Lie
Spotify hosts over 4 billion playlists, with editorial playlists alone reaching millions of listeners. According to Spotify, approximately 31% of all listening time on the platform comes from playlists. That's a massive opportunity for exposure that artists simply can't ignore.
The Streaming Snowball Effect
When your track lands on a popular playlist, it doesn't just gain immediate streams. The Spotify algorithm notices this activity and may recommend your music to similar listeners, potentially leading to placement on algorithmic playlists like Discover Weekly or Release Radar. This creates a snowball effect that can dramatically increase your streaming numbers.
Building Credibility and Fanbase
Playlist placements serve as social proof. Being featured alongside established artists signals to potential fans that your music is worth their time. Many listeners save tracks they discover through playlists, converting casual listeners into followers and fans.
Now that we understand why playlists matter, let's prepare your music for submission.
Before You Submit: Preparing Your Music
Before diving into playlist submissions, you need to ensure your music and profile are optimized for success:
Release Strategy Matters
Plan your release at least 3-4 weeks in advance. This gives you time to submit to Spotify's editorial team and prepare your playlist submission campaign. Consider releasing singles before an EP or album to create multiple submission opportunities.
Optimize Your Spotify Profile
A professional, complete Spotify profile increases your credibility with playlist curators. Make sure you have:
A high-quality artist photo
Complete bio with your story and genre
Social media links
Updated artist pick
Upcoming shows (if applicable)
Your Spotify profile serves as your musical resume when curators check you out, so make it count. Having a professional online presence beyond Spotify is also crucial - consider building a musician website to showcase your work comprehensively.
Metadata and Distribution
Ensure your track metadata is accurate and comprehensive:
Correct genre classification
Relevant mood tags
Accurate BPM information
ISRC codes for all tracks
Working with a reliable music distributor is essential for getting your music on Spotify properly. If you're not sure which distributor to use, check out this guide on independent music distribution options for indie artists.
Create Release Momentum
Before submitting to playlists, generate some initial momentum:
Share pre-save links with your existing fans
Plan social media content to announce the release
Consider a small advertising budget to boost initial streams
Ask friends and family to save and share your track
Playlist curators are more likely to consider tracks that already show some engagement.
Using Spotify for Artists for Playlist Submission
Spotify for Artists is your direct line to Spotify's editorial team and should be your first stop in the playlist submission process.
Setting Up Spotify for Artists
If you haven't already, claim your Spotify for Artists profile at artists.spotify.com. You'll need to verify your identity as the artist or be added by your label or distributor.
Submitting to Spotify Editorial Playlists
Here's how to submit your unreleased music for editorial playlist consideration:
Log in to Spotify for Artists
Navigate to the "Music" tab
Find your upcoming release (must be at least 7 days before release date)
Click "Pitch a song"
Fill out the pitch form completely, including:
Main genre and subgenre
Mood descriptors
Instrumentation details
Culture and language information
Story behind the song
Be thoughtful with your pitch - Spotify's editors receive thousands of submissions weekly. Be honest about your genre and don't try to game the system by selecting trending genres that don't match your music.
Maximizing Your Editorial Pitch
To increase your chances of editorial playlist placement:
Submit at least 3-4 weeks before release
Be specific about your genre and subgenre
Tell an authentic story about your track
Mention any notable press, radio play, or achievements
Highlight unique elements of your production or songwriting
Include information about your marketing plans
While editorial playlist placement is highly competitive, Spotify's algorithm also considers pitched songs for personalized playlists like Release Radar and Discover Weekly, so it's always worth submitting.
Top Playlist Submission Platforms and Services
Beyond Spotify for Artists, numerous third-party platforms can help connect you with playlist curators.
Leading Playlist Submission Platforms
SubmitHub (submithub.com)
SubmitHub connects artists with playlist curators, music bloggers, and influencers. You can submit to curators for free (with limited features) or pay for premium credits ($1-2 per submission) for guaranteed feedback. The platform hosts thousands of curators across genres.
Playlist Push (playlistpush.com)
Playlist Push focuses exclusively on Spotify playlist promotion. Campaigns typically cost $200-500 depending on your genre and target playlists. They vet their curators to ensure they're legitimate and have active listeners.
Daily Playlists (dailyplaylists.com)
This platform offers both free and premium options for playlist submission. Their network includes independent curators across various genres and moods.
Soundplate (soundplate.com)
Soundplate offers a free playlist submission tool along with their own network of genre-specific playlists. They also provide other promotional tools for musicians.
Specialized Submission Services
Musosoup (musosoup.com)
Musosoup connects artists with bloggers, playlisters, and media outlets. They use a transparent pricing model where you can see exactly what each curator charges.
Groover (groover.co)
Popular in Europe, Groover connects artists with music industry professionals, including playlist curators. You pay per submission but are guaranteed feedback.
Choosing the Right Platform
When selecting a submission platform, consider:
Your budget and ROI expectations
The platform's curator vetting process
Genre specialization and match with your music
Transparency about results and curator relationships
Reviews from other artists
It's often wise to start with smaller investments across different platforms to test which works best for your music before committing to larger campaigns.
Finding and Approaching Playlist Curators
While submission platforms are convenient, direct outreach to playlist curators can be highly effective.
How to Find Relevant Playlist Curators
Start by identifying playlists that feature music similar to yours:
Search Spotify for tracks similar to yours
Check which playlists these tracks appear on
Focus on independent curator playlists (not Spotify editorial playlists)
Look for playlists with 1,000-50,000 followers (sweet spot for accessibility and impact)
Verify the playlist is active with recent updates
Tools like Chartmetric or Soundcharts can help you identify playlists where similar artists appear.
Finding Curator Contact Information
Once you've identified relevant playlists:
Check the playlist description for contact info or submission links
Look up the curator's name on social media (especially Instagram and Twitter)
Search for the playlist name on Google to find associated websites
Use LinkedIn to find curators who work at specific playlist brands
Join music communities where curators are active (Discord servers, Facebook groups)
Building Relationships With Curators
Successful playlist submission is often about relationships:
Follow curators on social media and engage meaningfully before pitching
Share and support their playlists before asking for placement
Offer value (exclusive content, early access) rather than just asking for favors
Be patient and professional in all communications
Thank curators who feature your music and maintain the relationship
Remember that curators receive dozens or hundreds of submissions daily. Building a genuine connection can help you stand out.
Crafting the Perfect Playlist Pitch
Whether you're using a submission platform or reaching out directly, your pitch is crucial.
Elements of an Effective Pitch
A strong playlist pitch should include:
A personalized greeting using the curator's name
Reference to their specific playlist(s) and why you enjoy them
Brief introduction of yourself as an artist
Concise description of your track (genre, mood, influences)
Why your track fits their playlist specifically
Streaming link (Spotify preferred, not download links)
Release information (date, label if applicable)
Notable achievements or social proof
Social media handles and follower counts
Clear call to action
Pitch Template Example
Subject: [Track Name] - Perfect for your [Playlist Name] playlist
Hi [Curator's Name],
I've been following your [Playlist Name] playlist for some time now and particularly enjoyed your recent additions of [mention specific tracks]. The way you blend [specific elements] creates such a cohesive listening experience.
I'm [Your Name], an independent [genre] artist from [location]. I've just released a new single called "[Track Name]" that I believe would fit perfectly between [artist] and [artist] on your playlist.
The track features [brief description of sound, mood, and standout elements]. It's inspired by [influences] but brings a fresh perspective through [unique element].
Here's the Spotify link: [link]
The song has already been supported by [any notable support, radio play, or playlist features] and is part of my upcoming [EP/album] releasing [date].
I'd be honored if you considered it for [Playlist Name] or any of your other playlists where you feel it might fit.
Thanks for your time and the great playlists you curate,
[Your Name]
Instagram: @[handle] ([follower count])
Spotify: [follower count]
Pitch Dos and Don'ts
Do:
Research the curator and their playlists thoroughly
Keep your pitch concise (150-200 words maximum)
Proofread for spelling and grammar errors
Follow submission guidelines if provided
Provide streaming links, not download files
Don't:
Send mass emails with no personalization
Demand or expect placement
Follow up more than once
Offer payment (unless using an established paid service)
Send unfinished or unreleased music without streaming links
Paid vs. Free Playlist Submission: What's Worth It?
The playlist submission landscape includes both free and paid opportunities. Let's examine the pros and cons of each approach.
Free Submission Options
Pros of Free Submissions:
No financial risk
Spotify for Artists editorial submissions are free and official
Direct curator outreach costs nothing but time
Some platforms offer limited free submissions
Great for artists on tight budgets
Cons of Free Submissions:
Often highly competitive with low acceptance rates
May not receive feedback on rejections
Time-consuming to research and contact curators
Limited number of submissions possible
May take longer to see results
Paid Submission Services
Pros of Paid Submissions:
Access to larger networks of curators
Often includes guaranteed feedback
Higher visibility among curators
Time-saving compared to direct outreach
Some services offer targeting by genre, mood, etc.
Cons of Paid Submissions:
Can become expensive quickly
No guarantees of placement
Quality of playlists varies widely
Risk of scams or artificially inflated playlists
ROI can be difficult to measure
Making the Right Investment
When deciding between paid and free options:
Start with free options like Spotify for Artists and direct outreach
Set a reasonable budget for paid services based on your overall marketing plan
Test smaller campaigns before investing heavily
Research services thoroughly, looking for transparent practices and reviews
Calculate potential ROI based on streaming royalties and career advancement
Consider the quality of playlists over quantity of placements
A balanced approach often works best - use free submissions widely while selectively investing in paid opportunities that align with your goals and budget.
How to Avoid Playlist Submission Scams
Unfortunately, the playlist submission world has its share of scams and questionable practices. Here's how to protect yourself:
Red Flags to Watch For
Be wary of services or curators that:
Guarantee placement for payment (legitimate services can't guarantee results)
Offer unrealistically high stream counts for low prices
Can't provide examples of successful campaigns
Have no verifiable reviews or testimonials
Request unusual payment methods
Claim special relationships with Spotify editorial teams
Pressure you with limited-time offers
Identifying Fake Playlists
Learn to spot artificial playlists by looking for these warning signs:
Playlists with high follower counts but low engagement
Inconsistent genre mixing that doesn't make curatorial sense
Curator manages dozens or hundreds of playlists
Playlist artwork looks generic or low-quality
Follower-to-listener ratio is suspiciously high
Most tracks have similar low stream counts
Playlist appears to be updated at very regular intervals
Protecting Your Music and Investment
To safeguard yourself:
Research services thoroughly before paying
Start with small investments to test legitimacy
Ask for playlist links and analyze them before submitting
Check if the service is mentioned by reputable music industry sources
Request case studies or examples of artists they've helped
Use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection
Trust your instincts - if it seems too good to be true, it probably is
Remember that Spotify prohibits artificial streaming and playlist manipulation. Getting involved with such services could result in your music being removed from the platform.
What to Do After Getting Playlist Placement
Getting added to playlists is just the beginning. Here's how to maximize the opportunity:
Leveraging Playlist Success
Once your track is placed on playlists:
Share the playlist on your social media and thank the curator publicly
Add the playlist to your artist pick on Spotify
Create Spotify Canvas videos to enhance the listening experience
Monitor your Spotify for Artists dashboard for performance data
Use the placement as social proof when pitching to other curators
Consider running targeted ads to listeners of similar playlists
Converting Playlist Listeners to Fans
Turn passive listeners into active fans:
Ensure your Spotify profile is optimized with links to social media
Create a compelling artist story in your bio
Update your profile with new releases and artist picks
Engage with new followers on social media
Consider creating your own artist playlists featuring your influences
Use Spotify's "Artist Fundraising Pick" if you're looking to monetize directly
Analyzing Results and Refining Strategy
Use data to improve future submissions:
Track which playlists drive the most streams and saves
Note which genres and playlist types respond best to your music
Analyze listener demographics to better target future releases
Calculate ROI on paid submissions
Identify which submission methods yielded the best results
Adjust your pitch approach based on successful placements
Remember that playlist success should be part of a broader streaming strategy that includes consistent releases, social media engagement, and fan development.
Playlist Submission Success Stories
Learning from artists who've successfully navigated the playlist landscape can provide valuable insights:
Independent Artist Breakthroughs
Many independent artists have used playlist strategies to launch their careers:
Lauv - Before signing to a major label, Lauv's track "I Like Me Better" gained traction through independent playlist placements, eventually leading to Spotify editorial support and over 1 billion streams.
Clairo - Her bedroom-produced track "Pretty Girl" found its way onto influential indie playlists before being picked up by Spotify's algorithm and editorial teams, helping launch her career.
Tones and I - "Dance Monkey" began its record-breaking journey on smaller Australian playlists before expanding globally through both independent and editorial playlists.
Lessons from Successful Campaigns
Common threads among successful playlist campaigns include:
Consistent quality music that genuinely fits playlist themes
Strategic timing of releases and submission campaigns
Building relationships with curators before needing placements
Focusing on playlist quality over quantity
Using initial playlist success to leverage additional placements
Combining playlist strategy with other marketing efforts
Patience and persistence through multiple releases
The most successful artists view playlist submission as a marathon, not a sprint, building momentum across multiple releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to submit to Spotify playlists?
Submission costs vary widely. Spotify for Artists editorial submissions are free. Direct outreach to curators is free but time-intensive. Third-party platforms range from $1-2 per submission on SubmitHub to $200-500 for campaigns on services like Playlist Push. Always research services thoroughly before investing.
How long does it take to hear back after submitting to playlists?
Response times vary by platform and curator. Spotify editorial teams typically don't respond unless they select your track, and decisions are made close to release day. Independent curators may respond within days or weeks. Most paid services provide timeframes for feedback, usually 1-2 weeks.
Can I submit the same song to multiple playlists?
Yes, you should submit your track to multiple relevant playlists to maximize opportunities. However, avoid mass-submitting to clearly inappropriate playlists, as this can damage your reputation with curators. Target playlists where your music genuinely fits.
Should I submit to playlists before or after release?
For Spotify editorial consideration, you must submit through Spotify for Artists at least 7 days before release (ideally 3-4 weeks). For independent curators, both pre-release and post-release submissions work, though many prefer tracks that are already available. Some submission platforms require the track to be live on Spotify.
How important are my social media numbers for playlist submissions?
While strong social media numbers can help, they're not essential for playlist placement. Many curators care more about the quality and fit of your music than your follower count. That said, demonstrating an engaged audience can make you more attractive to curators who want active listeners for their playlists.
Is it worth paying for playlist placement?
Paying for legitimate playlist submission services can be worthwhile if you've researched the service, understand what you're getting, and have set realistic expectations. However, directly paying curators for guaranteed placement violates Spotify's terms of service and can result in penalties. Focus on services that connect you with curators rather than those promising guaranteed placement.
Conclusion: Your Playlist Submission Strategy
Successful Spotify playlist submission requires a strategic approach, persistence, and authentic music that resonates with listeners. By following the guidelines in this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the playlist landscape and increase your chances of getting your music featured.
Remember these key takeaways:
Start with Spotify for Artists submissions for editorial consideration
Research and target playlists that genuinely fit your music
Craft personalized, concise pitches to playlist curators
Build relationships with curators for long-term success
Be wary of scams and services promising guaranteed results
Leverage playlist placements to build your fanbase
Analyze results and refine your approach over time
With patience, persistence, and the right strategy, playlist placement can significantly boost your streaming numbers and help you reach new listeners around the world. The playlist ecosystem continues to evolve, so stay informed about best practices and adapt your approach accordingly.
Good luck with your submissions, and may your music find its perfect playlist home!